Is Shockwave Therapy Covered by Insurance? What You Should Know

Shockwave therapy has become one of the most talked-about non-invasive treatments for men dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED), chronic pain, and sports-related injuries. Shockwave therapy’s ability to improve blood flow, accelerate healing, and restore function without surgery  and with minimal downtime has made it increasingly popular among men looking for long-term results.

But before men start treatment, many are left wondering: will shockwave therapy be covered by insurance?

The short answer is that it depends on your condition, provider, and insurance plan. In this guide, we’ll explain when insurance may cover shockwave therapy, when it typically does not, and why choosing a direct-pay clinic like Gameday Men’s Health can be beneficial for many by cutting out the insurance company altogether.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as acoustic wave therapy, uses sound waves to stimulate healing and improve blood circulation in specific areas of the body. It was originally developed to help break up kidney stones, but doctors soon discovered it could also help promote soft tissue and enhance blood flow. (1)

For men, shockwave therapy is best known for helping to treat erectile dysfunction. Low-intensity sound waves are applied to the penis to stimulate blood vessel formulation and improve circulation. Better blood flow often leads to stronger, more natural erections over time. (2)

Outside of ED, higher-energy forms of shockwave therapy are used to treat a variety of orthopedic and sports medicine conditions, including: (3)

• Plantar fasciitis
  
  
• Tennis or golfer’s elbow
  
  
• Shoulder or knee tendinopathies
  
  
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
   
• Medial tibial stress syndrome 
  
  
• Knee osteoarthritis

It’s important to distinguish between low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) for ED and high-energy shockwave therapy used in orthopedics. While the technology is similar, the energy levels, treatment goals, and insurance eligibility differ.

When Insurance May Cover Shockwave Therapy

Some insurance providers do cover shockwave therapy, but this typically applies to orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions rather than erectile dysfunction.

Insurance coverage may be available if:

• The treatment is prescribed for a medically recognized condition such as plantar fasciitis, tendinopathy, or greater trochanteric pain syndrome
  
  
• The procedure is performed by a licensed medical professional, such as a physical therapist or sports medicine physician
  
  
• The diagnosis meets your insurer’s definition of “medically necessary”
  
  
• There is sufficient clinical research supporting the use of shockwave therapy for your condition
  
  

When these requirements are met, your insurance provider may authorize shockwave therapy under procedural codes for extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT). However, approval varies from one plan to another and won’t be uniform across all patients.

When Insurance Typically Does Not Cover Shockwave Therapy

Most insurance plans do not cover shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction or sexual performance concerns. Clinical studies have shown promising results for men with vascular-related ED. (4)  However, many insurance companies still classify shockwave therapy for this purpose as experimental or investigational. Because it doesn’t meet their criteria for medical necessity, it’s almost always excluded from coverage.

Common reasons insurance companies deny ED-related shockwave therapy include:

• It is not FDA approved specifically for erectile dysfunction
  
  
• It is not listed as a covered benefit in the insurance plan
  
  
• It is considered elective or preventive rather than medically required

Despite this, many men may still choose to move forward with treatment. That’s why working with a trusted men’s health clinic such as Gameday Men’s Health is critical to ensuring you’re still receiving affordable, high-quality treatment even when insurance is not involved.

Why Coverage Can Differ Between Providers

Coverage for shockwave therapy can vary significantly between insurance providers. There is no single policy that applies across the board. Instead, insurers typically determine eligibility based on several factors. These may include the specific condition being treated, FDA approval status for specific uses, the strength of clinical evidence regarding the therapy, and your specific health history.

Because policies differ, it’s best for you or your clinician to contact your insurance provider directly to ask whether shockwave therapy is covered for your specific diagnosis. Providing them with your diagnosis and your provider’s information can help you get a clear answer before you start treatment.

Typical Cost of Shockwave Therapy Without Insurance

For erectile dysfunction, shockwave therapy costs range from $250 to $500 per session, depending on your location and provider.  A full treatment plan usually includes 6 to 12 sessions spaced about a week apart. (5) Bundled pricing or payment plans may be provided to make treatment more accessible.

For orthopedic conditions, pricing depends on the area being treated and how many sessions are required. Some physical therapy or sports medicine clinics include shockwave therapy as part of a broader rehabilitation program.

While paying out of pocket can sound intimidating, many men find the results well worth the cost, especially those who have had long-term issues with ED. The treatment can reduce reliance on medication and improve quality of life.

How to Check if Your Insurance Covers Shockwave Therapy

Before scheduling your first session, contact your insurance provider to confirm whether any portion of your treatment might be reimbursed. To make the process easier:

1. Call the member services number on your insurance card.
   
   
2. Ask specific questions such as:
   
   
   
   • Does my plan cover extracorporeal shockwave therapy for my condition?
     
     
   • Is preauthorization required?
     
     
   • What documents are needed to prove medical necessity?
     
     
   • Are there in-network providers who offer this service?
     
     
3. Request an estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs.
   
   
4. Get confirmation in writing or note the reference number for your call.

Even if your plan doesn’t cover shockwave therapy, you might be able to use funds from a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to help pay for the treatment.

Why Gameday Men’s Health Does Not Take Insurance

At Gameday Men’s Health, we believe high-quality care shouldn’t be limited by the complexities of insurance. Our clinics don’t accept insurance, so you don’t need to worry about waiting for claims to be processed or approvals or for approval decisions. Instead, you’ll be able to speak directly with your provider about the cost of the treatment before you get started, giving you a complete and clear understanding of the financial commitment needed. 

Cutting out insurance allows you to skip the red tape and avoid waiting long periods for a decision before you can start treatments. Additionally, our competitive pricing shows you the all-in cost without hidden fees or surprise bills.

Our personalized plans provide shockwave or other ED treatments that are right for you, not just what an insurance company deems necessary within your coverage plan. Plus, you can still use HSA or FSA funds to pay for your care if eligible.

Taking the Next Step Toward Better Health

If you’re curious about shockwave therapy and its potential benefits but are concerned about insurance, you’re not alone. Whether or not insurance covers shockwave treatment depends largely on your plan as well as what you intend to use the treatment for. 

Patients seeking shockwave therapy for ED will almost assuredly need to pay out of pocket, although there may be exceptions. 

At Gameday, we cut out the mystery by telling you upfront about the all-in cost upfront. Since we don’t accept insurance, you don’t need to worry about whether or not your treatment will be covered. 

With no insurance barriers and personalized treatment plans, you can take control of your health without waiting for approval or dealing with denials. Our team of specialists will help you determine whether shockwave therapy is right for you and guide you through every step of your treatment journey.

If you’re ready to improve your performance, confidence, and overall health, contact your local Gameday Men’s Health clinic today to schedule a consultation.

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References

1. What is Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Work? 
2. Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) 
3. The evolving use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in managing musculoskeletal and neurological diagnoses 
4. Effectiveness of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction: An Analysis of Sexual Function and Penile Hardness at Erection: An Umbrella Review 
5. Why Men Are Turning to Penile Shockwave Therapy for Lasting ED Relief

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