Decompression cost

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION: COST AND COVERAGE

Neurovertebral spinal decompression is offered at the practice as part of the osteopathy consultation. This page provides practical information about fees, number of sessions and reimbursement options.

The practice is located at 9 Rue du Regard, 75006 Paris, in the 6th arrondissement.

CONSULTATION FEE

The spinal decompression session is included in the osteopathy consultation, at a single fee of:

100 euros per consultation

There is no additional charge for the decompression. Each consultation includes:

• the clinical examination and assessment of the condition
• the appropriate osteopathic treatment
• the neurovertebral spinal decompression session if indicated
• personalised advice (posture, exercises, load management)

Payment is accepted by credit card, cash or cheque. An invoice is systematically provided for reimbursement by your supplementary health insurance.

NUMBER OF SESSIONS REQUIRED

The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated, its duration and the individual response to treatment:

• standard protocol: 10 to 20 sessions for a disc herniation or discogenic sciatica
• initial phase: 2 to 3 sessions per week during the first weeks
• maintenance phase: gradual spacing of sessions according to progress
• reassessment: after 5 to 6 sessions to evaluate the response to treatment and adjust the protocol

ESTIMATED TOTAL COST

Depending on the number of sessions required:

• 10 sessions: 1,000 euros
• 15 sessions: 1,500 euros
• 20 sessions: 2,000 euros

This cost should be put into perspective with the alternatives:

• surgical intervention for a herniated disc (discectomy) represents a cost of several thousand euros to the healthcare system, with 4 to 8 weeks of sick leave
• post-operative rehabilitation typically requires an additional 15 to 30 physiotherapy sessions
• the risk of post-surgical recurrence is not negligible (5 to 15% according to published studies)

Non-surgical decompression, when properly indicated, can represent a more economical and less invasive alternative.

REIMBURSEMENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE

French national health insurance (Securite sociale)

Osteopathy is not covered by the French national health insurance system. Spinal decompression sessions, performed as part of an osteopathy consultation, are therefore not reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie.

Supplementary health insurance (mutuelles)

Many supplementary health insurance plans offer an annual allowance for osteopathy consultations. The level of reimbursement varies according to the contract:

• basic plan: 1 to 3 sessions reimbursed per year (25 to 100 euros per session)
• intermediate plan: 3 to 5 sessions reimbursed per year
• premium plan: up to 5 or more sessions, sometimes with an overall annual cap

Some insurance providers also offer a "complementary medicine" or "wellness" package that can supplement the standard osteopathy allowance.

How to obtain the best reimbursement

• check the conditions of your insurance contract (number of sessions, cap per session)
• request a detailed invoice after each consultation (systematically provided at the practice)
• submit your invoices to your insurance provider within the deadlines specified in your contract
• if your allowance is insufficient, enquire about supplementary top-up options