Medicare X RAY coverage
As of January 1, 2000, an x-ray is not required by Medicare to demonstrate the subluxation. However, an x-ray may be used for this purpose if you so choose. The x-ray must have been taken reasonably close to (within 12 months prior or 3 months following) the beginning of treatment. In certain cases of chronic subluxation (e.g., scoliosis), an older x-ray may be accepted if the beneficiary’s health record indicates the condition has existed longer than 12 months and there is a reasonable basis for concluding that the condition is permanent. A previous CT scan and/or MRI are acceptable evidence if a subluxation of the spine is demonstrated.
X-RAYS ORDERED/REFERRED BY A CHIROPRACTOR
Coverage of chiropractic services is specifically limited to treatment by means of manual manipulation. No other diagnostic or therapeutic service furnished by a chiropractor or under his order is covered. The X-ray may be used for documentation, but Medicare will make no payment to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) if the chiropractor orders the X-ray.
This clarifies the current policy regarding payment of diagnostic X-rays either ordered by or referred by a chiropractor. If a chiropractor directs or refers the patient to the radiologist to obtain an X-ray to demonstrate a subluxation prior to beginning treatment, and the radiologist performs the X-ray based upon the chiropractor’s evaluation of the patient, the radiologist should report the chiropractor as the ordering provider on the claim form. Medicare will deny the service as non-covered, the beneficiary will be responsible for payment, the ABN will not apply, and advance written notice will not be required.
If the patient is referred by the chiropractor to the radiologist, and the radiologist then determines that an X-ray is appropriate, the radiologist assumes responsibility for ordering the X-ray and enters his name and ID number as the ordering physician on the claim form; Medicare will not deny the claim. The radiologist is not precluded from ordering a diagnostic X-ray. However, in this case, we would expect the radiologist to maintain adequate documentation to substantiate the medical necessity of the services he has ordered based upon his evaluation of the patient. In the event of a postpayment review of claims, we would request this documentation to validate payments made to the radiologist. In addition, no other diagnostic or therapeutic service performed by a chiropractor or ordered by a chiropractor is covered (e.g., physical therapy).
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4 comments:
There are known advantages of chiropractic treatment such as promoting strong immune system for protection against common illnesses such as cough and cold and can also treat digestive problems. That's also why a lot of people undergo this type of treatment these days.
Chicago chiropractor
Chiropractic is a noble profession. Not only that chiropractors maintain and restore the balance of the nervous system but also help us by detecting any possible threatening disease that we may have.
Aided with some medical equipments like x-ray, thus making the hypothesis and diagnosis clear and certain if in case found out to have a serious illness.
My aunt was diagnosed with osteoporosis. But on its early stage, a family friend recommended chiropractic treatment.
Although, we are aware that chiropractors do not treat osteoporosis but they were able to reduce some of the symptoms.
This includes the pain caused by spinal compression fractures.
The chiropractor also offers her important advices to prevent further fractures in the spine.
On this note, an x-rays is really important to monitor the development of chiropractic treatment. With the x-ray result, the chiropractor were able to give her concrete advises as to what further tests should be done.
My aunt was diagnosed with osteoporosis. But on its early stage, a family friend recommended chiropractic treatment.
Although, we are aware that chiropractors do not treat osteoporosis but they were able to reduce some of the symptoms.
This includes the pain caused by spinal compression fractures.
The chiropractor also offers her important advices to prevent further fractures in the spine.
On this note, an x-rays is really important to monitor the development of chiropractic treatment. With the x-ray result, the chiropractor were able to give her concrete advises as to what further tests should be done.
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