HMO Gorilla Poised to Dominate Market
The following quote from the American Medical News is further proof that HMOs are not only a reality for the chiropractic profession, but that they will become more and more prevalent in the future:
"If managed care was the health care industry's 800-pound gorilla in 1995, it's poised to dominate markets like King Kong during 1996.""HMOs dominate, shape the market," American Medical News, January 22/29, 1996."HMO enrollment is projected to near 65 million Americans this year -- up more than 25% from the 50 million members in health plans last January, according to a leading Wall Street analyst."
Recent laws in New Jersey and California represent a disturbing trend that will negatively impact a practice’s ability to collect monies from patients, as well as expose them to significant penalties if the practice does not follow the mandatory guidelines to a T. Please be aware that a similar law may be coming to your state. The time to act is before the law is passed.
With estimates showing over 30 million Americans affected by peripheral neuropathy – and a significant portion underdiagnosed – it’s increasingly likely that chiropractors are already treating these patients. What’s missing is structured recognition, comprehensive management and targeted tools to slow progression, improve function and support systemic health.
Each year, ICD-10-CM is updated on Oct. 1. For 2026, there are 74,179 total codes, with 487 additions, 28 deletions and 38 revisions. Code changes are based on date of service, not the claim submission date. Services performed on/after Oct. 1 must use the new codes. While no changes affect the common spinal or extraspinal codes most frequently used by DCs, several updates may still affect your claims – particularly for comorbidities, referred pain, or trauma cases.
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