Arizona Chiropractic Society eNewsletter

     

June 13, 2013Newsletter Subtitle

Month Year
The Arizona Chiropractic Society is here to serve you!

ARIZONA
CHIROPRACTIC
SOCIETY
 
ACS Logo


3515 E. Carol Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85028
VOICE 602.368.9496
FAX 866.567.6762

[email protected]

 

Alan M. Immerman, D.C., ACS President and Executive Director
Alan M. Immerman, D.C., ACS President and Executive Director

 DONATIONS NEEDED THIS MONTH FOR THE ARIZONA CHIROPRACTIC SOCIETY (ACS)


Dear Doctor,

The Arizona Chiropractic Society (ACS) needs your help to continue our programs -- like this newsletter -- during this most important time in the cause there has ever been. Go to our home page at www.AZChiropractors.org and read under Breaking News for many examples of how Arizona chiropractors rely on our essential work.

As our thanks for your support, we continue our to offer consulting services to members on a wide range of chiropractic issues plus a 
full set of membership offers which can be viewed at http://www.azchiropractors.org/pages/membership-and-member-benefits.php. The newest items are a series of sample template letters to appeal claims denials, a package of materials to send to PI claims adjusters when they try to lowball claims because the impact was allegedly low speed, and our UCC Lien which allows you to take control of PI cases. You will also find:

 

  • Full resources for how to fight and win when you are subject to post payment audit reviews and refund demands.

 

  • Details about how to document functional improvement with objective measurements in order to prove medical necessity of care. Insurers such as BCBSAZ will not pay for your care if you do not have this type of documentation.

 

  • What to do when a third party insurer refuses to honor a county health care lien or a PI attorney refuses to release settlement funds. We have a full legal strategy for you to follow in order to get paid.

 

You can donate and join online at www.AZChiropractors.org or simply by calling ACS at 602-368-9496 with a five minute phone call. We will help you with our knowledge base, and you will help strengthen ACS which will allow us to further help you in many other areas including litigation and legislation.

Thank you for standing with us to stop the intolerable discrimination against our beloved profession and to meet the opportunity this time offers to make a brighter future. As history has shown, time, and the truth, are on our side!

Sincerely,

 

Alan M. Immerman, D.C.

ACS President

602-368-9496

[email protected]

 

LAW FIRM AGREES TO FILE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST BCBSAZ AND ASHN 

 

          The most powerful and well financed class action law firm in Arizona has agreed to file a lawsuit against BCBSAZ and ASHN for a number of counts of fraud on behalf of chiropractors and their patients. This is the most powerful development ever in the cause for insurance equality in Arizona. 

 

          The lawsuit will allege illegal pre-certification requirements, impermissible limits on coverage for chiropractic services, illegal illusory benefits resulting from excessive copayment requirements, illegal reliance on flawed and inaccuratmedical necessity policies, and illegal discrimination against chiropractic physicians in violation of statanti-discrimination laws. 

 

          We are not yet prepared to reveal the name of the law firm in order to keep the other side in the dark. However, when we do, you will be able to read in detail about their history of winning many awards in the hundreds of millions of dollars against the largest corporations in the U.S. for illegal conduct. Their track record speaks for itself.

 

          However, this lawsuit cannot proceed until we have the right plaintiffs. We need BCBSAZ insureds who have had medically necessary care denied by ASHN and who have filed all possible appeals allowed under the ASHN contracts. For example, if you have had a patient where the initial 5 visits were received and you asked for 10 more but only 5 were approved, we may have a candidate if you appealed the denial of the extra 5 visits exactly following ASHN procedures. Contact Dr. Immerman at 602-368-9496 with questions and names of potential plaintiffs. This is a contingency-based lawsuit and so there will be no costs or fees paid by plaintiffs. Also, BCBSAZ cannot cancel the insurance contract of someone just because they filed a lawsuit or they will be in serious legal trouble. It is imperative that you search for and find plaintiffs immediately so that this lawsuit can be filed.

 

Chiropractic Wins When You Do Business

With These Vendors and Professionals

 

PINCUS & ASSOCIATES, PC AND PINCUS & LESPRON, PC- ARE YOU TIRED OF REDUCING YOUR BILL? With offices in Tempe and Tucson, there is no longer any reason for you to routinely reduce your bill on accident cases. Call Richard Cruz, Esq. at 480.777.2599 or Michelle Lespron, Esq. at 520.888.2599 to learn how it is to work with attorneys who understand how to beat the insurance companies at their own game. You deserve to be paid for all of the work you do!!! Click here for the firm's webpage with full information.

 

X-RAY EQUIPMENT * NEW * REFURBISHED: WE CATER TO CHIROPRACTORS!! STANDARD X-RAY -- OWNED BY A DC FAMILY! High Frequency X-ray Systems, Digital X-ray Systems * Digital Cassettes, 300 MA Systems * Automatic Processors, Chiropractic Tables * New * Refurbished, Statewide Sales and Service. Call Lisa Dionisio at 602-275-3344 or go online to www.standardxrayaz.com.

 

YOUR LISTING HERE AND IN THE NEWSLETTER: Your ad is seen by the entire Arizona chiropractic profession when it appears in the ACS eNewsletter and posted on the ACS webpage. Contact ACS at 602-368-9496 or [email protected] for more information.

 

CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA: offers whole-person, integrated cancer care by combining state of the art technology and conventional treatment with nutrition, naturopathic medicine, mind-body support, massage, acupuncture, spiritual support, pain management, rehabilitation services and chiropractic care. For more information, your patients can call 800-234-9113 or go to cancercenter.com.

 

CUSTOM X-RAY DIGITAL EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE: Dedicated to the Arizona Chiropractic Professional. Offering affordable X-Ray and Digital X-ray solutions since 1968. Affordable leasing programs, pre-planning services, lead shielding quotations. Processors, film, headrest paper, chiropractic tables, service/repairs/annual calibrations/digital service/support/computer IT support services, affordable service and support. Call for Shawna @ 602-439-3100 or 800-230-9729 -- www.customxray.com

 

CHIROFUTURES MALPRACTICE PROGRAM: Securing the future, managing your risk. Comprehensive coverage and competitive rates. Best value in the market. Contact: www.chirofutures.org or 800.219.9090 Key administrator is Dr. Matt McCoy, a name long associated in chiropractic with integrity and intelligence.

 

RICHCOR TABLES, MODALITIES AND SUPPLIES: Richard Corcilius is tried and proven having served the profession for over 25 years. Call 480-334-7430 or email [email protected].

 

ECLIPSE PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE: Auditors say it "sets a new bar" for documentation. And it's topped independent polls for decades. ONC-ATCB Certified. www.eclipsesoftware.net. Call: 800.966.1462.

 

BOARD COMPLAINT? I CAN HELP: Mandi J. Karvis, Esq. of Sanders & Parks, P.C. I regularly appear before the Board and am familiar with their expectations. Call 602-532-5816. [email protected] http://sandersandparks.com/

 

VALLEY RADIOLOGISTS: Complete diagnostic imaging, multiple Valley locations, appts. available 7 days a week. Quality digital imaging, quick report turnaround, Drew Hunter, D.C., M.D. on staff, call 623-847-2000for scheduling. www.valleyradiologists.com

 

DAVID TALLMAN, DC, NMD PRACTICE EXCLUSIVE TO PROLOTHERAPY for over 10 years. 480-922-1101 or www.arizonaprolotherapy.com for more info.

 

MEDICLINIX: For no charge, we will help you record liens and negotiate with attorneys in PI cases for free. We will help you collect up to 100% of your usual charges. Tired of fighting the fight alone? We can help. Call 480-220-1434. www.MediClinix.com 

 

 

BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS 06/12/13: 

Governor chooses State Employee Benefit - United Healthcare EPO supplemented by the FED-VIP plan as Arizona's Essential Health Benefits benchmark package. Coverage for chiropractic includes physician visits (one co-pay per day per provider), copayment $15.00 per visit, spinal manipulation or treatment limited to 20 visits per member per plan year subject to being medically appropriate, copayment $15.00 per visit, and rehabilitation services, short-term, limited to 60 visits per member per plan year for all therapy types listed (including physical medicine) combined, copayment $15.00 per visit. This is the minimum plan that all self-insured employers such as Walmart and Raytheon will have to offer beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Click here to read letter from Governor announcing her decision, and click here to read the entire Benefit Plan Booklet.

 

 

BREAKING NEWS 06/06/13: ACS releases all new June 2013 monthly eNewsletter with lead story about ACS' plan to file same lawsuit against ASHN and BCBS that the ACA has filed against ASHN and CIGNA on a national basis. Also read about ACS' plans for 2014 Legislative session, BCBS/Gilsbar refund demands, Aetna policy on manual therapy,and much more by clicking here.

 

BREAKING NEWS 05/30/13: Video evidence of insurance company discrimination against chiropractors that is depriving many patients of chiropractic care and causing many chiropractors to go out of business. View powerful video that tells the whole story by clicking here.

 

BREAKING NEWS 05/16/13: How to Use the Health Care Appeals, Grievance and Timely Payment Laws to Get Paid. ACS has made key Member Benefit documents public so entire profession can use key tools to get paid. Click here for complete information. Much more information like this available to members. Join today online!

 

BREAKING NEWS 05/02/13: ACS releases May 2013 eNewsletter with key stories about appeal filed with Arizona Supreme Court in ADOI lawsuit to overturn Court of Appeals decision, plans for additional litigation and legislation to achieve insurance equality, meeting with ADOI Director and executive staff, solutions for refund demands and much more. Click here to read the newsletter. 

 

BREAKING NEWS 04/22/13: Meeting with ADOI Director and staff on 04/18/13 to address ACS' complaints nonproductive. ADOI refuses to agree to enforce any of the key provisions of the chiropractic insurance equality law. ACS now strategizing other solutions. Click here to read a full report of the details of the meeting.

 

BREAKING NEWS 04/02/13: ACS releases all new April 2013 eNewsletter with key stories about Court of Appeals decision in favor of ADOI, legislative defeat of SB 1362, Senate committee decision in favor of Gerrie Marks as ADOI Director as much more. Click here to read full newsletter.

 

BREAKING NEWS 03/27/13: State Farm files petition with Arizona Court of Appeals to force doctors to accept $12 as payment in full for depositions in PI cases. Treating DCs would be "fact witnesses" and not "expert witnesses" if State Farm prevails. ACS files Amicus brief with Court to oppose State Farm.

 

BREAKING NEWS 03/20/13: SB 1362 fails to pass Senate on reconsideration as some Senators still believe bill will turn DCs into PCPs while others want to wait to see how national insurance equality affects profession. Some Senators follow directions from Arizona Chamber of Commerce which is dominated by BCBS. ACS now focusing on gaining enforcement of current insurance equality law. Go to the ACS Legislative webpage at http://www.azchiropractors.org/pages/LEGISLATIVE-INFORMATION-PAGE.php to view streaming video of all Legislative hearings and votes.

  

BREAKING NEWS 02/11/13: ACS releases February 2013 ACS eNewsletter with lead story "Powerful, Leading Legislators Sponsor and Introduce ACS Insurance Equality Law." Also read about refund demands and all breaking news by clicking here.

 

BREAKING NEWS 02/09/13: U.S. Department of Labor files amicus brief supporting ACS' position that post payment audit (PPA) reviews are adverse claims determinations subject to all ERISA appeal rights. Click here to read key excerpts from the DOL amicus brief. This will greatly strengthen the ACS anti-PPA letter available by clicking here

 

BREAKING NEWS 12/06/12: ACS releases December 2012 eNews with lead story "Legislators Poised to Tell ADOI to Enforce Chiropractic Insurance Equality Law or They Will Allow Public to Do It." Also, ACS explains details of how its strategy is effective in countering the epidemic of refund demands from health insurers. Read about the Governor's new appointment for ADOI Director, all of the ACS member benefits and Corporate Members. Click here to read the entire 8 page full color PDF newsletter.

 

BREAKING NEWS 11/07/12: ACS releases November 2012 ACS eNewsletter with story about ACS' plans to attack insurance discrimination at the Legislature in January, 2013. Also read about the complete ACS package to fight low speed impact arguments in PI cases, LaBombard defenses, how to fight refund demands, and much more by clicking here.

 

BREAKING NEWS 10/31/12: BCBS to be sued for charging copays for chiropractic care. The lawsuit will be handled by the law firm Hansen Reynolds Dickinson Crueger LLC from Milwaukee, WI, http://hrdclaw.com/, with Arizona bad faith insurance lawyer Stephen Ryan, www.stephencryanpc.com/. The WI firm has been litigating the same issue in WI. Here is a link to a newspaper article about their lawsuit and a link to the initial 30 page WI filing.

 

BREAKING NEWS 10/20/12: ACS releases Low Speed Impact Defense Package including a letter to send to a claims adjuster who has raised low speed impact arguments, telling you to limit treatment because property damage was minor. The package is posted on the Member Benefits page, #35.1 to 35.6.

 

BREAKING NEWS 08/03/12: ACS releases all new 8 page August 2012 ACS eNewsletter. Lead story: "Insurance Restrictions on Chiropractic Fueling Epidemic of Narcotic Opiate Addictive Prescription Painkiller Abuse." Read this story and much more by clicking here. Read ACS page on the subject by clicking here. Read ACS Position Paper by clicking here.

 

BREAKING NEWS 06/28/12: US Supreme Court upholds national healthcare reform including powerful clause prohibiting discrimination against chiropractors. Click here to read full ACS explanation of chiropractic provisions which will be a boon to the profession. 

 

BREAKING NEWS 04/28/12: ACS publishes Complete Directory to Personal Injury Resources, superior to many hours of seminars and hundreds of dollars of expense. Based on Dr. Immerman's 69 trials and 45 depositions in the past 15 years with overall 500 case reviews. 

 

BREAKING NEWS 03/26/12: $70,000 Plaintiff's award in classic low speed impact case. State Farm retains Joseph Peles, PhD, biomechanical engineer, and plaintiffs retained Alan M. Immerman, D.C. to rebut. Jury did not believe Dr. Peles after hearing from Dr. Immerman and concluded the plaintiff was injured, awarding $70,000. Click here to read the entire Court's Minute Entry.

 

KEY DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR PRACTICE:  11.3 - Letter to fight refund demands. If you receive a refund demand, contact ACS. 34.1 -- Who Can an ARS 33-931 Lien Be Enforced Against, by PI attorney Steve Pincus.  Also: New PI/health insurance lien forms for health insurers that refuse to honor assignments of benefits. New liens grant more rights than county liens plus work in UM/UIM cases. Also, all new ASH Claims Denial Center with key analysis at 11.5.

 

BREAKING NEWS 02/03/12: Arizona Capitol Times publishes Dr. Immerman's "Stop Insurance Industry War On Patients Who Rely On Chiropractic Care." Click here to read

 

BREAKING NEWS 12/14/11: Press Conference on 12/13/11 great success in exposing ADOI, BCBS and ASH. Click here to read full report including links to newspaper articles and TV videos. Click here to read Media Release.

 

Most Read: Newsletter from MedicoLegal Services with reference for the best literature review journal study about biomechanics and injury mechanisms of whiplash. Click here for newsletter.

 

Most Read: ACS offers members group medical insurance which is guaranteed-issue. This means no medical questions asked! High quality Arizona insurer. Call ACS at 602-368-9496 for more information.

 

Most Read: Watch live testimony from the Legislature as Dr. Immerman arguesthat chiropractic should be included in health insurance. Click here to see video. Begin at the 50:30 minute mark.

 


 

Click here to join ACS or donate online with our live secure server. For a detailed description of each of the 60 valuable member benefits, click here.

 


 

Alan M. Immerman, D.C.

President and Executive Director