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.
News in Brief
Logan Providing Chiropractic Care for Local First Responders
To be specific, it's free chiropractic care for first responders working in the St. Louis area, as provided by Logan College of Chiropractic. Through the college's new First Responder Chiropractic Care Program, first responders (police officers, fire fighters and emergency medical [ambulance] technicians) are eligible to receive free care, as are military personnel who have returned from active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.
"The administrators, faculty, staff and students of Logan College of Chiropractic very much appreciate the sacrifices and services provided by the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to keep us safe from harm's way," said Dr. George Goodman, president of Logan College. "We believe that providing free chiropractic care to these first responders is the very least we can do to show our thanks."
According to Dr. Goodman, a first responder's initial clinic visit will include "a consultation and review of patient health history, physical examination, five X-ray views and interpretation (if indicated), urinalysis and complete blood count (if indicated) and a report of findings with treatment recommendations." Of course, chiropractic adjustments will also be provided. First responders will also be able to take advantage of Logan's wellness program services.
Services will be offered to first responders at Logan's five suburban health centers - in Chesterfield, south St. Louis County, Webster Groves, St. Charles and St. Peters.