When you visit your doctor of chiropractic, feel free to have your insurance card ready.

About 30 million Americans seek chiropractic care annually, and apparently not all of them know their visits are routinely covered by major medical insurance carriers, Medicare, workers’ compensation, and even some Medicaid plans. Part of the increased availability is a result of non-discrimination measures in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the welcome mat to chiropractic care at various government levels, including military bases and Veterans Administration facilities.

Boosting awareness, say experts, could be a game-changer.

Consider this: The more than $796 billion spent caring for musculoskeletal diseases in 2011 made it among the costliest healthcare expenditures, according to the latest available statistics. Meanwhile, the “chiropractic-first” approach many experts advocate — avoiding traditional spine surgery when possible and potentially addictive drugs — has been shown in numerous studies as friendlier to both wallet and patients.

“Chiropractic care is documented to reduce costs per episode of care by up to 40 percent, while also yielding improved clinical outcomes and overall higher patient satisfaction,” notes Sherry McAllister, DC, executive vice president of the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.

Doctors of chiropractic, who have a minimum seven years of higher education, practice a hands-on approach to addressing neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, including back, neck, and joint pain.

Doctors of chiropractic are primary care professionals for spinal health and well-being, dedicated to conservative care that provides Americans an alternative to prescription drug use, abuse and opioid dependency.