Chiropractic Services

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If you are interested in receiving treatment through a chiropractic practice, there are a few things you should know before deciding on this practice. Chiropractic services are considered a specialty by the American College of Chiropractic. This means that chiropractic is defined by specific educational requirements and is not an accepted practice as an alternative medical practice. There is a difference between chiropractic and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Chiropractic is intended to treat the cause or problem and does not attempt to diagnose, treat, or cure a disease. Chiropractic services performed by licensed chiropractors are specifically directed at the musculoskeletal system. Manipulation is used to correct misalignment and improve range of motion of the spine. Chiropractors perform manual manipulation in one or more of the following ways: wrist, ankle, arm, knee, shoulder, neck, low back, head, scalp, or teeth. Chiropractic doctors who participate in Medicare Supplemental Insurance coverage may also provide services in the following areas: orthopedic, pediatric, neurological, cardiac, and infertility. Read more about Elite Spine and Health Center.

There are a few limitations to the services provided by chiropractors other than those mentioned above. Chiropractic does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Chiropractic services are covered under Medicare Parts A and B, so long as the chiropractic doctor participates in Medicare Part A and B. In order for chiropractic to qualify as a Medicare provider, it must meet the guidelines described in the Medicare Health Insurance Rate Authority Act (MHRA) and must provide annual certification to participate in Medicare.

Some states have further restrictive rules regarding chiropractic services. States such as Alaska require that chiropractic providers obtain preauthorization before performing adjustments with a non-certified physician. According to Alaska's Department of Health and Social Services, "chiropractors may not perform a nonsurgical therapeutic adjustment unless they receive preauthorization from the person for whom the adjustment is intended." According to the same source, the preauthorization requirement "does not apply to emergency or hospitalized care."

In addition to preauthorization, some states have enacted statutes that require chiropractors to obtain a referral prior to conducting spinal manipulation in a hospital or clinical setting. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, chiropractic services "accounted for nearly one quarter of the hospital admissions for acute neck pain." Chronic pain was the second most common reason for hospital admissions. Chiropractic doctors were found to perform better than primary care physicians when it came to chronic pain.

Before choosing to use chiropractic services, it is recommended that individuals speak with their health insurance provider to determine what coverage they may have. Many health insurance policies will cover chiropractic services, but individuals should be sure to read their health insurance policy carefully. Some health insurance companies will attempt to limit the number of procedures that are covered by their health insurance plan. Individuals should also be aware that various states have taken measures to limit the liability of chiropractors. In some cases, chiropractic services can be billed as a specialty service, which requires additional insurance coverage. Check spine and sports therapy houston.