General Chiropractic Care in Virginia

Choosing a chiropractor for general chiropractic care in Virginia involves several steps to ensure you receive safe, professional, and effective treatment.

## Licensing & State Board Verification

Virginia chiropractors must be licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine, which requires graduation from an accredited chiropractic college and passing all parts (I, II, III, IV, and Physiotherapy) of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam with a minimum score of 375[1]. If the chiropractor offers acupuncture, Virginia also mandates an additional 200 hours of formal instruction (including at least 50 clinical hours), approved by the board—this is not a separate license but an added scope of practice[1]. Verifying a chiropractor’s license is crucial: use the Virginia Board of Medicine’s online license lookup or contact the board directly to confirm current licensure, any disciplinary actions, or restrictions[6][7]. Virginia does not have reciprocity with other states; each chiropractor must meet Virginia’s specific requirements[1].

## Insurance, Costs, and Patient Considerations

Virginia law does not require health insurers to cover chiropractic care, but many private plans and workers’ compensation do—coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary widely. Always check with your insurance provider about chiropractic benefits, copays, and any preauthorization requirements. Without insurance, typical costs for an initial visit in Virginia range from $60 to $200, with follow-up adjustments commonly costing $30 to $70 per session. Virginia requires chiropractors to complete 60 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal, ensuring practitioners stay current[8].

## Key Questions and State-Specific Advice

When selecting a chiropractor, ask about their education, years in practice, areas of specialization (e.g., sports injuries, pediatric care), and whether they have experience treating your specific condition. Inquire about their approach to treatment, frequency of visits recommended, and expected outcomes. Virginia law strictly defines chiropractic scope of practice: chiropractors may adjust the spine, perform physical exams (including for commercial driver’s licenses, if certified), and review patient histories, but may not perform surgery, prescribe medication, or practice obstetrics[6]. For added assurance, confirm the practitioner carries malpractice insurance, as this is not a state requirement but is strongly recommended[1]. Always feel comfortable asking about credentials, treatment plans, and costs before beginning care.