With the 118th Congress (2023-24) in full swing, the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act has been reintroduced in both chambers: H.R. 1610 in the House and S. 799 in the Senate. Both bills feature identical language and have a number of original co-sponsors as legislation (H.R. 2654 / S. 4042) that expired at the end of the 117th congressional session (2021-22) last December.
Reps. Gregory Steube (R-Fla.), Brian Higgins (D-N.Y), Mark Alford (R-Mo.) and John Larson (D-Conn.) introduced H.R. 1610; while Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced S. 799.
An American Chiropractic Association press release announcing the legislation's reintroduction summarized its importance in terms of what expanded Medicare coverage would accomplish for doctors of chiropractic - and patients:
"H.R. 1610 / S. 799 would update the Medicare statute that has limited beneficiary access to chiropractic services for over 50 years. The legislation adds no new benefits; it simply allows Medicare beneficiaries access to the profession's broad-based, non-drug approach to pain management and musculoskeletal health. This includes manual manipulation of the spine (the only chiropractic service now covered), as well as services such as manual manipulation of the extremities and numerous other non-drug treatments, evaluation and management services, and diagnostic imaging. The range of services available to beneficiaries would be determined by a chiropractor's state licensure."
"The level of bipartisan support we achieved with the last bill tells us that this is an issue that resonates and has the momentum to go all the way," said John Falardeau, ACA senior vice president of public policy and advocacy, in the release.
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?
