For chiropractors practicing today, Dr. Warren Hammer’s legacy is particularly visible in several areas that have become familiar components of modern musculoskeletal care: his early work with the Graston Technique and instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization; his extensive writing and teaching on functional soft-tissue examination and treatment; his role in bringing fascial manipulation to U.S. clinicians; and his decades spent educating chiropractors and other health professionals.
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."