In a landmark development, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reached a $2.8 billion settlement to resolve antitrust claims brought by health care providers, including chiropractors. The lawsuit accused BCBS of dividing the nation into exclusive regions and limiting competition, which resulted in lower reimbursements for providers. Although BCBS denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid lengthy litigation – and you can get a piece of the pie.
Four Colleges Join the Assoc. of Chiro Colleges
For the first time in the history of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC), all 18 chiropractic colleges in the United States have joined forces under the banner of the ACC.
"As of June 1, 1993, the ACC proudly welcomed the membership of the Pennsylvania College of Straight Chiropractic, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Southern California College of Chiropractic, and the University of Bridgeport, School of Chiropractic," announced ACC President Gerard W. Clum, DC.
Membership in the ACC was made available to the four colleges after they submitted institutional eligibility documents; the colleges were subsequently accepted as members by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).
While the significance for the colleges and the profession is in part symbolic, it is also of pragmatic and tangible importance. Membership in the ACC will provide the colleges with a forum for obtaining and disseminating information, as well as making their students eligible to participate in the ChiroLoan program.
"One of the advantages of being involved in the ACC is the opportunity to realize that everyone has their problems and many errors can be avoided as the result of a sincere collegial exchange," remarked Dr. Clum. "Another major advantage for the former SCASA colleges is the opportunity to break down some of the isolationism we have all experienced in chiropractic, the chance to hear other views, and to express your views in a setting such as the ACC, is a very valuable situation," concluded Dr. Clum.