e-UPDATE - cdn.ymaws.com · Colorado Chiropractic Association The voice of Colorado chiropractic since 1917. e-UPDATE Volume 18, No. 2 February 2008 Also in this month’s issue

Colorado Chiropractic Association The voice of Colorado chiropractic since 1917.

e-UPDATEVolume 18, No. 2 February 2008

Also in this month’s issue. . .2007-08 CCA Board of Directors Page 2

Special Guest Editorial: Don’t Join the ACA Page 2

Upcoming Education Events for 2008 Page 4-5

Colorado 2007-09 CE Requirements Page 4

View from the CCA Front Desk Page 11

2008 Colorado Medicare Fees Page 12

OIG Seeks Chiropractic Records Page 14

Member Appreciation/Enhanced CCA Membership Page 15

Study Discounts Stroke Risk Page 16

ACN/UHC Sun Microsytems Error Page 16

Chiropractic Sunset Review Explained Page 18

Open Letter from T. Sammi Lowe, DC Page 19

Vendors Support Chiropractic Page 20

CCA e-Update Purpose and Policies Page 20

Work Comp Level 1 Seminar May 2, 2008 Page 21

Be a CCA KEY Doctor Page 22

Donate to the CC-PAC Page 23

www.coloradochiropractic.org

Mission StatementThe mission of the

Colorado Chiropractic Association is to protect, promote, and expand the ethical and professional

practice of chiropractic in the state of Colorado.

Connecting YOU with Colorado chiropractic. . .

Colorado Chiropractic2008 MEDICARE fees

see pasee pasee pasee pasee paggggge 12e 12e 12e 12e 12

Senator Lois Tochtrop will introduce amandatory auto insurance medical paymentbill (Med Pay) which the CCA supports. TheColorado Legislative Session began in earlyJanuary and will conclude in May.

This bill offers a common sense solutionto a problem that is affecting all emergencyresponders, hospitals and health careproviders in our state. The concepts set forthin the Tochtrop bill are the principles that theCCA has been fighting for.

Senate President Peter Groff hasinstructed that the bill be held until a studyon this issue is presented to the Legislatureand the Governor’s Office in approximatelytwo weeks. That is why a bill number has notbeen assigned yet.

While we wait for the study to becompleted, which should be released in about10 days, we are negotiating with all the otherMed Pay proponents to come up with a singlebill that all can agreed on. This has been adifficult process as there are 8 differentgroups that need to come to an agreement ona single draft bill. We are still confident thatwe can reach an agreement.

We need you to contact your StateSenator NOW - by letter, by phone and via e-

MandatoryMed Pay Bill

To Be Introduced inColorado Legislature

(continued on page 13)

The CCA Lobbying Team works to promote the2008 Mandatory Med Pay Bill .

Page 1

270 POUNDS of medications dropped off fordisposal in Longmont, Colorado.

Page 6

Colorado Medicare carrier will switch fromNoridian to Trailblazer in Spring 2008.

Page 13

United Health Care rescinds headache, pediatricpolicy for chiropractic treatment.

Page 14

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e-UPDATE

Chairman of the BoardRebecca Noren, DC

PresidentJames Farrell, DC

1st Vice President (President-Elect)Steven Schuster, DC

2nd Vice PresidentTimothy Murphy, DC

Secretary-TreasurerMike Simone, DC

District 1 Director/AlternateJohn Hanks, DC/Rhonda Jackson, DC

District 2 Director/AlternateRandy Snyder, DC/Michael Barry, DCDistrict 3 Director/AlternateEvan Katz, DC/Christine Sprowl, DC

District 4 Director/AlternateMichael Springfield, DC/Greg Crawford, DC

District 5 Director/AlternateBrad Hennen, DC/Robert Palmer, DC

District 6 Director/AlternateSteven Mooring, DC/OPEN

District 7 Director/AlternateMichael Treinen, DC/Randy Roman, DC

District 8 Director/AlternateKelvin Washington, DC/OPEN

District 9 Director/AlternateChad Kesner, DC/Lea Yoder, DC

Directors at LargeRobert Bridge, DCKristen Kells, DC

Keith Lundberg, DCJohn Murzyn, DC

Patrick Ray, DC/Alternate

Executive DirectorJoyce M. Martello

Communications DirectorVineta Campau

Administrative AssistantSherry Picotte

Colorado Chiropractic AssociationThe voice of Colorado chiropractic since 1917.

8751 East Hampden Avenue #B-7Denver, CO 80231-4929

(303) 755-9011 or (800) 829-0339Fax (303) 755-1010

e-mail [email protected]

Reprinting of materials is granted, except for materialsindicated as copyrighted or reserved, but only upon givingcredit to the CCA Update in the reproduction. Reproductionof any other material without credit is prohibited, and if youwant to quote or reproduce from any item, call or write forinformation and permission. Copyright(C) 1989 to presentColorado Chiropractic Association

Special GUEST Editorialby 2007-08 CCA Secretary-Treasurer and Colorado ACA DelegateMichael P. Simone, DC

Don’t Join the ACAIf you believe that

chiropractic is stronger withthree or four nationalorganizations, rather than oneunitedorganization, thendon’t join theACA.

If you wantchiropractic to benarrowly defined,then the ACAisn’t for you.

If you don’twant an open forum whereopinions from the chiropractic“extremes” are respected, thendon’t join the ACA.

If you don’t want to be partof an organization that has thesame clout on Capitol Hill ashealth care organizations whoselegislative spending far exceedsthe ACA, then the ACA isn’t foryou.

If you want to be part of achiropractic organization thatwill be “front and center” at thenational table when fullinclusion into Medicare andNational Healthcare are thetopics of discussion, then don’tjoin the ACA.

We’ve all known for yearshow important it is for unitywithin our profession. We inColorado know how a lack ofunity within chiropractic hashurt us on the state level so we

did something about it. TheACA has tried to bring othernational organizations to thetable to discuss unity— mostrecently after the requests of

chiropractic stateorganizations andchiropracticcolleges. The ACAwas the onlynationalchiropracticorganization willingto answer the call.

The ACA hasbeen and is the only nationalorganization who consistentlywants unity, wants our battlesfought behind closed doors andnot on Capitol Hill, and has theclout to get things done on anational level. Lack of unitywithin our profession over thepast 20 years has cost ourdoctors millions, if not billionsof dollars, in lost revenue andhas forced millions of patientsto go elsewhere for treatment.

It’s time for this to stop. It’stime for everyone to belong toone chiropractic organization—our future depends on it. Someof you who have cash practicesmay think that none of thisapplies to you. The future ofchiropractic is vital to all of us,because the onslaught of otherprofessions into what we havealways considered as“chiropractic specific” may very

‘It’s time foreveryone to belongto one chiropractic

organization— our future

depends on it.’


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well be the death knell of ourprofession.

I’ve always felt confident thatchiropractic could compete andwin the hearts and spines of ourpatients but that is becomingincreasingly difficult when wedon’t have legislative equality inColorado and nationally to allowpatients to walk into our doors.

With fifty tax-deductibledollars per month you can bepart of chiropractic’s future, havea seat at the “national table,” andknow you are doing your part toinsure chiropractic will not justsurvive, but thrive.

Please contact me,Dr. Mike Simone, at

[email protected] orat 303-833-2332 if you’reready to do your part.

(ACA, continued from page 2)


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e-UPDATE

Upcoming Events

CE Hour requirements for 2007-2009Colorado relicensing period:

15 CE hours between August 1, 2007 & July 31, 2008AND 15 CE hours between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009

Must have valid health care provider level CPR card on 7-31-09 with at least 2 hours training

AND TWO hours of clinical chiropractic documentation EACH YEAR (first time by July 31, 2008).

NEW from the CCA: REGISTER ON-LINEat www.coloradochiropractic.org/registration/events.cfm

CCA’s web-based seminars (INCLUDING a 3-hour documentation seminar)also available at cca.ImpactLearning.org

The CCA is providing you with numerous opportunities to earn the two hours of documentation training NOW required by the Colorado

Board of Chiropractic Examiners each year by July 31. We have scheduled LIVE seminars in February, May, June, and July of 2008 in

the Denver Metro area and other locations around the state. In addition, you may fulfill this requirement NOW, ANYTIME with our

ON-LINE documentation seminar at cca.impactlearning.orgThursday, March 20 Denver - CCA Conference Center 10 a.m. to Noon

Saturday, April 19 Fort Collins Marriott 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 1 Denver - CCA Conference Center 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.Saturday, May 3 Colorado Springs - Dr. Graham’s 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.Saturday, May 10 Grand Junction Community Hospital 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.Thursday, May 15 Denver - CCA Conference Center 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.

Thursday, June 19 Denver - CCA Conference Center 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.Saturday, June 28 Denver - CCA Conference Center 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 10 Denver- CCA Conference Center 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.Saturday, July 19 Denver- CCA Conference Center 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.Saturday, July 26 Denver area - Location TBA 3:15 to 5:15 p.m.Thursday, July 31 Denver- CCA Conference Center 10 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 29 Denver - CCA Conference Center 9 to 11 a.m.Saturday, June 7 Fort Collins Marriott 9 to 11 a.m.Saturday, June 21 Colorado Springs - Office of Dr. Galen Graham 9 to 11 a.m.Saturday, July 12 Denver - CCA Conference Center 9 to 11 a.m.

2008 Documentation Training

2008 CPR Training

5


WEDNESDAYS: MARCH 5, APRIL 2, MAY 7, JUNE 4, JULY 2, AUGUST 6, SEPTEMBER 3,OCTOBER 1, NOVEMBER 5, DECEMBER 3

Mesa County Chiropractic Association meeting. First WEDNESDAY each month 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at UTEC CulinaryRestaurant at 2508 Blichman Ave in Grand Junction. You may order ahead by calling 970-255-2641. Please contact Dr.Nick Sechrist for more information (970) 263-9100 or [email protected].

TUESDAYS: MARCH 11, MAY 13, JULY 8, SEPTEMBER 9, NOVEMBER 11Colorado Women’s Chiropractic Association meeting. 7-9 p.m. CCA Conference Center. Meetings are the secondTUESDAY of odd-numbered months. Each meeting features a guest speaker and an open forum for ideas anddiscussion. Contact Dr. Rebecca Noren for more info (303) 984-1111 or [email protected].

THURSDAYS: MARCH 13, MAY 8, JULY 17, NOVEMBER 6, DECEMBER 11CCA Bi-Monthly Board Meeting. Meetings are generally the 3rd or 4th Thursday of every other month from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. at the CCA office. Any CCA member is welcome to attend the board meetings; however, please contact the CCAand let us know you will be attending. Agenda items must be submitted to the CCA office 2 weeks prior to the boardmeeting date. $10 fee covers lunch and is payable in cash on board meeting day.

Saturdays and Sundays, March 1 & 2, June TBA, October 4 & 5, November 15 & 16The X-Files: Basic X-Ray Training for CAs with Drs. Barry and Seron. 12 hours of the 24 hours of required training withinstructions on how to complete the additional 12 hours in your clinic. Register soon - classes fill quickly.

Saturday, March 15Rehab Seminar with Brad Feldner, DC - CCA Conference Center in SE Denver from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. 8 CE Hours

Thursdays, April 3, 10, 17, & 24TOOLS for Success: Strategies for the New and Seasoned DC. Developed and presented by EXPERIENCED Coloradodoctors of chiropractic, this seminar is an excellent introduction for new doctors or a welcome refresher for theexperienced DC. Along with networking and mentoring opportunities, this seminar provides you with a detailed road mapfor starting, improving and operating a successful chiropractic practice in Colorado. ALL seminars 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at theCCA Conference Center. No CE hours available, except for TWO DOCUMENTATION hours on Thursday, April 17.

Saturdays, April 12 DENVER, May 10 COLORADO SPRINGS, June 7 GRAND JUNCTION,June 21 FORT COLLINS and Thursday, June 26 DENVERPre-Participation Sports Physical Seminars - INCLUDES 2-HOUR CPR training. 4 to 6 CE Hours total. Various locations.

Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18Laser Therapy with Dan Murphy, DC Details TBA soon. Location in the Denver area - 12 CE hours.

Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13Chiropractic Care for the Pregnant Woman and Her Child with Carol Phillips, DC - Location TBA soon. 12 CE Hours

Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 2715 Hour CE Seminar. Thompson Technique with Rob Jackson, DC - Denver Area Location TBA. 15 hours TOTALincluding TWO HOURS DOCUMENTATION training.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday September 12, 13, & 14CCA Annual State Convention SAVE THE DATES!! 15 hours of CE, training for chiropractic assistants, annual meeting,awards banquet, 50 exhibitors of chiropractic products and services. MUCH more information to be posted soon.

2008 MORE Educational Events

2008 Standing Meetings


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e-UPDATE

“Truth doesn’t becomemore true by virtue of the factthat the entire world agreeswith it, nor less so even if thewhole world disagrees with it.”

The above was written byMoses Maimonides who was aJewish philosopher, born ofSpanish parent in 1135. Hetraveled from Cordova throughPalestine, North Africa andeventually settled in old Cairo,Egypt. He became the courtphysician and a leader in theJewish community. While there,he wrote extensively to exposethe discrepancies of theTalmud. The above quotation,is also true when applied tohealth.

The early writings of D.D.Palmer contain a statementthat perfect health is thebalance of the three sides of anequilateral triangle composedof the chemical, psychological,and structural nature of thebody. Dis-ease is caused bytrauma to one or more of thethree sides. Naturally, this flewin the face of medicalphilosophy because atapproximately the same time asPalmer postulated his tenets,bacteria were discovered andthose tiny, microscopic,invisible organisms were tabbedas the cause of various diseases.In truth, bacteria do create atrauma to the body, so D.D. wasright on.

To quote anotherancient philosopher/chemist,Paracelsus, who some peoplegive the title of “father ofmodern pharmacology,” “Allthat mankind needs for goodhealth is provided by God innature. The challenge toscience is to find it.” Anotherquote attributed to him is, “Letthy food be thy medicine.”When we couple this withPalmer’s “trauma to thechemical side of the triangle”we can begin to understand thetruth about today’s modernmedicine. Dr. W.N. Aldridge inthe Annual Review ofPharmacology and Toxicologystates that he is paraphrasingParacelsus, “All drugs arepoisons, only the dose decides.”

I now will shift to an articlethat was in my local newspaper,the Longmont Daily Times Call.The headline reads “270 poundsof medications dropped off fordisposal.” The story is aboutthe Pharmaceutical Drop-OffDay sponsored by theLongmont United Hospitalwhere citizens were encouragedto dispose of their outdatedprescription drugs by takingthem to the hospital to getthese dangerous medicationsout of circulation. The hospitalpharmacist estimated the valueas being over $500,000.00. Thisstatistic is mind boggling inthat the 270 pounds wasmeasured after everything was

dumped from the bottles. Notonly that, but the article statesthat 186 safety minded peoplecontributed to the effort. Dothe math. That is almost oneand a half pounds per person.Now let’s speculate, if 1 ½pounds were unused, how muchwas in the original bottles?

If “all drugs are poisons” wemust look to the physiology ofdetoxification of the poison andit occurs in the liver. The liver isthe big chemical plant of thebody. To list all of the functionsof the liver would be to tediousbut a partial listing will allowthe reader to understand howvital the liver is to good health.(1) conversion of lactic acid, byproduct of the muscle activity,to glycogen, (2) release of theglycogen into the blood whenneeded, (3) oxidizescarbohydrates, amino acids,and fatty acids to carbondioxide and water, (4)synthesized urea fromammonia, (5) de-amination ofamino acids, (6) manufacturesprotein, enzymes, prothrombinand fibrin need for bloodclotting, (7) the chief site ofplasma cholesterol (8) theformation and secretion of bile,(9) detoxification of chemicalsthat are harmful to the body.This is only the partial list ofliver functions but it shouldemphasize the vast importanceof a healthy liver. In fact it issuitable titled the Live-r. From

DRUGS: The Saga Continuesby Kennon Rude, DC


7


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back in my college days, I recallthe professor of my physiologyclass as saying that only about20 percent of the cells in theliver are ever functioning at onetime. They all have theiropportunity to do their job, butthere is a tremendous reservefunction built into the body sothat as some of the liver cellsare destroyed by toxic poisons,there is enough functionableability left over to allow aperson to gain a suitablelongevity.

The book “Prescription andOver the Counter Drugs”published by Reader’s Digeststates, “No medicine, whetherprescription or over thecounter, is without risk. Alongwith their desired therapeuticactions drugs typically expertother so called side effects onthe body, many of which areundesirable. Side effects canoccur with virtually all drugseven when they are takenproperly. Paracelsus said “Alldrugs are poisons.” The liver’sability to detoxify the effect ofsynthetic forms of medication isthe governing factor for the

three D’s of medication. Thedosage, the duration, and thedemise of the patient. I useterm synthetic because it is anew foreign substance that theliver cells are not designed tocope with. Reflect back toParacelsus, “Let thy food be thymedicine”. How many drugcommercials on television say“Our drug product is not foreverybody”? People with liverdisease should not take thisproduct. Your doctor willperform liver function test todetermine if our product is rightfor you.” As the doctormonitors the patient’s care, andthe liver tests show an increasein the enzymes that areliberated when liver cells aredestroyed, he gives you the badnews. The drug industry andthe medical doctors who writethe prescriptions are bankingon the fact that a patientsuccumb to another problembefore the liver gives out.

Still another thing to look atis found in a report from theU.S. Food and DrugAdministration. In 1998, theyestablished a protocol whereby

all adverse events to drugmedication had to be reportedto the FDA. It is referred to asAdverse Event ReportingSystem and some startlingnews recently come to the front.In 1998 there were 34,966reports of adverse drug eventsbut in 2005 there were 89,842,which is an increase of 257%,and to make matters worse thefatal drug reactions in thatseven year span went from 5,519to 15,107 which is nearly three-fold.

Consider another statistic.A recent Associated Press newsitem carried the headline U.S.behind other countries in lifeexpectancy. The article states,“Something is wrong here whenone of the richest countries inthe world, that spends the moston health care, is not able tokeep up with other countries”.Said Dr. Christopher Murray,head of the Institute for HealthMetrics and Evaluation at theUniversity of Washington. Ababy born in 2004 will live anaverage of 77.9 years whichranks 42nd which is down from11th two decades ago. We are

(DRUGS, continued from page 6)



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e-UPDATEPaid Advertisement

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e-UPDATE

supposed to have the besthealth care in the world, butfigures don’t lie. What is thecause of this tremendousdecline? Think back to 1987.How many TV adds were on thetelevision tube? Very few if any.Now, ask your doctor if any ofthe drugs advertised are goodfor you? People are going totheir MD and asking, “Can yougive me a prescription for thatnew drug that will kill me?Chiropractors owe it tohumanity to come forward andtry to enlighten the publicabout the dangers of takingdrugs. Especially when analternative is available.

Another facet of this wellestablished culture is that nowit is “the thing to do.” Everyoneis to take drugs to solve all yourproblems, be they based ontrauma to the body (painkiller), trauma to the chemistry(acid reflux, high cholesterol,etc.) or trauma to the psyche(ADHD, bipolar, etc). Thisunrecognized concept hascarried over into our youth andwe have illicit drug use on ourhands. We have a WAR ONDRUGS and a WAR ONTERRORISM makingheadlines, but nobody isaddressing the over use ofprescription medications.There is a small wave of theopposition to the practice ofmedicine and the overprescription of drugs graduallyappearing in the media. (1) theMay 29, 2006 issue of BusinessWeek carried a cover story titled

“Medical Guesswork” in whicha Dr. David eddy, a notedcardiologist is quoted “that only15% of what doctors do isbacked by hard evidence”. Thearticle also states the portion ofmedicine that has been proveneffective is still outrageouslylow – in the range of 20 to 25%.“We don’t have the evidencethat treatments work, and weare not investing very much ingetting that evidence”, says Dr.Stephen C. Schoenbaum. (2)Oprah has a regular M.D. by thename of Dr. Oz, who isrendering a word of advice toher listeners that approaches anatural medicine, health caretype of concept. (3) If you lookat the number of health carestores that deal strictly invitamin and food supplements,there is a booming industry.That industry has become sobig that Whole Foods and WildOats are now in a take overbattle to be number one.

I mention all of this toillustrate the fact that thegeneral public is turning towardnatural health care and awayfrom prescription drugs. Whatis chiropractic trying to sell?***CHIROPRACTIC***spinalcare? It seems to me that thetime for a public relations effortto start selling WELLNESS,QUALITY OF LIFE,LONGEVITY AND NATURALHEALTH CARE and FITNESS.We shouldn’t try to push care ofthe spine down the throats ofan audience that has beenbrainwashed for generations bythe AMA, that chiropractors

are charlatans, uneducated,and should be avoided. Thinkabout it. The chiropractor isthe best educated andequipped health careprofessional to be distributingthe message of whole bodyhealth care. We shouldn’t beafraid to stand up for ourprofession. Recently I learnedof a new program where D.C’scan join with the fitness guruJack LeLanne and try tocommunicate a wellnessprogram to seniors. You cancheck this out atwww.Stayfitseniors.com.

Here is another way that ourprofession can gain publicacceptance that’s throughresearch. We have anabundance of studies thatprove the benefits of properspinal care. How many MD’scan tell you that fats areabsorbed into the lymphaticsystem not the blood stream?

Chiropractic is scientificallythe soundest method of healthcare. Maimonides put it inperspective, “Truth doesn’tbecome more true by virtue ofthe fact that the entire worldagrees with it, nor less so evenif the whole world disagreeswith it.”

Dr. Rude welcomes your

comments. Contact him at

[email protected] or

write to 3000 Center Green Dr,

#260, Boulder, CO 80301.

(DRUGS, continued from page 7)

11


View from the Front Deskby Sherry Picotte, CCA Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

CCA Front Desk Occupier

Sherry Picotte may be reached at

(303) 755-9011, (800) 829-0399, or

[email protected].

I love winter, it makes mefeel alive! The cold air seemsrefreshing and invigorating. Ifthere is any drawback towinter, it’s the fear of slippingon ice. As I mature (notice Ididn’t say age), the possibilityof slipping and fallingbecomes a real factor. I telleveryone, “If I slip and fall justleave me there and drop offsome food and warm drinksevery once in a while since Iwill never get up again.”

If I had begun chiropractictreatment when I wasyounger and adhered to his/her instructions, I wouldn’tfind myself in this dilemma,but like every other youngperson in the world you feelyou are indestructible. Thevery idea of being old witharthritis, degenerating discsand all the other aches andpains that plague us when

we’re older is absurd.I remember when my father

was in his 70’s he said a year islike the twinkling of an eye. Oneday it’s January 1st and

before you know it – it’sDecember 31st – and he was right.All the more reason to take careof our bodies when we’re young so

as we age our bodies grow olderwith strength and flexibility.

Seeing a chiropractor as achild makes a lot of sense. Justlike seeing a dentist on aregular basis, it’s important tosee a chiropractor on a regularbasis. Think of how manyproblems could be alleviated bytaking the time to see achiropractor as you go frominfancy to adulthood? Patientswith young children need toknow the gift of good healththey will be giving their child ashe or she grows. Chiropracticencompasses everyone, spreadthe knowledge.

‘Seeing a chiropractoras a child makesa lot of sense.’


12

e-UPDATE(Medicare, continued from page 1)

Noridian Administrative Services, LLC (NAS) announces the new, revised 2008 Medicare PhysicianFee Schedule (MPFS) state specific files for the last two NAS administered states were posted to the NASweb site on Friday, January 11, 2008. With the posting of the Alaska and Colorado data on January 11,2008, NAS has completed the public release of the new rates mandated by the Medicare, Medicaid andSCHIP Extension Act of 2007. The President signed the legislation on December 29, 2007 mandating thereplacement of the scheduled 10.1 percent reduction in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS)conversion factor with a 0.5 percent increase for dates of service beginning January 1 through June 30,2008. Physicians do not need to take any additional action in order for their MPFS claims to be paid at thenew rate that reflects the 0.5 percent increase in the conversion factor. NAS is able to process claims forservices paid under the MPFS that contain dates of service January 1, 2008 and after with the new 2008rates. No adjustments should be necessary.

2008 COLORADO Medicare Fee Schedule Effective 1-1-08 to 6-30-08

Amounts payable at 80% after deductible - $135 for 2008.Direct Link to fees on-line:https://www.noridianmedicare.com/p-medb/news/fees/2008/fee_schedule.html(be sure to click COLORADO fees)Remember: use the AT modifier on all non-maintenance treatment

In addition, the enrollment period to be a participating provider for Medicare is extended untilFebruary 15, 2008. They did this due to the problems with the fee schedule. Also, a DC can withdraw andbecome a non-participating provider at this time if they choose.

(More Medicare news continued on page 13 and 14)

January 14, 2008 - SPECIAL BULLETINUPDATED FEES for Colorado Medicare 1-14-08

Medicare InformationHal Lease, DC serves as Colorado’s chiropractic

representative on Noridian Medicare’s CarrierAdvisory Committee. If you have any concerns,

questions or problems with Medicare OR youhave experienced a CERT Review, please

contact Dr. Lease at(719) 324-5242 or [email protected].

You may also visit www.noridianmedicare.com. orwww.cms.gov for more information.

SIGN UP forMedicare Part BEMAIL updates

at www.noridianmedicare.com/p-medb/news/

Look under Medicare NewsEmail list signup

13


Copper Mou

ntain 2008

Colorado Medicare Carriers Switch fromNoridian to Trailblazer

Posted on 1-23-08 byNoridian - Over 80,000 providerswill be affected by theimplementation of the J4 MAC,beginning March 1, 2008through June 2008.COLORADO PART B isscheduled for March 21, 2008currently. Less than 10 percentof those affected providers haveregistered for the J4 MACImplementation News listservas of today. These listservs arethe primary means of

disseminating criticalinformation that has thepotential to affect claimsprocessing, customer services,education, enrollment, LCDpolicy and even Medicarepayments made after thesegment (state) cutover dates.TrailBlazer is making every effortto ensure providers stay alertedto all changes that will impactprovider reimbursement andservices via these listservs andthe J4 MAC Implementation Web

(Medicare, continued from page 12)

(Legislature, continued from page 1)

mail. Please ask your StateSenator to support the TochropMandatory Med Pay bill.

Find your legislators byvisiting www.votesmart.org

OTHER legislative news:It appears the Medicaid

Alternative Therapies PilotProgram bill (HB1150) thatallows disabled Medicaidpatients to received alternativetherapies such as chiropractic,acupuncture, and massagetherapy will be moving out ofcommittee soon and headingfor a vote in the FULL House ofRepresentatives.

We were a part of a coalitionthat killed a bill (HB1158) in

site. Read entire article atwww.noridianmedicare.com/

splash_j4.html

Direct link to Colorado Part B:

www.trailblazerhealth.com/

J4/PartBColorado/

This web site contains frequently

asked questions, schedule of

phone conferences and training,

joining the listserv, training and

other information.

committee that appeared toallow people to practice healthcare (including chiropractic) aslong as the patient signed anotice of unlicensed practice.We worked together with all ofthe other established interestsin the health care field to stopthis bill.

JOIN the CCA LobbyingTeam at the Capitol

The CCA Lobbying Team isat the Capitol EVERY DAYcontinuing to identify oursupporters and attempting tosway those on the fence. Thereis MUCH work to be done. Ourlobbying team extends anOPEN INVITATION to any

member of the CCA to join theus on any day that isconvenient to their schedulesand work with us at the Capitol.We will help make sure you havethe opportunity to speak withyour legislators and othermembers of the House andSenate. You will be able to seefirsthand what really happensin the Colorado Legislature.

Please contact CCALobbying Team (IntegratedLegislative Solutions - ILS):Erik Groves at 303-228-1200 or

[email protected]/or

Terry Snyder at 303-629-6360 [email protected]

Also, check the CCA Legislative

Action Page on our web site at

www.coloradochiropractic.org/

legislative_action/index.html


14

e-UPDATE

The Department of Healthand Human Services Office ofthe Inspector General (OIG),the entity responsible foridentifying and reportinginefficiency in Medicare.Medicaid and other relatedHHS agencies announced intheir 2008 Work Plan, that theywould again seek records fromdoctors of chiropractic as afollow-up to their 2005 report onchiropractic documentation.

Work Plan 2008: Visithttp://oig.hhs.gov/publications/

docs/workplan/2008/Work_Plan_FY_2008.pdf

OIG 2005: Visithttp://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/

oei-09-02-00530.pdf

OIG Seeks ChirOIG Seeks ChirOIG Seeks ChirOIG Seeks ChirOIG Seeks Chiropropropropropractic Ractic Ractic Ractic Ractic RecorecorecorecorecordsdsdsdsdsACA is asking that all doctorsof chiropractic who receive anOIG record request to pleasecontact the ACA Office ofGovernment Affairs via e-mailat [email protected] (beforeDecember 21) [email protected] (postDecember 21) for assistance tofully comply with the request.

It is critical that doctors ofchiropractic include allnecessary information uponreceipt of an OIG recordrequest. It is also imperativethat this be done in a timelyfashion by the date specified bythe OIG. Therefore, we stronglyrecommend that doctors ofchiropractic who receive anOIG record requestimmediately contact ACA sothat they can provide theessential information to help

you navigate through the OIGrequest process.

This is informationalassistance only. ACA cannot beresponsible for individualdocumentation requests orcontent, nor can ACA beresponsible for any resultingliability and/or action taken byany regulatory authority. ACA’sassistance is designed toprovide authoritativeinformation to help doctors ofchiropractic fully andaccurately comply with the OIGrequest. This assistance isprovided with theunderstanding that the ACA isnot engaged in rendering legalor other professional services. Iflegal advice or other expertprofessional assistance isrequired, the services of acompetent professional personshould be sought.

(Medicare, continued from page 13)

In late January 2008,UnitedHealthcare (UHC)announced that it will notproceed with the chiropracticservices policy change that wasannounced in September 2007.At the time, the policy changestated that chiropracticmanipulative treatment forheadaches and for pediatricpatients is unproven andtherefore not a covered service.Because of the feedback fromthe chiropractic profession,UHC suspended the policy and,

UHC Rescinds Headache, Pediatric Policyupon further review,reconsidered its decision.

The ACA, along with theACC, CCGPP, COCSA, FCERand ICA, prepared and sent ajoint letter from thechiropractic profession decryingthis misguided policy. ACA alsokept its lines of communicationopen with UHC to emphasizeits members’ concerns aboutthe proposed policy change.

“We are pleased that UHChas decided not to implementthis policy. We believe that ACA,

along with the otherchiropractic organizations,made a compelling argumentas to why this policy shouldnot have been implemented.We feel that our members, theprofession and our patientswill be well served by thisdecision,” stated ACAPresident, Glenn Manceaux,PT, DC, CCSP.

The full text of UHC’spolicy update is availablethrough the ACA website:

www.amerchiro.org/press_css.cfm?CID=2715

15


Membership

Thank You BRONZE Members

Enhanced

Martin Achtermann, DC

Fred Blesch, DC

Robert Borman, DC

Robert Bridge, DC

Rebecca Brinkman, DC

Jennifer Crismon, DC

Elizabeth Decker, DC

Joe Dziezgowski, DC

Gina Gentilini, DC

Brad Hennen, DC

Glynn Hopkins, II, DC

Julie Johnson, DC

Richard Keuhn, DC

Kristen Kells, DC

Larry Low, DC

Tim Murphy, DC

Rebecca Noren, DC

Chad Powell, DC

Randy Roman, DC

Robert Schrepel, II, DC

to the

Welcome

For more information on how to support the CCA with enhancedmembership, contact the CCA

(303) 755-9011 or (800) 829-0339 [email protected]

The Colorado Chiropractic Association offers enhanced membership opportunities to helpsupport YOU, your patients, and the chiropractic profession in Colorado. Your enhanced

membership will be used to fund legislative activity at the state level AND the care and maintenanceof the CCA office – the headquarters for chiropractic in Colorado!

Get to know the new CCA members in your area!Please contact the doctors in your area and welcome them to Colorado and the CCA.

It’s EASY - Contact information available at needchiro.com

Marshall Spahr, DC

Michael Springfield, DC

Christine Sprowl, DC

Barbara Walters, DC

Craig Warhurst, DC

Kelvin Washington, DC

Monty Wilburn, DC

Lea Yoder, DC

New Colorado Members

Dennis Davis, DCLoveland

Randall Moore, DECLafayette

Associate Members

Sam Mark, DCGering, Nebraska

Reactivations

Welcome Back!Cheryl Duree, DCGrand Junction

Christine Schmitz, DCGreenwood Village

NEW Graduate Members

Justin Tosclair, DCWestminster

Thank youThank youThank youThank youThank youto ALL CCA members for your support of the CCA and chiropractic in Colorado.


16

e-UPDATE

A new study finds there isno evidence of excess risk ofstroke following chiropracticspinal manipulation, accordingto a February 2008 report in thejournal Spine. In the study,researchers note that patientsare no more likely to suffer astroke following chiropractictreatment than they are aftervisiting their family doctor’soffice. The study goes on to saythat the association between avertebrobasilar artery (VBA)stroke and chiropractic is likelydue to patients with anundiagnosed vertebral arterydissection seeking care for neckpain and headache before theirstroke. To access a full-textcopy of the study visit:

www.coloradochiropractic.org/headlines/files/stroke_risk_spine.pdf

Sun Microsystemsimplemented the ACNnotification requirement onJanuary 1, 2008, but theirsystem showed their group as*excluded* until some timebetween 1-8-08 and 1-23-08.Doctors were told on January 8that a notification was NOTrequired, then on January 23

ACN/UHC Sun Microsytems ErrorSubmitted by Martin Achtermann, DC

that notifications wererequired. ACN providerrelations confirmed to Dr.Achtermann that it was theirerror. If you are not aware ofthis, and the notificationprocess is not followed, not onlywill your claims not be paid butACN may require that you to

pay back anything the patienthas already paid you. Thiscould result in losses forsomeone who checkeddiligently at the first of the yearonly to find it’s been changedsince.

Dr. Achtermann may be

contacted at

[email protected].

Study: Chiropractic Does Not Increase Risk of StrokeThis study is just one of

several articles published in aFebruary 15 Spine supplement,which discusses the work of theBone and Joint Decade 2000-

2010 Task Force on Neck Painand Its Associated Disorders.This group is composed ofinternational researchers andscientist-clinicians who have

spent the past seven yearsundertaking a comprehensivereview of the current researchon neck pain. To read thegroup’s summary of key findingsvisit

www.coloradochiropractic.org/headlines/files/NPTF_key_findings.pdf

With regard to publicizingthe research findings, ACA isworking in cooperation with theTask Force to solidify keymessages and other importantmedia documents. These itemswill be available on February 15,2008, which is the officialpublication date of thesupplement.

‘A new study findsthere is no

evidence of excessrisk of stroke

followingchiropractic spinal

manipulation.’

17



18

e-UPDATE

Prepare for the sunset in2009! Protect your practice andyour patients. We are askingyou to get INVOLVED! Theway your practice is up forgrabs - any number of peoplecan step in and change therules. With the help of our newlobbying team Terry Snyder,John Zakham, and Erik Grovesof Integrated LegislationSolutions (ILS), the CCA hopesto not only protect theColorado Chiropractic PracticeAct but enhance it, too. This iswhy your support is soimportant, we need to showsolidarity. Please considerbecoming a part of the CCALegislative team. This group ofdedicated doctors meet todiscuss options, ideas andstrategize. Support the CCPACwith your donation (see page21).

Reach out and touch yourLegislators! Take them to lunchand establish a relationship sowhen the time comes we havesomeone at the Capitol that isfamiliar with chiropractic and iswilling to support Coloradochiropractors. (See page 20 forinformation on become agrassroots activist forchiropractic.)

Preserving the ColoradoChiropractic Practice Act isgoing to take time money anddedication and as members ofthis association with your timeor donation we can present aunited front. Let this be the

year that you make a promiseto yourself and to yourassociation let this be the yearyou get INVOLVED and stayINVOLVED.

MORE INFO on the 2009Sunset Review of the Colorado

Chiropractic Practice ActThe Colorado Practice Act

will be coming up for a “SunsetReview” in 2009. The last timeit was reviewed was almost 15years ago. The ColoradoChiropractic Association hasmade the review, scrutiny andprotection of the Practice Act amajor priority for the next twoyears.

What is the Practice Act?The Practice Act is thelegislatively-mandated rulesand regulations that dictatewhat doctors of chiropractic inColorado may do in thetreatment of their patients.

What does Sunset Reviewmean? A Sunset Review is anevaluation activity morecommonly known as “sunsetreview” because the agencies

subject to review usually havetermination dates in theirauthorizing statutes; typically,legislative action must be takento reauthorize them. The firstseries of evaluations served as atool to eliminate or “sunset”obsolete agencies. Generally,however, the focus ofevaluations has shifted fromwhether there is a continuedneed for State regulation orinvolvement to whether theagency has complied withstatutory policy objectives.These evaluations alsodetermine the accountability,efficiency, and effectiveness ofagency operations and finances.

Who must adhere to thePractice Act? Any and alldoctors of chiropractic licensedby the state of Colorado andpracticing in the state mustfollow the Practice Act.

What is CCA doing toprotect the Practice Act inColorado? Resources are beingallocated both in finance andpersonnel to do everythingpossible to ensure what doctorsof chiropractic have now isprotected. With the data andinput gathered from doctors ofchiropractic in Colorado, we areworking on adding significantelements to the Act which willbenefit and protectchiropractic.

Do other professions alsohave a Practice Act? Yes, mostall professions do have a

Ready, Set, Review. . .2009 Colorado Chiropractic Practice Act Sunset Review


19


Practice Act and their Act isalso reviewed periodically.

Who in Colorado overseesthe Colorado ChiropracticPractice Act? The Departmentof Regulatory Agencies overseesa number professions includinghealth provider groups such aschiropractic. DORA iscommitted to havingbusinesses thrive in anenvironment that protectsconsumers. In the long run,what is good for consumers is

(Sunset, continued from page 18)

good for business. DORA’sphilosophy is that regulationoutlines an equitable playingfield within which bothbusinesses and consumers canoperate. That playing fieldmust remain flexible, expandingor contracting when necessaryto meet current needs.

How can you help in theSunset Review? You can helpby first: reading the PracticeAct; second by contacting theCCA with your suggestions and

January 8, 2008 - DearPatients, Colleagues, and Friends:

As some of you may know, inJuly 2007, I started experiencinglower abdominal symptoms. Ipresented to my medical doctorwho performed many tests andexams and discovered a largemass in my left ovary. In midAugust, the ovary and spleen wereremoved. The ensuing biopsy onthe mass came back positive forovarian cancer. The cancer hadspread to the stomach and thepelvic areas.

I spent the next six weekshealing from the surgery andstarted chemotherapy in thebeginning of October. Thechemotherapy treatment has beenvery vigorous; and the prognosisat this time is good for longevity.Unfortunately, the chemotherapydoes have some major side effectsand has reduced my overallstrength.

An Open Letter to the Professionfrom T. Sammi Lowe, DC

At this time, I will no longer beable to continue practice as achiropractor. I have recentlyclosed my office and have madearrangements with my very ownchiropractor, Dr. William “Sid”Huryk, to overtake the care of mypatient’s at his office. His contactinformation is:

1805 South Bellaire St#520Denver, Colorado 80222(303) 756-1120Dr. Huryk’s office is right

behind the Best Buy store atColorado and I-25, just a fewminutes west of my former office.His office hours are Monday –Friday; 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Voicemessages are returned within anhour or as soon as possible.

Dr. Huryk and I graduatedtogether from Western StatesChiropractic College 25 years ago.Although his style of chiropracticis slightly different than mine, ourcare of patients is exactly the

same. I trust him implicitly.Michael Bahuchet will

continue to do the insurancebilling for my former patientswho treat with Dr. Huryk.Michael is also doing well andhas helped tremendously in theclosure of my office and therelocation of my patient baseover to Dr. Huryk’s office.

I can not thank everyoneenough for all of the supportthat I have received over themonths. I wish I could havehad more strength, energy, andtime to have spoken to morefriends and patients during thelast few months. All of thecards, candies, and gifts werevery well received. I will miss allof you dearly.

My prognosis is good at thistime. My spirits remain highand I look forward to moving onwith life and look forward tonew endeavors on the horizon.

Sincerely, T. Sammi Lowe, DC

comments on the Practice Act;and third by encouraging acolleague to join the CCAimmediately. CCA is allocatingsignificant resources to thiseffort. Persons not members ofCCA will benefit from theseefforts. The financial andpersonnel resource burden ishuge, and CCA needs alldoctors of chiropractic toparticipate through theirmembership, participation, andsupport.


20

e-UPDATE

NCMIC(800) 769-2000www.ncmic.com

Alpha Medibill Solutions(303) 644-5860

Probst, Dallmann, & Associates, PCCertified Public Accountants

(303) 477-1484

5U members

Thanks!! Keystone Club

2U members

The Keystone Club provides ongoing support for the CCA & the chiropractic profession!

Harve P. Meslin, CFPSafe Harbor Financial

(303) 785-8480

Nutri-West(800) 443-3333

www.nutriwest.com

Medical Specialists/Vitaminerals(303) 468-0008 or (800) 873-3414

3U members

The CCA e-Update is published monthly. Its purpose is to provide news aboutactivities of the various committees and information concerning currentdevelopments of interest to the membership. Articles, reports, letters, opinions,advertisements, statements, and editorial comments do not necessarily representthe position of the CCA. No endorsement of any item should be inferred unlessspecifically identified as the official policy of the CCA. All material may be editedfor clarity or space, and publishing decisions are based on quality of writing,timeliness, and potential interest to the readers. The CCA e-Update reserves theright to edit or reject all materials. The CCA e-Update accepts advertisementsand inserts from a variety of sources, but makes no independent investigation orverification of any claim or statement contained in the advertisements. Inclusionof advertisements should not be interpreted as an endorsement by the CCA ofany product or service offered through the advertisement program.

Promote YOUR company with the Keystone Club - visit www.coloradochiropractic.org/vendor.htmlor contact Vineta Campau at [email protected] or (303) 755-90111 or (800) 829-0339

Colorado Chiropractic Association The voice of Colorado chiropractic since 1917.www.coloradochiropractic.org - 8751 E. Hampden Avenue #B-7 Denver, CO 80231-4929 - 303-755-9011 OR 800-829-0339

21


2008 CCA Key Doctor Registration

Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________

Home City/State/Zip:____________________________ Business E-mail____________________________________________

Business Phone:_______________________________ Business FAX:_____________________________________________

Colorado Senate District#:________ Colorado House District#:___________ (based on your HOME/Voting address)

Colorado Chiropractic Association The voice of Colorado chiropractic since 1917. 8751 E. Hampden Avenue # B-7 Denver, CO 80231-4929

(303) 755-9011 or (800) 829-0339 FAX (303) 755-1010 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.coloradochiropractic.org

2 2 2 2

Take Legislative ACTION!Join the CCA Key Doctor Program

The CCA Key Doctor Program matches individual doctors with their

state senators and representatives to provide one-on-one, grassroots

communication. State legislators need YOUR input regarding chiropractic

issues – keep them informed and engaged!

What is a Key Doctor? In Colorado, we have 100 legislative districts represented by 100 representatives and sena-tors. A Key Doctor will become the CRUCIAL contact person to one of these legislators.

Why get involved? The CCA has an ambitious legislative program designed to help you and your patients. Newstate laws limit the CCA’s ability to connect with state legislators. This year the Colorado Legislature will again con-sider managed care contracts, auto insurance changes, including mandatory med-pay, and other bills that affect yourpatients’ rights and your small business. During the legislative session (January to May) the time commitment is aboutONE HOUR per month.

What does a Key Doctor do? Simply this: Get to know your legislator. Buy them coffee - take them out to lunch.Every one of these legislators is a person just like you and me. Every day as doctors of chiropractic you educate andsell your services and yourselves to the public. Your legislator is just another person who needs to be informed.Educate them about the value your care brings to their constituents. When legislative action is needed, the CCA willcontact you via e-mail and ask you to contact your legislator with specific information. (It is a necessity that the CCAhave your correct e-mail address AND that you commit to checking your e-mail at least twice a day.)

What can you do? Get involved. We know who your elected legislators are, and we hope that with your commit-ment TODAY to this program, we will have a doctor assigned to every Colorado legislator. YOU are those doctors!!!

When do I start? RIGHT NOW!Complete the REGISTRATION form enclosed and FAX it back to the CCA at (303) 755-1010. The legislative sessionbegins in early January 2008 - be ready for legislative action!

CC-PAC Colorado Chiropractic Political Action Committee c/o CCA8751 E. Hampden Ave #B-7, Denver, CO 80231

719-324-5242 [email protected]

CC-PAC (Colorado Chiropractic Political Action Committee) 2006-08 Contribution Pledge Form

Contributor's Name(please print):______________________________________________________Date form completed:______________________

Address/City/State/Zip:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day Phone:____________________________________________________ Evening Phone:______________________________________________

FAX:____________________________________________________________ E-mail:__________________________________________________

CONTRIBUTION OPTIONS:

$525 per 2-year election cycle (one-time $525 contribution is preferred) Current cycle 12-8-06 to 12-6-08

Lump sum contribution amount: $_____________ Check (make payable to the CC-PAC)

Colorado Chiropractic Political Action Committee

CC-PAC Updateon Colorado Finance Reform Act

The Campaign Finance Reform Act has changed the rules on contributions to PACs (Political Action

Committees) in Colorado. The maximum contribution an individual can make to a PAC is $525 per election

cycle (every two years). The current election cycle is from December 8, 2006 to December 6, 2008.Corporate/business checks are allowed as well as checks from individual accounts. Each family member may

contribute with their own personal account, but only one contribution can be made from a joint account.(Contributions directly to CANDIDATE CAMPAIGNS: Each individual may contribute up to $400 each two-year election cycle

($200 for the primary election and $200 for the general election). A husband and wife may make a single $800 contribution if the

contribution is done from a joint checking account. Be sure to include to include your current address, profession, and employer with

your contributions to make it easier for the candidates to properly report. If you have any questions of whether ANY contribution is

permissible or not, feel free to call one of our lobbyists, Erik Groves 303-228-1200 or Terry Snyder 303-629-6360).

What does this mean to me?PAC funds are needed to ensure positive contacts with legislators. Each Colorado legislative session there are

issues which impact doctors of chiropractic and their patients. So, there is ALWAYS a need for a strong, well-

funded PAC. The PAC law requires the CC-PAC to find more contributors with smaller donations.

What if I still have questions about the law or the CC-PAC?Contact CC-PAC Chair: Dr. Hal Lease 719-324-5242 or [email protected]

CCA Lobbyists: Erik Groves 303-228-1200 or Terry Snyder 303-629-6360

Documents

e-UPDATE - cdn.ymaws.com · Colorado Chiropractic Association The voice of Colorado chiropractic since 1917. e-UPDATE Volume 18, No. 2 February 2008 Also in this month’s issue