STOP DISCRIMINATION!!! Did you know… Medicare patients continue to be denied quality, affordable, and safe treatment options?
- Medicare requires, but WON’T PAY FOR, an examination… when performed by their chiropractic doctor.
- Medicare requires, but WON’T PAY FOR, x-rays… when prescribed by their chiropractic doctor.
- Medicare WON’T PAY FOR physical therapy… when prescribed by their chiropractic doctor.
- Medicare WON’T PAY FOR any services by a specialist… if their chiropractic doctor referred them.
- Medicare WON’T PAY FOR any imaging (CT scans, MRI, Ultrasound, etc.)… when prescribed by their chiropractic doctor.
- Medicare WON’T PAY FOR ANYTHING performed or prescribed by a chiropractic doctor other than a chiropractic adjustment… but they’ll pay an untrained medical doctor (Manipulation: 835 hours – 0 hours… compare here) 400% MORE for the same service… that they’ve never trained to do.
It’s absolutely ridiculous. The greatest shortage in the American health care system today, is primary care providers. How often do you hear someone say they can’t get in to see their medical doctor for 3+ weeks? All this while 60,000+ chiropractic doctors could manage a huge percentage of those primary care visits, if only Medicare would allow it. Instead, we have to first refer to their PCP, who then refers to an imaging center, back to the PCP, then to the specialist… and on and on. Keep in mind, every step in this progression equals another out-of-pocket copay for the patient and more time without the care they need.
By far, the most common reason for a visit to the medical doctor is musculoskeletal pain. Sciatica, back pain, neck/shoulder pain, bursitis, tendinitis, tension headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. Study after study continues to prove that chiropractic care is the most effective, cheapest, and safest form of treatment for musculoskeletal complaints.
- Chiropractic doctors take 549 hours more than medical doctors in orthopedics.
- Chiropractic doctors take 193 hours more than medical doctors in anatomy.
- Chiropractic doctors take 201Â hours more than medical doctors in radiology and diagnostic imaging.
- Chiropractic doctors take 220 hours more than medical doctors in rehabilitation and exercise. (MD’s take zero)
Chiropractic doctors are recognized and licensed in all 50 states and around the world as physicians. Regardless of etiology, they are trained to take a detailed consultation and history followed by an examination when dealing with their patients just like all other physicians. They are trained to diagnose the most likely cause of a complaint, and then to determine the next proper course of action… whether that is further testing, further imaging, referral, or advise treatment.
The discrimination against chiropractic by the insurance companies and Medicare is profit-driven, and is costing patients quality of life in addition to money. Our aging population deserves the best health care this nation has to offer. They will continue to take advantage of us until we band together and demand change. The American Chiropractic Association is spearheading this process and has launched a petition that simply asks legislators to correct the inequity in Medicare. Please take one minute and add your name to this list, and then share it with a friend.
Dr. Gray … PLEASE SHARE THIS AROUND!!! Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Reddit, E-mail, everywhere! Our Medicare patients deserve it!