The Ultimate Guide to Letters of Medical Necessity (LMN)

A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) can be the key to unlocking additional savings through your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Whether it's for nutritional supplements, massage therapy, or special equipment, an LMN can help you prove that a purchase is medically necessary—and thus eligible for reimbursement with pre-tax funds. Below is everything you need to know about letters of medical necessity, when to secure one, and how to draft an effective template.

1. What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?

An LMN is a written statement from a licensed healthcare provider (e.g., doctor, nurse practitioner, therapist) that explains:

• What item or service is being recommended.

• Why it's needed for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a specific medical condition.

Although many items are automatically eligible under IRS guidelines, certain products and services fall into a gray area. An LMN helps bridge the gap by clarifying the medical purpose.

For official details on qualifying medical expenses, refer to:

• IRS Publication 502 (Medical and Dental Expenses)

• IRS Publication 969 (Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans)

2. When You Need One

You'll likely require an LMN if:

1. The Item Is Not Obviously Medical
   For instance, a massage chair might be perceived as a luxury item unless a doctor confirms it's part of a prescribed treatment plan.

2. IRS Guidance Isn't Clear
   If an expense falls into a “maybe” category—like nutritional supplements or weight-loss programs—an LMN can validate the medical need.

3. Your FSA/HSA Administrator Requests It
   Some administrators ask for an LMN for certain claims to ensure compliance with IRS rules.

Pro Tip: Visit the Burst Shop to explore products requiring LMNs. Many of our partner brands automate the LMN process for you at checkout, making it easy to access tax-free FSA/HSA savings without manual documentation.

3. How to Get One

Obtaining an LMN is relatively straightforward, and now you have two great options:

Option 1: Traditional Route

1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider
   Schedule an appointment or contact your provider explaining that you need a medical necessity statement for your FSA or HSA.

2. Be Specific
   Provide details of the item or service you want covered and explain how it relates to your condition or treatment plan.

3. Obtain a Dated, Signed Letter
   The LMN should be on official letterhead, signed, and dated by your provider. Keep both digital and physical copies for future claims or audits.

Option 2: Get an LMN Fast with Burst

For a fast and easy alternative, try Burst:

• **Quick & Convenient: With just a few clicks, Burst streamlines the process of obtaining an LMN.

• Automated Process: Many of our partner brands automate the LMN process for you at checkout, eliminating the need for manual documentation.

• Instant Documentation: Get compliant LMNs quickly, so you can confidently use your FSA or HSA funds without delay.

• User-Friendly: Designed with busy users in mind, Burst ensures you never miss out on tax-free FSA or HSA savings due to paperwork hassles.

Learn more and get started at getburst.com.

4. LMN Template/Example

Below is a sample LMN. Note that each provider may format or word it differently, but these elements are commonly required.

[Provider's Letterhead]
[Provider's Name, Credentials]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]

Date: ______________

Patient Name: ______________________
Date of Birth: _____________________

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to certify that the following item/service is medically necessary for the treatment and/or management of [Patient Name]'s [diagnosed condition or medical issue]. The recommended item/service is:

[Name of Item/Service]

This item/service is a vital component of [Patient Name]'s treatment plan, as it [describe how it addresses the specific condition]. I anticipate that [Patient Name] will require this item/service for approximately [duration or frequency].

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

[Provider's Signature]
[Provider's Name, License Number]

[Provider's Letterhead]
[Provider's Name, Credentials]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]

Date: ______________

Patient Name: ______________________
Date of Birth: _____________________

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to certify that the following item/service is medically necessary for the treatment and/or management of [Patient Name]'s [diagnosed condition or medical issue]. The recommended item/service is:

[Name of Item/Service]

This item/service is a vital component of [Patient Name]'s treatment plan, as it [describe how it addresses the specific condition]. I anticipate that [Patient Name] will require this item/service for approximately [duration or frequency].

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

[Provider's Signature]
[Provider's Name, License Number]

[Provider's Letterhead]
[Provider's Name, Credentials]
[Practice Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]

Date: ______________

Patient Name: ______________________
Date of Birth: _____________________

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to certify that the following item/service is medically necessary for the treatment and/or management of [Patient Name]'s [diagnosed condition or medical issue]. The recommended item/service is:

[Name of Item/Service]

This item/service is a vital component of [Patient Name]'s treatment plan, as it [describe how it addresses the specific condition]. I anticipate that [Patient Name] will require this item/service for approximately [duration or frequency].

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

[Provider's Signature]
[Provider's Name, License Number]

In Summary

A Letter of Medical Necessity can make the difference between tax-free FSA/HSA reimbursement and out-of-pocket costs for borderline or uncertain healthcare expenses. By securing an LMN from your provider—or by using the fast and easy solution offered by Burst—you'll ensure you never miss out on tax-free HSA savings.

With the right documentation in place, you can confidently expand your FSA/HSA eligible purchases and fully optimize your healthcare dollars.