This is interesting to know. Which brings us back to the future of this
profession...and how you can expect to make a living or at least make back
what it costs you to operate if your client base shrinks due to inability to
pay coupled with reimbursement issues.  Something to think about  Basically,
in the USA this seems to mean if we cannot become 'licensed' providers we
are not likely to be able to compete in a marketplace that only supports
licensed providers getting reimbursement for services.  We can continue as
things are, and those who can afford pay, and those who cannot do without
services or we work for free....That doesn't pay my taxes, my insurance, my
education, etc.  As things are, for the most part, my job pays for me to
learn more so I can do my job so I can learn more.  I do not want to be a
nurse.  I do not want to be a doctor. Eeeks...I am way to old to go there.
haha.  What does that say realistically?  I enjoy my hobby?  I spend way to
much money on this hobby. Of course, I do have friends who scrapbook....and
I hear that costs big bucks too.

I guess I just hoped at some point we would be at a place where our
profession was seen as a profession all by itself.  Massage therapists do
not have to be nurses or doctors.  They are considered allied health care
professionals and are even reimbursed by some insurance companies depending
on the reason for the therapy.  On top of that, they do not have to send a
rreport to anyone's primary care provider telling them a patient of theirs
came for a massage.

This merry-go-round does not seem to be stopping any time soon, and I guess
I am on the ride for awhile longer too.  I love what i do, and even if it
does mean it basically pays for the newest books. conferences and costs of
operation, I know I make a difference ---  even if they never get a dime
back from their insurance company.  But, if I cannot compete because someone
else 'can' get their money reimbursed and I can't, then well, there is no
point. I can't spend more than I make. I'll just hang it up and not recert
when the time comes to do so by exam...that will give me a 20 year run in
this work and heck, by then I may find something else to be passionate
about...or maybe by then I'll just want to rock grandbabies.....

Take care,
Pam

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