The
following are informative minutes of the
The meeting was called to
order at
Motion: Moved by
Antitrust
With the addition of a new
board member, the entire board was re-briefed on their responsibilities under
state and federal antitrust laws.
Treatment of Animals by Chiropractors
The board discussed the
meeting held between the WCA and the WVA in which last year’s legislative
proposal was discussed. This proposal would have allowed chiropractors to treat
animals as long as it was done under a written order by a veterinarian. The
board will consider adding this item to its legislative priorities when the
government affairs agenda is finalized before the next legislative session.
Limitation on Chiropractic Benefits
The board reviewed legislative
activities in other states where the state legislature has placed limits on
chiropractic benefits.
Medical Review Institute of
The board discussed an IME
done by the above named company for the purpose of understanding current limitations
placed on chiropractic care. Through the board’s discussion, it was determined
that chiropractors must be very careful to document the necessity of treatment
throughout the patient’s treatment plan. In addition, there must be a clinical
rationale for each service rendered or it is likely the insurer will deny
reimbursement.
Chirotech Guidelines
Motion: Moved by McMahon,
seconded by Sleight to publish the quality assurance guidelines recently
promulgated by Physicians Plus/Chirotech for comment by WCA members. Motion
carried.
2003 Audit
Motion: Moved by Bronston, seconded by Sleight to approve the 2003 audit. Motion carried.
WCA Advertising Materials
Motion: Moved by Lyne, seconded by
Patient Satisfaction Survey
Motion: Moved by McMahon, seconded by Bronston to send the patient satisfaction survey developed by the WCA to members. Motion carried.
Medicare AT Modifier
The board discussed the recently announced Medicare AT modifier and reviewed the conditions under which it must be used by chiropractors. The board was encouraged to let members know that there will be a Medicare Claims Roundtable discussion on the Thursday of this year’s fall convention.
Insurance – Negotiated Settlements
The board was shown examples of faxes received by members in which insurance companies offer to pay a claim if the doctor will accept a 25% - 40% discount of the reimbursement amount. There have been many questions of the membership as to whether these arrangements violate state or federal law. The board was reminded that the WCA published an article on this topic and was encouraged to reference this article if they received questions at their district meetings.
Car Seat Program
The board discussed the results of the background work done by the WCA on the potential for DCS to collect and recycle car seats. After discussions with experts in the field, it was determined that the liability associated with this type of charitable effort is considerable. Donated car seats are often obsolete and/or defective and the WCA could have liability if a donated seat contributed to a child’s injury.
Motion: Moved by Steele, seconded by Lyne to approve the request by Drs. Wilder and Bronston to publish their work on the “Appropriateness of X-Ray in a Chiropractic Practice” provided they agree that any compensation received for such work is remitted to the WCA. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately