Experimental treatments
I have TOS (thoracic outlet syndrome). Unfortunately, the ONLY treatment that I have gotten any relief from my symptoms with is dry needling which the insurance companies consider experimental even though NIH has proven it to work on certain conditions. Insurance companies would much rather cover medications that only mask your symptoms and keep you reliant on the drug companies.
That's awesome that you found something that works for you although I realize how frustrating, maddening even it can be with such barriers to receiving treatments you need, especially when they're effective. Barriers to care needs to be addressed and changed. I hope to see more collaborative efforts among leaders to make care more accessible and affordable. 
, thank you for sharing. Many insurance companies don't cover complementary or alternative medicine. I found this that has some tips on how you may be able to appeal, or steps you might take to try to get the treatment approved: https://www.fairhealth.org/article/getting-covered-for-alternative-medicine-2023 - Hoping you may be able to get covered, and glad you have found relief. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member) 
Thank you for sharing here
.
I see dry needling listed among the proven treatment recommendations for thoracic outlet syndrome here:
https://www.bphysicaltherapy.com/thoracic-outlet-syndrome.htmlReally awful that certain treatments aren't yet approved by insurance companies. Apparently, it might also be due to 'lack of research around the practice and the lack of oversight for its practitioners.' (Found this regarding Medicare not yet approving it: https://www.medicare.org/articles/does-medicare-cover-dry-needling/#:~:text=Medicare%20Coverage%20for%20Dry%20Needling,of%20oversight%20for%20its%20practitioners. )
Perhaps one day it will get to the approval stage?
Thanks for helping to raise awareness around the need for additional research and protocols for certain non-med treatments!
Hugs,
Gina Miller,
Team Member
