Because they have yet to pass national legislation protecting the chiropractic profession, Japanese DCs are in a similar situation that U.S. DCs faced. We were fortunate enough to be able to pass chiropractic licensure state by state. The DCs in Japan must accomplish this nationally, which has proved to be an extremely difficult task. And in spite of their efforts, Japanese DCs are currently faced with two chiropractic professions.
News in Brief
ACA, Blue Cross Blue Shield Meet
On April 2, representatives of the American Chiropractic Association and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association met in Washington, D.C., to discuss concerns related to BC/BSA's Jan. 1 reclassification of chiropractors within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. As reported in DC last issue ("Blue Cross Blue Shield Hits Below the Belt," May 6), doctors of chiropractic are no longer classified as "physicians" under the program, which could have profound implications, particularly as health care reform unfolds.
According to the ACA, the April 2 discussion was "cordial, frank and open," allowing each organization's perspectives and concerns to be detailed. Regarding instances in which chiropractors may already be affected by this change, BC/BSA "expressed its intent to clarify with local Blue plans that the Jan. 1 change did not in any way affect benefits and coverage."