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.
James Lehman, DC, DIANM
Dr. Lehman graduated from Logan University with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree on Sept. 15, 1972. After completing a one-year residency in Quebec, Canada, he moved to Albuquerque, N.M. During his 33 years in New Mexico, he completed his diplomate as a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist. While practicing Dr. Lehman was continually active in the New Mexico Chiropractic Association and was voted chiropractor of the year on three occasions.
He founded the chiropractic service within the Orthopedic Department at the Lovelace Medical Center and served on the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine advisory committee, which founded the Integrative Medicine Section within the Internal Medicine Department. During his final five years in New Mexico, Dr. Lehman served as a clinical faculty member and mentored fourth-yea, medical students and first-year internal medicine residents.
Dr. Lehman accepted a faculty position at the University of Bridgeport in the School of Chiropractic in August 2006. In 2010, he accepted a position as director of the Health Sciences Postgraduate Education Department. Subsequently, he has integrated chiropractic and acupuncture services into five different Federally Qualified Health Centers in Connecticut and New Jersey. The chiropractic providers evaluate and manage patients with both acute and chronic pain conditions.