The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has received reports that United Healthcare has implemented a new policy in several states to only reimburse physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) services when performed by a licensed provider.
The new policy states, "PM&R services rendered by non-licensed individuals are not eligible for reimbursement, regardless of whether they are supervised by, or billed by a physician or other licensed therapy provider." This change is effective as of Jan. 1, 2007 for newly contracted providers and April 1, 2007 for currently contracted providers.
So, what exactly does this new policy mean for doctors of chiropractic? In Texas, where United Healthcare is applying the policy, it means a doctor of chiropractic will not be reimbursed for physical medicine or rehabilitative treatments unless those services are actually performed by the doctor or by a person licensed by the state to do so, such as a physical therapist. In other words, if you are a non-licensed chiropractic assistant who applies a heat pack or assists a patient with rehab, you will not be reimbursed! Think that might change the way you practice?
As this change will greatly impact patients and providers across the country, the ACA is reviewing all possible legislative and administrative remedies while consulting with leading chiropractic associations and their legal counsel to strategize the best course to follow. And if legal action or administrative relief is sought, who will pay the "lion's share" of that cost? Well, the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF), of course.
The NCLAF has repeatedly told the chiropractic profession that the concern is not if our adversaries will attack us again, but when they will attack us. And sure enough, here they go again. Fortunately, the NCLAF shifted its focus to building a legal "war chest" for just this type of attack, and has reserves ready to commit to the fight. The ACA and the NCLAF continue to protect and defend your practice, your patients and your profession. If you are not an ACA member, then join! If you are not a monthly NCLAF contributor, then start!
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
