Opting Out of Medicare
Recently, I was asked if a chiropractor has to
be a Medicare provider?
The answer is "yes" - but don't
shoot me, I'm only the messenger!
Since January 2004, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) established that it is illegal for a chiropractor to opt
out of Medicare. A medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy can
opt out of Medicare.
What does it mean to opt out of Medicare?
If an M.D. or D.O.
opts out of Medicare, it means that, although they are treating
a patient with Medicare insurance, they are not accepting Medicare's
payment for the services. As a chiropractor, if you see a Medicare
patient, then you must not only abide by all rules, regulations
and payment schedules for manipulation of the spine, but you
must also file a claim for the patient.
Often I will be told by the new practitioner that they are going
to have a cash only practice. While this seems ideal on the surface,
it is not always practical. Furthermore, if you see a Medicare
patient, then you must file the claim for the manipulation of
the spine if it is active care.
Can a chiropractor just not see Medicare patients?
Sure, as long as you do not discriminate
based on sex, color, creed or sexual orientation. But
why? Consider that there are currently 80 million baby boomers in
the United States. They will soon be Medicare recipients.
Do you want to eliminate a significant base of patients and
future referrals, because you do not want to deal with Medicare?
Consider also that if National Health Care becomes a reality,
what type of health insurance model do you think the U.S. government
will choose? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree - now every
man, woman and child has a Medicare-type insurance.
I personally find it very rewarding to treat elderly patients.
They frequently will break down crying in thanks for the pain
relief they have gained through chiropractic.
|
