The Price of Medical Technology
The opening remarks of the monograph presented by the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Related Disorders1 included an interesting comment on medical technology as it relates to third-party reimbursement:
"Since World War II, there has been pressure to depend more on sophisticated technology. Such technology often goes through a trendy 'fad phase' and is not always subjected to rigorous scientific evaluation before its use becomes widespread. The price paid by society for such shortcomings is aggravated by procedure-oriented fee-for-service reimbursement schemes that reward 'doing' much more than 'thinking.'"Reference
1. Spitzer WO, et al. Scientific monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Related Disorders: Redefining "whiplash and its management." Spine 1995;8S:10S
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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