What does this legislation mean for Medicare patients?

Simply put, the purpose of the bill is to ensure patient access to all Medicare-covered services that DCs are licensed to provide. Again, it is important to note that our initiative adds no new services. It only allows access to those current Medicare benefits that chiropractors are licensed to provide. The current statute that governs patient access to Medicare has been in place since 1972. It’s antiquated and does not reflect the acceptance of chiropractic into mainstream health care. In addition, it limits patient choice, which is a highlight of our educational efforts with legislators.

What is covered by the proposed bill?

If and when bills become laws, the federal rule-making process determines implementation. Details related to codes, reimbursement and billing will not be confirmed until then. Under H.R. 539 and S. 106, DC's would be paid under the Medicare physician fee schedule for all services listed thereon which are authorized under their state scope of practice in the same manner MD's are paid. Also, be aware that the Medicare physician fee schedule is based on the relative value of the various services and not on the type of physician providing the service. At a minimum, if passed in its current form, the legislation would include evaluation and management (E&M) codes, therapy codes including but not limited to Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT) codes, and certain diagnostic and x-ray codes.

“So, what does it cost?”

Recent studies show that access to chiropractic care can save money for the healthcare system, particularly when compared to prescriptions and surgery.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com