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.
All Eyes on the Sunshine State
Florida doctors of chiropractic will converge in Orlando/Kissimmee on Aug. 17-19, 2007 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, perennial host of the Florida Chiropractic Association's National Convention & Expo. The annual extravaganza features an extensive continuing education program and an exhibit hall that highlights the latest in chiropractic products and services.
At last year's convention, more than 2,300 attendees and 340 companies celebrated the association's 75th anniversary.
Doctors were treated to an unprecedented education program, with more than 70 speakers presenting 60 sessions. Featured speakers included Scott Haldeman, DC, MD, PhD, Michael Dobbins, DC, Bruce Bond, DC, David Thorpe, DC, DACBOH, Ted Carrick, DC, PhD, and David Chapman-Smith. The 2007 educational sessions promise to be equally if not more enlightening.
The FCA Exposition attracts the leading chiropractic vendors from the state and nationwide. In 2006, visitors to the exhibit hall could learn about new and existing products and services offered by such companies as ACOM Solutions, Biofreeze/Performance Health, Foot Levelers, Future Health, HCMI, Integrated Health Care Practice Resources, Invent Futures, Nature Well, Nutri-West, and Scrip Chiropractic Supply. Various state and national chiropractic organizations also were in attendance, as well as the chiropractic media.
As of press time, the 2007 Expo schedule is as follows: Friday, Aug. 17 - Exhibit hall opens at 7:30 a.m. Reception and vendor/attendee prize drawings take place in the exhibit area from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Exhibit hall closes for the day at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 - Exhibit hall opens at 7:30 a.m. Vendor and attendee prize drawings will be held in the exhibit area at 4:45 p.m. A reception will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the hall closes for the day at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19 - Exhibit hall is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information about the 2007 FCA National Convention & Expo, including complete registration details, call (407) 290-5883 or visit www.fcachiro.org.