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Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?

(10/21/16)- An audit report from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) revealed that more than 80% of the money Medicare paid to chiropractors in 2013 went for medically unnecessary procedures. The audit showed that the cost of these unnecessary treatments came to $359 million.

Patients who received more than 12 treatments were more likely to get these unnecessary treatments.

(6/28/09)- It is estimated that the average person will walk the equivalent of three times around the earth in a lifetime. Can you imaginre the wear and tear this puts on the 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles that make up the foot?

A survey for the American Podiatric Medical Association reported 53 percent of respondents had foot pain so severe that it hampered their daily function. On average, people develop pain in their 60s, but it can start as early as the 20s and 30s. Yet, except for women who get regular pedicures, most people don’t take much care of their feet.

(Undated)- Many of us frequently feel that we would like to use the services of a chiropractor, but we are in the dark as to the coverage, if any, that exists under Medicare. There is one, and only one service that is covered under Medicare Part B.

The one service that is covered is Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT) to treat a subluxation of your spine. There are strict rules that must be followed for the Medicare coverage to take place.

The main rule that must be adhered to is that you must obtain an x-ray, or you may utilize an existing CT scan or MRI, to meet the requirement. Medicare will not cover an x-ray that has been taken by your chiropractor. You will be responsible for the cost of the x-ray if your chiropractor or a member of his office has taken it.

If you do not have an x-ray taken and do not have an existing MRI or CT scan you will be responsible for the cost of the treatment. Medicare will not cover any other services performed or ordered by the chiropractor.

Medicare's chiropractic benefit will be determined by your medical need. If your claim is denied you always have the right to appeal it.

See our article "Chiropractors Sue the HCFA"

FOR AN INFORMATIVE AND PERSONAL ARTICLE ON PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS WHEN SELECTING A NURSING HOME SEE OUR ARTICLE " How to Select a Nursing Home"

By Allan Rubin and Harold Rubin
updated October 21, 2016

To e-mail: hrubin12@nyc.rr or allanrubin4@gmail.com  

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