Lower back pain affects a significant number of people, and there are various solutions to relieve this pain. These include the lumbar belt , a medical device that helps support the back and soothe pain. If you have already researched this topic, you probably know that Social Security offers reimbursement for this type of product. However, how many lumbar belts are reimbursed by social security and how many lumbar belts are reimbursed per year? In this article, we will answer these questions and give you all the information you need.
What is a lumbar belt and what are its indications?
Before focusing on the reimbursement of lumbar belts, it is important to know more about this medical device. The lumbar belt is therefore a back support which is worn around the waist and which aims to support the lower back to relieve pain. It is generally used in cases of:
- Low back pain (pain in the lumbar vertebrae)
- Herniated disc (compression of a nerve by the intervertebral disc)
- Sciatica (pain felt along the sciatic nerve)
- Lumbar osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage in the lumbar vertebrae)
However, it is essential to emphasize that the lumbar belt should not be used without the advice of a healthcare professional. Indeed, each situation is different and only a doctor can determine if this device is suitable for your case.
Reimbursement of lumbar belts by social security
Coverage of lumbar belts by social security depends on several criteria, in particular:
- The type of belt (orthopedic or support)
- Medical prescription
- Compliance with reimbursement conditions
The different types of lumbar belts
There are two main categories of lumbar belts: orthopedic belts and support belts.
Orthopedic belts are intended for people suffering from spinal pathologies (herniated disc, osteoarthritis, etc.) and are intended to stabilize the lumbar spine. They are generally made of rigid materials and are prescribed by a specialist doctor.
Support belts , on the other hand, are designed to support and protect the back during physical or professional activities. They are generally made of soft and elastic materials, and are prescribed by a general practitioner.
Medical prescription
To be reimbursed by social security, a lumbar belt must be prescribed by a doctor . This must specify on the prescription the type of belt (orthopedic or support), as well as the duration of treatment and the conditions for renewal if necessary.
Reimbursement conditions
Reimbursement of lumbar belts by social security is subject to certain conditions:
- The belt must be covered by the List of Reimbursable Products and Services (LPPR)
- It must be purchased from a supplier approved by Health Insurance
- The medical prescription must be respected (type of belt, duration of treatment, etc.)
When these conditions are met, social security covers 60% of the purchase price of the lumbar belt, within the limits of the prices set by the LPPR. The amount remaining payable by the patient may possibly be covered by mutual health insurance.
How many lumbar belts are reimbursed per year?
Regarding the number of lumbar belts reimbursed by social security, there is no limit set for orthopedic belts. On the other hand, for support belts, renewal of the lumbar belt is limited to one belt per year and per patient . It is therefore important to choose the right lumbar belt according to your needs and the advice of your doctor.
Coverage of lumbar belts by social security depends on several factors, such as the type of belt, medical prescription and compliance with reimbursement conditions. For orthopedic belts, no reimbursement limit is imposed, while for support belts, only one belt per year and per patient is reimbursed. So remember to check with your doctor and your health insurance before purchasing a lumbar belt.
