If you're considering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) therapy for a foot or ankle condition, one of the first questions patients ask is whether these treatments are covered by insurance — or whether an HSA or FSA can help offset the cost.
The good news: many patients can use HSA or FSA funds toward PRP or BMAC when the treatment is tied to a documented medical condition. Here's what to know before you visit the Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona.
PRP and BMAC are regenerative treatments that use a concentration of a patient's own blood or bone marrow to support the body's natural healing process. Because they're considered advanced, elective regenerative therapies rather than standard-of-care treatments, most insurance plans classify them as cash-based (self-pay) services. That doesn't mean they're unaffordable — it means payment happens directly between the patient and the practice, which is exactly where HSA and FSA accounts can help.
Here are the key takeaways:
When PRP or BMAC is used to treat a diagnosed medical condition — rather than for general wellness — it typically qualifies as an eligible medical expense. These include:
|
Feature |
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) |
BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) |
|
Source material |
Patient's own blood |
Patient's own bone marrow (typically hip) |
|
What it contains |
Concentrated platelets and growth factors |
Concentrated stem/progenitor cells, growth factors, and platelets |
|
Collection method |
Simple in-office blood draw |
Bone marrow aspiration, usually with local anesthesia |
|
Procedure time |
About 15-30 minutes |
About 45-60 minutes |
|
Best suited for |
Tendon and soft-tissue injuries, mild-to-moderate joint pain |
More advanced cartilage damage or degenerative joint conditions |
|
Recovery |
Minimal downtime |
Slightly more downtime at the aspiration site |
|
Typical cost |
Generally lower |
Generally higher, reflecting a more involved procedure |
|
HSA/FSA eligibility |
Same criteria apply: documented diagnosis plus Letter of Medical Necessity |
Same criteria apply: documented diagnosis plus Letter of Medical Necessity |
Using HSA or FSA funds is straightforward. After your evaluation, our team can provide documentation — including a diagnosis and, when needed, a Letter of Medical Necessity — that supports your claim. Many patients pay directly with an HSA/FSA debit card at checkout; others submit for reimbursement afterward. We're happy to answer questions about documentation before you schedule.
The IRS generally requires that an expense treat or prevent a specific medical condition, rather than serve general health or wellness purposes. For PRP and BMAC, that means:
Yes — unlike HSA funds, which roll over year to year, FSA funds typically must be used within your plan year (sometimes with a short grace period). If you're considering PRP or BMAC, it's worth checking your plan's deadline so you can time your evaluation and treatment to make the most of those funds before they expire.
Not necessarily. If your Letter of Medical Necessity specifies a treatment plan with multiple sessions, that documentation often covers the full course of care. However, some HSA/FSA administrators require updated documentation for each calendar year or each new diagnosis, so it's worth confirming with your plan before starting treatment.
A denial doesn't always mean the expense isn't eligible — it often means the administrator needs additional documentation. In most cases, you can appeal by submitting a more detailed Letter of Medical Necessity or an itemized invoice from our office. Our team can help provide the paperwork your administrator requests to support a resubmission.
If chronic foot or ankle pain has you exploring regenerative options, our board-certified podiatrists and fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons can help determine whether PRP or BMAC is right for you — and walk you through how your HSA or FSA may apply.
With locations in North Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Peoria, FACA makes it easy to get started close to home. Simply request an appointment today to get started.