NYSHIP Medical Massage in Long Island
Need a Medical Referral for Massage Therapy or Cannot Get an Appointment with your Provider?
Our affiliate, Fusco Care Services, can conveniently provide our patients with access to massage therapy referrals and medical care virtually through telemedicine.
The appointments are done virtually and you can be in the comfort of your own home using your smartphone or computer for the appointment. Appointments are available multiple days of the week. Visit https://fuscocare.com/ to learn more, or fill out the intake form here to get started: Fusco Care Services Intake Form
At Island Salt and Spa, we’re excited to share some great news with our clients who have NYSHIP insurance. NYSHIP is a special health insurance plan for people who work for the state of New York. It helps pay for lots of health stuff, like when you need to see a doctor, get medicine, or even get a massage for health reasons.
If you have NYSHIP insurance through a New York State agency, public school district, or municipal department, you may be eligible to use your benefits for medical massage at Island Salt & Spa. NYSHIP, also known as the Empire Plan, covers therapeutic massage in certain clinical contexts when prescribed by a medical provider. Many of our clients in Suffolk County use their NYSHIP coverage for regular massage treatment for chronic pain, muscle tension, and injury recovery.
Medical massage differs from a standard spa massage in that it’s prescribed by a physician to treat a specific condition. Our licensed massage therapists document each session and tailor the treatment to address your diagnosed condition, whether that’s chronic neck and shoulder pain, lower back issues, injury recovery, or another qualifying concern. This clinical approach is what allows the treatment to qualify for insurance reimbursement under NYSHIP.
If you’re covered by NYSHIP or the Empire Plan, this is your opportunity to get professional therapeutic massage as a covered healthcare benefit rather than an out-of-pocket expense. Many public employees, teachers, and municipal workers across Suffolk County don’t realize their plan covers massage for qualifying conditions. Call us at 631-510-4073 and we’ll verify your benefits, explain what documentation you need, and get you scheduled for a session your insurance supports.
***Prescriptions for Massage Therapy are valid for a maximum of 12 weeks at a given time from the order date. We require updated prescriptions after expiration of prior prescription.***
Our licensed massage therapists offer several modalities that may qualify under your NYSHIP coverage depending on your condition and prescription. These include deep tissue massage for chronic pain and muscle adhesions, therapeutic Swedish massage for stress-related tension, and lymphatic drainage for post-surgical recovery and swelling. If you’re also interested in services not covered by insurance, explore our customized facials, salt room therapy, or spa packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYSHIP Medical Massage
Does NYSHIP insurance cover massage therapy?
Yes. NYSHIP and the Empire Plan cover therapeutic massage when prescribed by a licensed medical provider for a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, muscle tension, or injury recovery. Coverage details vary by plan so we recommend calling us at 631-510-4073 to verify your specific benefits.
Do I need a prescription for NYSHIP massage?
Yes. You need a prescription or referral from a licensed medical provider. Prescriptions are valid for a maximum of 12 weeks from the order date. We require an updated prescription after the prior one expires. If you need help getting a referral, our affiliate Fusco Care Services can provide one through a virtual telemedicine appointment.
Who qualifies for NYSHIP insurance?
NYSHIP covers employees of New York State agencies, public school districts, and participating municipal departments, along with their eligible dependents. If you’re unsure whether your plan qualifies, call us and we’ll help you check.
What's the difference between medical massage and a regular spa massage?
Medical massage is prescribed by a physician to treat a specific diagnosed condition. The therapist documents each session and tailors treatment to your prescription. A regular spa massage is focused on relaxation and general wellness without a medical directive.
How do I get started with NYSHIP massage at Island Salt & Spa?
Call us at 631-510-4073. We’ll verify your insurance benefits, explain what documentation you need, and schedule your first session. If you need a prescription, we can connect you with Fusco Care Services for a virtual appointment.