Not everyone in the chiropractic profession is gung-ho for the Chiropractic Medicare Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 3654), which (as reported in our September issue) would recognize doctors of chiropractic and physicians within Medicare and allow DCs to provide - and receive appropriate reimbursement for - all services within their respective state's scope of practice.
For one, the International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO) recently issued a letter opposing the legislation, claiming the act "continues to pave the way for the [American Chiropractic Association's] intended plan of scope expansion and primary care physician status." Here is some of the federation's letter, authored by Dr. Liam Schubel, IFCO president:
The ACA has a long history of leadership who are in support of scope expansion to include pharmaceuticals as well as the marginalization of vertebral subluxation-centered chiropractic. The most recent evidence comes in the form of their "Choosing Wisely" campaign which openly attacks, without basis, the long-established x-ray standards of care in the management of vertebral subluxation.
The IFCO wishes to remind all organizations that to remain silent in these matters, or worse, to join forces with the ACA in this and other matters that seem beneficial to both parties is a union of diametrically opposed values and objectives.
The proposed act does nothing to support or increase the public's access to vertebral subluxation-centered care.
You can read the entire IFCO letter in opposition to H.R. 3654 by clicking here. To read the ACA's rationale for supporting the legislation, click here.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
