Surprising Holistic Therapies Now Eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity

Free your health treatments

Created by Christopher Caffrey, ACNP, PMHNP

Feb 2nd, 2025

Introduction: The System Doesn’t Always Have Your Back

Okay, let’s be real: traditional medicine doesn’t always cut it. You’ve probably been there, sitting in a doctor’s office while they rattle off medical jargon that sounds like it came straight out of a textbook. You nod along because, well, what else can you do? You know something’s off, but your doctor keeps pushing the “standard treatments” and handing out prescriptions for quick fixes that just don’t solve the problem long-term. It's like trying to fix a leaking pipe with duct tape—sure, it works for a while, but eventually, that pipe’s gonna burst.

Now, if you’ve ever wished that your insurance would cover something other than a band-aid for your chronic problems, you’re not alone. But guess what? There’s a little-known trick that can actually get some of those holistic therapies covered. Enter the Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)—a bureaucratic VIP pass that could open the door to therapies you never thought your FSA/HSA (Flexible spending account/health savings account) would touch. These aren’t your grandma’s “alternative treatments” either. We’re talking scientifically backed, legit therapies that could change the game for your health—and save you some cash.

So, buckle up. I’m about to drop some knowledge on five surprising holistic therapies that, with the right LMN, your insurance might actually cover. And because I like to make things easier for you, I’ll also give a shout-out to FlexUp Wellness PLLC, a telehealth service that can help you get that all-important LMN after a quick health evaluation. Ready to get weirdly holistic? Let’s go.

1. Gym Memberships & Personalized Exercise Programs: Get Your Sweat On (and Get Paid)

First up—gym memberships. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Gym membership? Seriously? I already pay for that.” But hold on. What if your gym membership could actually be covered by your FSA/HSA? What if you could get a doctor-approved, personalized exercise program that wasn’t just some random workout routine, but a real part of your health treatment plan?

Here’s the thing: exercise isn’t just about flexing in the mirror or trying to squeeze into skinny jeans. It’s one of the most powerful ways to fight chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and depression. Studies show that regular physical activity lowers inflammation, improves metabolic health, and even boosts your mood. Think of your body like a car—if you never drive it, it starts to rust. But if you keep it running, it works better and lasts longer.

Now, here’s the magic: with the right LMN, your gym membership could go from being a monthly fee you’re trying to forget about to a medically endorsed treatment that your FSA/HSA actually covers. Yes, your gym workouts can become a legit medical expense. A professional evaluation can tailor a workout plan to your specific health needs, and boom, you’re officially battling chronic inflammation with sweat.

FlexUp Wellness PLLC can help you get that evaluation, so you can prove to your insurance company that you’re not just "lazy"—you’re actively working on your health.

2. Therapeutic Mattresses & Sleep Aids: Because Your Bed Should Heal, Not Hurt

Let’s talk about sleep. Not the "I’ll sleep when I’m dead" kind, but the good sleep that actually repairs your body. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent years trying to get some quality rest, only to wake up feeling like a pretzel that got hit by a truck. But what if the solution was simpler than you think?

Enter the therapeutic mattress. This isn’t just some fancy, overpriced mattress—it’s a key tool in reducing chronic pain, improving sleep quality, and lowering inflammation. When you sleep, your body is in repair mode. But if your mattress is garbage, you’re not getting the repair you need. It’s like trying to fix a car with a rusty wrench—good luck with that.

Here’s the kicker: if you have chronic conditions like back pain or fibromyalgia, a doctor or healthcare practitioner can write you an LMN to justify the need for a therapeutic mattress. With that LMN, your FSA/HSA might actually help cover part of the cost. Suddenly, your mattress isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Imagine getting a full night’s sleep on a mattress designed specifically for your body. It’s like hitting the reset button for your health. And with the right LMN, you can use your FSA/HSA benefits to make it happen.

Again, FlexUp Wellness PLLC can help guide you through the process and get you that all-important evaluation.

3. Cold Plunges, Red Light Therapy & Sauna Therapy: Your New Best Friends in the Fight Against Inflammation

Okay, hold onto your hats—this one’s going to sound a little wild. Cold plunges, red light therapy, and sauna therapy. Yes, I said cold plunges. You might be picturing freezing your butt off in some icy lake, and while it’s not as fun as it sounds, the benefits are impressive.

Let me break it down:

Cold Plunges: Wake Up, Body

Dipping yourself into freezing cold water isn’t just for daredevils. The shock of the cold actually triggers beneficial responses in your body—like reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and releasing endorphins. Studies show that cold water immersion lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to cool down the fire in your body. Can also augment sex hormones like testosterone, giving it a boost.

Red Light Therapy: The Glow-Up Your Cells Deserve

Red light therapy isn’t about getting a tan. It uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate your skin and help repair cells, reduce inflammation, and improve overall cellular health. It’s like sending your cells to a spa for some healing R&R. Research shows it boosts mitochondrial function (the powerhouses of your cells) and reduces oxidative stress.

Sauna Therapy: Sweat It Out

And then there’s the sauna. You’re probably thinking of it as just a way to relax, but it’s actually a powerhouse for reducing systemic inflammation. The heat helps release toxins, improves circulation, and dilates blood vessels—all of which contribute to less inflammation. Research even links regular sauna use to a reduced risk of heart disease and lower inflammatory markers.

With an LMN, these therapies can go from "nice-to-haves" to medically necessary treatments. Cold plunges, red light therapy, and sauna sessions can all be covered by your FSA/HSA benefits, as long as a functional medicine practitioner deems them essential to your health.

Yes, FlexUp Wellness PLLC can help you with this too. Get that evaluation and make these therapies a part of your health treatment plan.

4. Nutritional Supplements & Herbal Remedies: When Kale Isn’t Enough

Here’s a simple truth: no matter how many superfoods you eat, sometimes your body just needs a little extra help. Omega-3s, vitamin D, curcumin (the stuff in turmeric)—these aren’t just trendy buzzwords. These supplements have proven anti-inflammatory properties and can be life-changing for people struggling with chronic conditions.

Sometimes, you need more than just a salad to fix your body. That’s where supplements come in. And with the right LMN, those supplements can become part of your medical treatment plan. It’s not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential.

Whether it’s boosting your omega-3 intake to help with joint pain or using curcumin or colostrum to tackle inflammation, these supplements can make a huge difference. With an LMN, you can access these therapies without feeling like you're just spending money on "alternative medicine."

5. Mindfulness, Meditation & Biofeedback: The Stress Solution You’ve Been Waiting For

Let’s be honest—stress is the root of a lot of our problems. It’s a major contributor to chronic inflammation, and if you’re like most people, you’re probably dealing with more stress than you can handle. But what if you could train your brain to calm down?

Mindfulness, meditation, and biofeedback are all about learning to manage your body’s stress response. These practices have been shown to reduce inflammation by lowering the production of inflammatory chemicals. And with an LMN, these therapies can be covered by your FSA/HSA as part of your treatment for chronic pain, anxiety, or hypertension. A popular app on your phone such as “Nerva” for IBS or “The way” for meditation, is part of the therapy.

The LMN: The Key to Unlocking These Benefits

So, what’s the bottom line here? The Letter of Medical Necessity is the key that unlocks all these holistic treatments—things like gym memberships, therapeutic mattresses, and even cold plunges. It allows you to frame these therapies not as luxury or “alternative” treatments but as legitimate parts of your healthcare plan.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Mediocre Healthcare

Your health is too important to settle for the bare minimum. If you’re dealing with chronic issues, you deserve a healthcare system that goes beyond prescriptions and quick fixes. A functional medicine approach offers a holistic treatment plans that addresses the root causes of your health problems—and the LMN is your ticket to accessing covered treatments by your FSA/HSA that really make a difference.

So, what can you do next? Start by exploring functional medicine and asking your healthcare provider about the LMN. And if you’re looking for an easier way to get started, check out FlexUp Wellness PLLC. They can help you unlock FSA/HSA benefits for therapies that truly support your health.

Your health isn’t just a side project—it’s the foundation of everything you do. By embracing a functional medicine approach and leveraging the power of an LMN, you’re not just treating symptoms; you’re transforming your life.

Now, go get that LMN and start living your healthiest, most vibrant life!