ABINGDON, Virginia - The American Chiropractic Association's legal team, led by attorney George McAndrews, brought its case against Trigon Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association into federal district court on December 20.
In August 2000, the ACA, the Virginia Chiropractic Association, five chiropractors, and 18 chiropractic patients filed suit against Trigon, et al., alleging conspiracy, racketeering, extortion, mail fraud and anti-trust violations.
The ACA argued against two motions filed by Trigon, et al.: one to dismiss the case, and one seeking a change of venue. Trigon, et al., argued that it conducts no business in the district.
William Shields, attorney for the co-plaintiff, the Virginia Chiropractic Association, argued to the court that Trigon had inequitable policies of paying doctors of chiropractic less than medical doctors for rendering similar treatments.
Judge James Jones delayed ruling on the motions to dismiss and on the change of venue. He ordered that the national Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association provide one company official to be questioned by Mr. McAndrews regarding any contacts in the district, and granted the ACA 30 days to complete its deposition. After that time, both sides will have an additional 20 days to brief the court on the question of venue.
"What this outcome says to me is that our battle has just begun," commented ACA President Dr. James Mertz. "The Blue Cross/Blue Shield lawsuit is being watched by the entire insurance industry," he observed.
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?
