In a landmark development, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reached a $2.8 billion settlement to resolve antitrust claims brought by health care providers, including chiropractors. The lawsuit accused BCBS of dividing the nation into exclusive regions and limiting competition, which resulted in lower reimbursements for providers. Although BCBS denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid lengthy litigation – and you can get a piece of the pie.
CCE to Accredit Chiropractic Residency Programs
At its March 11, 2024, meeting, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Committee on Recognition reviewed the formal request for a change in the CHEA-recognized scope of accreditation submitted by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The new CHEA-approved scope statement is:
“The Council on Chiropractic Education accredits doctor of chiropractic degree programs and chiropractic residency programs in the United States, its territories and Canada (2024).”
Craig Little, DC, CCE President and CEO, noted: “While CCE has been recognized by CHEA (and its predecessor organizations) since 1976, it was solely for accreditation of programs granting the Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. Now CCE’s scope has expanded to include postdoctoral residency programs. This recognition is vital to the Veterans Administration and non-VA residency programs currently in the accreditation process. Many third-party payers do not recognize the specialties of non-accredited programs. Recognition is an essential milestone in chiropractic residency development.
"The inclusion of Chiropractic Residency Programs, as well as Doctor of Chiropractic Programs in US territories and Canada, into CCE’s recognized scope for CHEA, was supported by CCE’s demonstration of program quality as informed by the use of evidence and providing accountability to students and the public that CCE serves."