Does Cigna Cover Shockwave Therapy?

Does Cigna Cover Shockwave Therapy in Singapore?

• What shockwave therapy is, and why podiatrists use it
• What Cigna’s own medical coverage policy says about ESWT
• How this usually affects claims for podiatry shockwave in Singapore
• Practical steps to check your own coverage and avoid surprises
• How we handle Cigna patients who need shockwave therapy at our clinic

• Chronic plantar fasciitis / plantar heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Other stubborn tendon or ligament pain.

1. Each plan is different.
   Your coverage depends on your specific policy document or your company’s group plan.
2. Cigna uses internal “coverage policies” to guide decisions.
   These medical coverage policies are not your contract, but they tell you how Cigna usually classifies certain treatments (for example, as standard, limited or “experimental”).

• It states that coverage for ESWT varies across plans and you must refer to the specific benefit plan document to know if it is available. 
  
  
• However, the same policy then clearly states that:

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is considered experimental, investigational or unproven for the treatment of any musculoskeletal condition. 

• Many plans exclude it from coverage, even if the condition itself (e.g. plantar fasciitis) is covered.
• Claims are often denied, regardless of whether the treatment is done by a podiatrist, orthopaedic surgeon, sports doctor, or physiotherapist.
• The patient is usually expected to pay out-of-pocket, unless their plan specifically says otherwise.

• Even if your Cigna plan covers podiatry consultations,
• And even if it covers plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or heel pain, it may still not pay for shockwave therapy as a treatment.
  
  

• Whether the ESWT is performed by a podiatrist, orthopaedic surgeon, sports physician or at a hospital, Cigna’s ESWT policy still labels the therapy as experimental for musculoskeletal conditions.
• So the denial is usually based on the treatment code, not on the fact that you saw a podiatrist.

• Your company has a custom corporate plan with specific riders or negotiated benefits
• Your policy includes a “complementary / alternative / experimental” benefit with a set dollar limit
• ESWT is being claimed under a different indication, such as renal lithotripsy for kidney stones (a completely different scenario and set of codes)

• The exact wording of your benefit plan
• The diagnosis and procedure codes submitted
• Whether the treatment meets their internal medical necessity criteria

• Self-pay with transparent pricing
  • At our clinic, we provide you with a clear quote before starting treatment.
• Spread treatment over time
  • Many patients respond within 5 sessions; we will review your progress regularly and avoid unnecessary sessions.
• Use insurance for other parts of your care
  • You may still be able to claim your initial consultation, imaging, or orthotics, depending on your benefits.
• Consider alternative covered treatments
  • In some cases, options like custom orthotics, targeted rehab / strengthening, or injections (if done by another specialist) may be partially or fully claimable.

1. Explain the insurance situation upfront
   • We explain that Cigna’s own ESWT policy classifies ESWT as experimental or unproven for musculoskeletal conditions, which often means no coverage for foot and ankle shockwave. 
2. Provide a written estimate
   • We give you a clear breakdown of consultation, investigation, and shockwave fees.
3. Issue detailed receipts for reimbursement (if you still want to try)
   • You pay the clinic directly, and we provide full documentation so you can submit a claim to Cigna.
   • We cannot guarantee approval, but we support you with proper documentation.
4. Offer alternative treatment plans
   • If cost is a concern, we discuss other evidence-based options that may be more affordable or more likely to be covered by your insurance.

• Cigna’s own ESWT coverage policy states that extracorporeal shock wave therapy is considered experimental, investigational, or unproven for any musculoskeletal condition. 
• Because of this, most Cigna plans do not cover shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or other foot/ankle conditions, regardless of whether you see a podiatrist or another specialist.
• There are occasional exceptions, but they depend entirely on the exact wording of your individual or corporate plan.
• The safest approach is always to check with Cigna in advance, using the correct procedure name and diagnosis.
• At our clinic, we focus on clear communication, transparent pricing, and providing documentation to help you make the best decision for your health and your wallet.