William L. Walker, Circuit Judge

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?

There has long been an attempt by those who are not legitimate doctors of chiropractic to usurp the title of chiropractor from those who have earned their degree from an accredited chiropractic program. This generally happens in countries where the local doctors of chiropractic have yet to pass legislation requiring a degree from an accredited institution. The result is essentially two chiropractic professions. Nowhere is this danger more pronounced than in Japan.

Effective Sept. 1, 2024, UHC/Optum is requiring prior authorization for the following services delivered in office and outpatient hospital settings, excluding services in the home: Medicare-covered chiropractic services (when billed with the AT-modifier), as well as physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy (ST).