New ICA-Endorsed Medicare Legislation Introduced in House
Dynamic Chiropractic Staff
The Chiropractic Act of 2022 (H.R. 8701), introduced by Rep. Bill Posey (R-Fla.) and endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association, is touted by the ICA as Medicare legislation "that can be quickly passed into law. It provides clear instructions for standard of care evaluation and management services (exams and radiological imaging when needed)."
In a press release announcing the new legislation, the ICA summarized the key points of H.R. 8701, which would "amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure equitable treatment of items and services furnished by chiropractors under the Medicare program," as follows:
"Provides specific instructions to CMS to cover what is standard of care – evaluation and management services – specifically including examination and when needed radiographic imaging services, while specifically excluding any expansion of scope for the prescribing of drugs – an important clarification that the Congress agrees with a majority of the chiropractic profession."
"[S]treamlines provision regarding patients' freedom to privately contract for services so that all physicians as defined in Medicare (which includes chiropractors) are able to privately contract. This is commonly referred to as the Opt-Out Provision. Chiropractors are the only physicians currently not included in this provision."
"Eliminates the vestiges of the antitrust discrimination against chiropractors that were at play in 1972 when chiropractic was included in Medicare."
"[P]rovides swift implementation so that Medicare Beneficiaries may reap the benefit of the changes as quickly as possible."
Editor's Note: As of press time, it is unclear how H.R. 8701 compares / differs from American Chiropractic Association-endorsed companion Medicare bills currently under House and Senate review (H.R. 2654 and S. 4042, respectively). Stay tuned.
It’s a new year and many chiropractors are evaluating what will enhance their respective practices, particularly as it relates to their bottom line. One of the most common questions I get is: “Do I need to be credentialed to bill insurance, and what are the best plans to join?” It’s a loaded question – but one every DC ponders. Whether you're already in-network or pondering whether to join, here's what you need to know.
The geriatric curve – the progressive decline in our health, fitness, mental capacity, and overall constitution – graphically appears as a downward sloping line over time. It is a culmination of the effects of sarcopenia, postural deterioration, frailty, and chronic noncommunicable diseases that occur as we age. While aging cannot be reversed, the goal is to reduce the negative slope or “square off” the curve, thus avoiding a steady decline in health. Here are five ways to get your patients started.
Imagine an environment in which DCs are tightly integrated with their local healthcare system; a trusted resource for PCPs, specialists and self-insured employers; are reimbursed in alignment with value created; use modern technology enabling them to fully engage with their patients; are self-governed; and are able to maintain a fulfilling work-life balance. In the final part of this three-part series, we explore three areas for chiropractors to focus on to leave the current foolishness behind and create “the best of times” for DCs and their patients.
