News & Events

Vermont Legislature Reinstates Chiropractic Benefits in Adult Medicaid System

Starting July 1, 2008, Doctors of Chiropractic can once again treat adult Medicaid patients. Here's the text of House Bill 537 as passed  by the House and Senate:

"Sec. 111b. CHIROPRACTIC COVERAGE UNDER MEDICAID AND VHAP" "(a)  Effective on July 1, 2008, the agency of human services is directed to reinstate chiropractic coverage for adults in the Medicaid and VHAP programs consistent with section 4088a of Title 8 and at rates comparable to payments for care or services by other health care providers.  The fiscal year 2009 Medicaid expenditure forecast adopted by the emergency board shall include the reinstatement of chiropractic coverage."

This effort has been years in the making, and it couldn't have been done without the hard work of so many dedicated people. Thank you to Anthony Otis, the VCA officers, the entire VCA membership, and the Legislators who supported this important bill.

CCGPP AND COCSA REACH AGREEMENT ON BEST PRACTICES DOCUMENT

The chiropractic profession made a huge advance this past weekend when the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) delegates and members of the CCGPP Council came to an agreement on the CCGPP's best practices process.

Members of the CCGPP Council & Commission met with the COCSA delegates in Baltimore at COCSA's annual conference for an informational forum.  Following in depth presentations by CCGPP leaders, a frank exchange of ideas and concerns was held in a structured format. More than 100 representatives participated in the spirited discussion, which sought to address concerns raised since release of the first draft of CCGPP's low back evidence synthesis. At the conclusion of the lengthy discussion, COCSA delegates unanimously approved a set of recommendations for the low back draft, which CCGPP embraced.

"We are pleased to have had this opportunity to address the concerns of COCSA representatives, and to put to rest the misconceptions and misinformation which has been circulated in the past regarding our initial draft of the evidence synthesis and stratification for low back conditions," Dr Wayne Whalen, CCGPP Chairman noted.

"We always knew that reasonable minds would appreciate the necessity for this project, and are reassured that as a mature profession, we are capable of examining our strengths and weaknesses in a conscientious and evidence-influenced approach," said Whalen.  "It is gratifying to us to have been able to see the level of professionalism and concern for patient interests which were exhibited during the discussion.

Mr. Russ Leonard, executive director of the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association, an outspoken critic of the initial CCGPP draft, prefaced the COCSA vote by applauding the CCGPP's patient-centered model.

Similarly, Dr. Don Hirsh, President of the Maryland Chiropractic Association, praised those involved on both sides of the discussion for their professionalism and willingness to work together towards a common goal.

CCGPP is engaged in the development of a chiropractic "best practices" document, the first phase of which involves producing a stratification of the scientific evidence for commonly encountered conditions, using accepted methodology and consensus strategies.  The low back draft was released for stakeholder feedback in May 2006.  After meeting with COCSA delegates, the CCGPP agreed to amend the current draft to improve its format and make it more user friendly, and to release a second draft for review. Additional upcoming chapters include such conditions as cervical spine, thoracic spine, upper and lower extremities, soft tissue, and wellness and special population issues.

CCGPP was commissioned by COCSA to address recurring problems with third party payor reimbursement and coverage issues, a problem of increasing importance in the era of evidence-based care and healthcare funding shortfalls.  After developing the evidence stratification i.e. a comprehensive review of current literature and consensus development, the CCGPP will produce tools to assist doctors by combining the evidence, physician experience and patient preferences as part of the "best practices" evidence based approach to patient care.

For further information, please contact CCGPP at 803-808-0640 or www.CCGPP.org.

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