Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the largest nonprofit health insurer in New York, has been fined $1.1 million by the state's insurance regulators.
Among other things, Empire was charged with denying health coverage to certain patients:
Denying advanced chemotherapy and bone marrow treatments to some women with breast cancer, while approving treatments for others.The $1.1 million fine is the largest ever levied against a health insurer in the state of New York. Since the time of these infractions, Empire has seen the number of policyholders reduced by approximately 50 percent (to 4.8 million).Denying in vitro fertilization procedures to some while approving the procedure for others.
Paying physical therapists for certain procedures, but denying payment to chiropractors for the identical procedures.
While Empire has positioned a new management team to recoup its losses, the fine should send a clear message to other carriers. The New York Insurance Department is expected to keep a close watch on Empire over the next three years.
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?
