WA Labor & Industries (Worker's Compensation)

If you've experienced a work-related injury in Washington State, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) may cover massage therapy as part of your recovery. Here’s how you can access and utilize your L&I benefits for massage therapy.

Before you can use L&I benefits for massage therapy, you need to file a worker's compensation claim with Washington State L&I. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Report the Injury: Notify your employer about your work-related injury as soon as possible.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare provider to assess your injury. The healthcare provider will help file the initial L&I claim on your behalf.
3. Get Your Claim Number: Once your claim is filed, you will receive an L&I claim number, which you will need for all related treatments, including massage therapy.

Step 2: Get a Prescription for Massage Therapy

Massage therapy must be deemed medically necessary and prescribed by an authorized healthcare provider (e.g., your doctor or chiropractor). The prescription should include:

• The diagnosis or condition requiring massage therapy
• The frequency and duration of the treatment (e.g., 2 times per week for 4 weeks)
• Treatment goals, such as reducing pain or improving mobility

The prescription is essential for L&I to cover the costs of massage therapy.

Step 3: Schedule and Attend Your Sessions

With your prescription and claim number, you can schedule your massage therapy sessions. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Schedule your appointment online or by contacting us at (425) 209-0316. Select the "Injury Treatment - L&I/Auto PIP" service for 60 minutes.
• Complete the Your Healthy Karma intake form for L&I/Auto (PIP) claims that is emailed to you upon scheduling.
• Bring Your L&I Claim Information: Provide your claim number and prescription details at your first appointment. You may email the forms to karma@yourhealthykarma.com or fax them to (425) 285-8545.
• Attend appointments and stay up to date on L&I claim status. Massage therapy is only authorized for up to 6 initial visits for the specific treatment approved by L&I. Additional visits must be authorized, and we will submit the authorization request(s) to L&I as appropriate. Keep in mind that authorizations can take time as L&I is a government agency that moves at its own pace.