The entire chiropractic profession is naturally concerned about where we now stand in the confusing, evolving process called health care reform. Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) has been kind enough to give you his understanding of how chiropractic is currently positioned:
To the Editor:
I am writing to inform your readership that I have strongly supported the inclusion of chiropractic care in all the health care reform proposals currently being considered in Congress.In addition, the major reform proposals expand the current Medicare provisions to include x-ray services necessary to chiropractic care. Once the Medicare provisions are amended, the coverage provided will become part of the basic benefits package available to all Americans. Those Americans who will be covered by the new Medicare Part C will also have access to the chiropractic services outlined above.The basic benefits package which forms the core of many of the health care reform proposals is the same as that which is currently available to Americans covered by Medicare. Since chiropractic care is presently covered by Medicare, it would continue to be covered by Medicare, and would be included in the basic benefits package available to all Americans.
Under reform the state would be given broad discretion to create the kind of health care system that best meets the needs and desires of their citizens, provided the state system meets the national goals of universal coverage and cost containment. Those states which have already undertaken to reform their health care systems may continue with those reforms. The competition, or employer mandates will be able to do so.I will continue to support the inclusion of chiropractic care as part of the basic benefits package in the impending health care reform legislation.
Sincerely,Many doubt whether health care reform will ever be significantly affected by Congress. With the intense lobbying, the high degree of complexity and the overwhelming unpopularity of the costs involved, some don't expect Congress to do any more than make minor modifications to the existing law.Gary L. Ackerman
Member of Congress
As you can see, Medicare is the template for the basic benefits package in most legislation. For chiropractic to improve its position in health care reform, it must improve its Medicare coverage.
But the profession must be prepared to speak with one voice should Congress move towards passing major legislation. If given a choice, one bill will be preferable to others, and certain language will be critical to chiropractic inclusion and reimbursement.
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?
