IN THE HEAT OF THE ACTION:

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE LEGISLATURE

The Legislature has convened and action is being taken on the bills of great concern to the chiropractic profession. Here are the details:

SB 1045 is the ACS Fair Copayment Bill and will be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Feb. 5, 2014. It states:

A health insurer may not impose as a limitation on treatment or level of coverage a copayment, coinsurance or deductible amount that is charged to the insured for services provided by a portal of entry health care provider licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 8 or 19 (Chapter 8 is DCs and 19 is PTs) that is higher than the copayment, coinsurance or deductible amount that is charged to the insured for the services of a portal of entry health care provider for the same medically necessary treatment or condition. "Portal of entry health care provider" means a person from whom a patient may receive services and insurance coverage for those services without a referral from a physician who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or 17. (Chapter 13 is MDs, 17 is DOs)END_STATUTE

The bill title is "Prohibiting payment for services to persons other than the assignee; equivalent cost-sharing requirements; definitions." As of 01/13/14, SB 1045 had been assigned to the Senate Health and Senate Appropriations Committees, both of which it will have to pass to be considered by the full Senate. The insurance industry has so much influence at the legislature that when a bill is adverse to the industry, they are able to get it assigned to two committees rather than only one to make it harder to pass the bill. We will try to win in both committees.

SB 1279 is the ACS insurance equality law and will be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Feb. 5, 2014. It states that if an insurer violates our existing law, you can bypass the Arizona Department of Insurance (ADOI) and file a lawsuit asking a judge to declare there is a violation. It also states it is discrimination to pay an MD or DO more than a DC to perform the same service, and that it is discriminatory to apply utilization review only to DC claims and not equally to MD and DO claims. Altogether, these changes should raise your fees and have a crippling effect on ASHN operations by eliminating precertification and the intensive medical necessity reviews which you currently have to tolerate. This bill was also assigned to the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees in order to give it extra hurdles to overcome, thus showing again the power of the insurance industry at the Capitol. It will have to pass all three committees to get a vote by the full Senate and this will be extremely difficult. We have our work cut out for us.

SB 1044 is the AAC Chiropractic AHCCCS bill and was passed out of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on 01/29/14 by a 6-1 vote. It reads as follows:

Beginning October 1, 2014, chiropractic services as described in section 32-925 that are ordered by a primary care physician to treat a specific diagnosed condition and that are limited to treatment by the chiropractic physician for a specified period of time, a specified number of treatments or a particular course of treatment.

This bill is being advanced by the AAC with no input from ACS and is deeply flawed since AHCCCS patients could only see a DC if referred by a PCP. History has proven that such referrals are rare and so the bill, if passed, would have limited positive effect for chiropractors. If would be extremely difficult to expand this bill to provide for direct access by AHCCCS patients to DCs without a referral. The bill is assigned to the Senate Health and Appropriations Committee. It will require that the Legislature appropriate funds to cover the cost of chiropractic care and that is also extremely unlikely in the current environment. ACS strongly believes the only AHCCCS bill worth pursuing is one that would allow direct access by patients to DCs without a PCP referral.

SB 1119 is the health insurance interstate purchase bill which would allow individuals to buy insurance policies issued in other states even if they have no chiropractic coverage. The bill contains a "poison pill" stating that if even one of these policies is sold, then the Arizona insurers would not have to comply with any of Arizona's "mandatory health coverage" laws which includes the chiropractic insurance equality law. We have defeated this bill before and will work hard to defeat it again.

ACS has released its 2014 Legislative Information Proposal and Documentation Part One and Two. We request that all legislators read this vital document in anticipation of meeting with our lobbyists, doctors and patients. Your involvement, as always, will be essential to ensure passage of these bills. Our bills be heard Feb. 5th in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. If you live or work in the districts of any of the following members, you and your patients, staff and family must inundate members with letters containing the text below. Here are the committee members with descriptions of their districts. For exact information of which district you and your patients live in click on this link: How Do I Find My Legislators and enter your home address to find your Legislative, not Congressional, district. Then find the link for the Arizona Legislature at www.azleg.gov. Go to the Senate then to Members and search for your District number and find your Senator. Send both parts of the ACS 2014 Legislative Information Proposal and Documentation package with a simple cover letter along the lines of the following:

"Dear Senator: I respectfully request that you take the time to read the attached information regarding upcoming chiropractic legislation for 2014. All that we are asking is to be treated the same as MDs and DOs when it comes to treatment of common back and neck conditions. If an insurance company covers all medically necessary treatment performed by MDs and DOs for these conditions, then this legislation would require coverage of all medically necessary treatment performed by chiropractors for these conditions. Patients want and deserve medical freedom of choice so that they can choose the type of treatment they want to use their health insurance to cover. These bills would accomplish this purpose. The prime sponsor is Senate Health Committee Chair Nancy Barto. I would greatly appreciate it if you would read these materials to learn the facts about how chiropractic truly is clinically effective and cost effective for treatment of common spinal conditions, and how we have been suppressed by our economic competitors in the medical profession. I thank you for your attention to this very important issue. Yours truly, Dr. Y (fill in your name)."

If you do your part as we do our part, we will achieve success in the Legislature in 2014 and restore insurance equality for chiropractic. Your practice will experience a total turn-around. Are you ready? Is this what you want? We know the answer is yes. Then get busy now!

Here are the Senate Health and Human Service Committee members and their districts with contact information:

Sen. Nancy Barto: District 15 Northeast Phoenix bounded by Scottsdale Rd. on the East, 59th Ave. on the West, Bell Rd. on the South, Carefree Hwy. on the North. Contact: nbarto@azleg.gov or 602-926-5766.

Sen. Judy Burges: District 22 Northwest Phoenix bounded by 101 Ave. and N. Lake Pleasant Rd. on the East, N. Perryville Rd. on the West, Bell Rd. on the South, Lake Pleasant Rd. and North Maricopa County on the North. Contact jburges@azleg.gov or 602-926-5861

Sen. David Bradley: District 10 East Tucson along all of E. Broadway, E. Speedway, E. 22nd St., E. Golf Links Rd., E. Tanque Verde Rd., and Wilmot Rd. Contact dbradley@azleg.gov or 602-926-5262

Sen. Katie Hobbs: District 24 Central Phoenix bounded by N. 48th St. on the East, N. Central Ave. on the West, E. Camelback Rd. on the North, and I-10 on the South. Contact khobbs@azleg.gov or 602-926-5325.

Sen. Ed Ableser: District 26 East Valley bounded by McKellips Rd. on the North, Baseline on the South, 48th St. on the West and Gilbert Rd. on the East. Contact eableser@azleg.gov or 602-926-4118.

Sen. Kelli Ward: District 5 Mohave County west to the Colorado River including Kingman, Bullhead, Lake Havasu City. Contact kward@azleg.gov or 602-926-4138.

Sen. Kimberly Yee: District 20 North Central Phoenix bounded by I-17 on the East, W. Bell Rd. on the South, N. 101 Freeway on the West and W. 101 Freeway on the North. Contact kyee@azleg.gov or 602-926-3024.

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INSURERS ONLY ALLOWED TO PAY DCs DIFFERENTLY FROM MDs BASED ON QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES, NOT LICENSURE OR MARKET CONSIDERATIONS

Based on Section 2706 of the federal Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, insurers may only pay DCs differently from MDs based on "qualify and performance measures." Right now, ASHN will pay only $18 even if four separate physical medicine procedures are performed while paying MDs 3-4 times more for the same services. Also, insurers are paying MDs far more than DCs for performing the same exams even though there is no difference in quality or performance measures. This is illegal based on Section 2706. We have brought this issue to the attention of our attorneys and have filed a complaint with the Arizona Department of Insurance (ADOI). We believe such differences in payment are a clear violation of Section 2706, the provider non-discrimination clause of Obamacare, and will pursue justice in this area vigorously.

SHOULD YOU BILL HEALTH INSURANCE WITH A PERSONAL INJURY CASE?

 

 

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DR. IMMERMAN AND CHIROCODE INSTITUTE PUBLISH BOOK "STRATEGIES TO DEFEAT LOW SPEED IMPACT DEFENSE EXPERTS"

ChiroCode Institute has published a book written by Dr. Immerman entitled "Strategies to Defeat Low Speed Impact Defense Experts." The book is based on experienced gleaned in Dr. Immerman's 93 arbitrations and trials over the past 15 years, along with review of over 700 defense engineer reports. You can buy the book at http://www.chirocode.com/immerman_v1?category_id=22.

Dr. Immerman's introduction to the book states: "In this book you will learn how to rebut the automobile insurance company's low speed impact biomechanical expert witnesses. I will show you how to be as successful as I have become after fifteen years of fine tuning my arguments in Arizona to the point where we win almost every case. The arguments presented by State Farm and the other insurers in Arizona are identical to those presented in every other state so everything in this book will be relevant for you wherever you live. Let's get going so that your patients are not shortchanged by junk science in the courtroom."

 

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A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM ATTORNEY DENNIS O'BERRY

Chiropractors - Do you treat accident patients? If yes, then ask yourself some important questions. Do you regularly get paid in full and in a timely manner? Are you and your patients able to speak with an attorney and have all your questions answered immediately? Do your patients believe their attorney actually cares about them and is always working for their best interests without compromising their doctors' hard work? If you cannot definitively answer yes to each of these questions, then I can help. For the past nine years I have been representing accident victims. The vast majority of my clients treated with a chiropractor as the centerpiece their accident-related care. I am ready, willing, and able to routinely obtain the best results for my clients and their treating chiropractors.

I am originally from Maryland.  Prior entering law school at ASU, I was in the U.S. Air Force where I spent time in Okinawa, Italy, and New Mexico.  During my final year of active duty service, I met my wife while visiting Phoenix and have been here permanently since 2000. I am happy to part of the ACS community and welcome any questions regarding myself, my practice, your patients, liens, or any other matter. I also welcome the opportunity to meet with any of you in person for a more formal introduction.  Wherever you are in Arizona, I can help and will come to you to provide convenience for you and your patients. I look forward to helping ACS and its members continue to provide Arizona's accident victims with highest quality treatment possible. Call me anytime at 480-892-0250.   

ACS HAS IT ALL: A LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM, LITIGATION EFFORT AND THE BEST SET OF MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS OF ANY STATE ASSOCIATION

ACS has everything a practicing chiropractor could ever want from a state association. We have a powerful legislative presence, a potent litigation program, and the most extensive set of membership benefits found from any state association in the U.S. Make the commitment in 2014 to join ACS and make us even stronger while you benefit from our membership benefits which include unlimited consulting with Dr. Immerman, an Arizona veteran chiropractor first licensed in 1980. ACS is nearly a complete practice management organization when you consider the advice you get from Dr. Immerman but the cost is only a mere $100 per month. We are poised to regain full insurance equality from the Legislature in 2014 if we are fully funded and that decision is up to you. If you are not already a member, join now and assure our victory in 2014. You can either join online at www.AZChiropractors.org or by calling 602-368-9496. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

THE HEALING CORNER: A DIET FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

            Roy L. Swank, M.D., Ph.D, a neurologist, successfully used a low fat diet to treat patients with multiple sclerosis for the course of his entire career. In a study published in the Archives of Neurology in 1970, he summarized his experience. (1970 Nov;23(5):460-74). This study is available on request to any ACS member.

            Dr. Swank stated: "This paper assesses the author's experience in treating cases of multiple sclerosis with a low fat diet for more than 20 years. Previous reports of these studies (1-5) were preliminary in intent. The present paper is intended to be final, both in treatment of the data and in conclusions.

            The study stated: "In the first years of the study, the diet contained 20-30 gm of fat daily, mostly from milk and animal sources. In 1951, butterfats were eliminated, animal fats were restricted to 15 gm daily and 10 to 15 gm fluid vegetable oils, and 5 gm cod liver oil were added to the daily diet. Corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, soyabean oil, and safflower oil were included in the new oil supplement. Margarine, shortening, and hydrogenated peanut butter were disallowed. The diet contained a minimum of 50 gm and usually 60 to 90 gm of protein. Carbohydrates were consumed as required to make up the caloric need. One egg and several glasses of skim milk daily were recommended for their protein content. For animal protein intake, while avoiding additional fat contained in meat, patients were encouraged to eat fish three or more times a week. Most patients increased their fruit and vegetable intake."

            The conclusion stated: "One hundred and forty-six patients with multiple sclerosis were placed on a low fat diet and followed up an average of 17.1 years. The course of disease in these patients was less rapidly progressive than in untreated cases available in the literature for comparison. There was a significant reduction in the death rate, in the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and in the rate at which patients became unable to walk and work. If treated early in the disease, before significant disability had developed, a high percentage of cases remained unchanged for up to 20 years. When treated later in disease, the disease usually continued to be slowly progressive. Patients who consumed the least amount of fat and the largest amount of fluid oils deteriorated less than those who consumed more fat and less oil."

            Now you have a diet based on peer-reviewed medical literature to use to help your patients with multiple sclerosis. Get going today!

GROUP MEDICAL INSURANCE, LIFE, DENTAL AND VISION PROGRAMS FOR MEMBERS

UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2, 2014

Click here to join or donate live online using our secure server 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES

CHIROPRACTIC ASSISTANT TRAINING: Trust Experience with Dr. Rosalind Canham, DC. AZ Board Approved ONLINE $380. Register TODAY Call 1-888-900-3382 or ONLINE at www.ProfessionalOnlineEducation.com.  Live seminar 1/24-26/14 in Tempe.

IS YOUR CLEARINGHOUSE REALLY FREE? They may not charge you, but how much is it really costing you??? How many claims are rejected, denied or unpaid and your staff spends hours on follow-up? Call HEALTH CARE CLAIMS - 602-482-3799 Arizona's Chiropractic Clearinghouse offering follow up since 1999 www.hcclaims.biz

OPPORTUNITIES

PHYSICIAN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Valley Wide Health Centers is continually seeking professional, motivated and ethical Chiropractic Physicians that are interested in practicing in the greater Phoenix area. The perfect candidate for our group is a Doctor that will place the patient's interest first. We look for Doctors that want to own their own practice and are self-motivated and most importantly willing to represent our group in the most professional and ethical standard. Are you someone that wants to own his or her practice with no out of pocket costs to you while you are making a very competitive base salary with Bonus? Our organization provides all the training, marketing, billing and collections, accounting and continued support so that you, the Doctor can concentrate on the most important aspect of your professional career...your patients. Please submit your information so that one of our representatives can contact you to set up a possible interview. Call (480) 459-5601, ext. #102 or email MikeS@ValleyWideHealth.com.

DC/ART PROVIDER WANTED- IMMEDIATE OPENING!! We are looking for a DC that is an ART certified provider (preferably full body certified) for coverage in our busy multidisciplinary practice in Arizona. We have 2 offices, Phoenix and Gilbert. We have a diverse practice with an ambulatory surgical suite onsite. You will be treating alongside our dedicated team of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctors and PAs. Familiarity with Electronic Medical Records is preferred. Salary will be dependent on experience. This is an excellent opportunity for a new doc to experience integration into interventional pain management. Coverage will be for 3 months. Please email or fax resume to 602.265.8151, feel free to visit our website at  www.arizonapaintreatmentcenters.co or www.azptc.com.

  Email: appointments@azptc.com.   Phone: 602-265-8800.

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY in high volume chiro/PT/MD clinic in SW Phoenix. Looking for energetic DC with strong subluxation philosophy and current AZ DC/PT license to join our team. Training/support from Palmer grad provided. First year 6 figure income potential through salary/bonus. Call 623-776-2225, fax resume to 623-776-2229, or email to  info@laveenchiropt.com for more information.

LOOKING FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL CHIROPRACTOR TO WORK

IN THE GILBERT/TEMPE, AZ AREA. Must be enthusiastic, passionate, and willing to learn. Will earn better than average pay plus bonuses.  Reply to liveschiro@yahoo.com.  SM

ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE: 

First Chiropractic of Tucson. Salary plus bonus. Must have Arizona license with physiotherapy also. Experienced preferred. Call Robin O'Neal, D.C. 1-520-403-0563.

ASSOCIATE CHIROPRACTOR FOR BUSY INTEGRATED MEDICAL

CLINIC: Arizona licensed DC, full-time, for a rapidly expanding clinic.  If you are a great adjustor, be part of this growing, enthusiastic team by emailing your resume today! apmhire@gmail.com

YUMA CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN NEEDED: Multidisciplinary clinic in Yuma seeking full or part time chiropractic physician for salaried, with bonuses, position.  Primarily personal injury.  Immediate placement desired.  Physiotherapy license mandatory.  Fresh graduates welcome. You can work with medical specialists of various types. Please contact me at sstratmann@live.com or Dr. Scott Stratmann, 602-510-4979.

ASSOCIATE NEEDED FOR DC OWNED MULTI-SPECIALTY

CLINIC IN FORT MOHAVE AZ. DC must be proficient in diversified and PT. Exciting place to learn and grow with in low stress environment. Competitive salary plus incentive bonus BOE. Feel free to stay 2 years and move on to your own practice or make a long term commitment for 200k income. More info call 928-768-2811. Send resume to: Fax 928-768-9787 email: stoutchiro@gmail.com

UNIQUE AND EXPANDING WELLNESS CENTER IS LOOKING

TO HIRE THE RIGHT CHIROPRACTOR who is willing to explore broadening his/her services along with chiropractic care.  Excellent base salary and bonus. This is an outstanding financial and career opportunity. We have the business systems, the sales and marketing, the program for total wellness. You bring the passion. South Scottsdale location.

Email lschwartz22@cox.net.

INTEGRATED HOLISTIC OFFICE IS LOOKING FOR A HIGHLY

MOTIVATED EAST VALLEY CHIROPRACTOR. Great purpose, passion for helping people and room for growth. Base salary, 401k, health insurance and bonuses. Contact drwall@afcmed.com

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR CHIROPRACTIC DOCTOR:  Generous Salary, Insurance Benefits, Profitable Bonuses, Paid Vacations & Holidays, Rewarding Retirement Plan in Mesa, AZ. AZ License & PT Certificate Necessary. Email CV: wellnessdyn@gmail.com.             CJ

FLAGSTAFF ASSOCIATE POSITION: Well-established, modern clinic with large patient base looking for a full/part time Associate. Diversified with a rehab emphasis. www.Flagchiro.com. Base plus % bonus. 

Email mhflag@live.com.

CAMELBACK MEDICAL CENTERS OF PHOENIX, ARIZONA is looking for honest and ethical Chiropractic physicians to join our team. We need someone who is highly motivated, willing to learn, is a self starter and looking to join a multi-discipline group practice. All training included. Compensation package includes: Base salary with performance bonuses, 401K with matching and health insurance paid at 50%. Opportunity to buy shares in our practice for the right Physician. Email cover letter and resume at drmike@camelmed.com.

GREENWAY COTTON CHIROPRACTIC IN SURPRISE, ARIZONA is looking for Associate Doctor who is honest, ethical and must be a team player. Compensation: Base salary with performance bonuses. Email cover letter and resume to gcchiropractic@live.com.                  WB

ASSOCIATE POSITION: Well established doctor looking for energetic, dedicated and motivated individual to join our Chiropractic office and Wellness center. Fully equipped office in northwest valley.  Please email resume to Bronchiro@aol.com

PRACTICES FOR SALE

PRACTICE FOR SALE MESA: Same great location for 30 years. Diversified practice, 102K collections last year working 24 hours/week. Priced for quick sale $55,000. Dr. retiring but will help buyer transition. Text or voice mail to

480-203-8145.

2400 SQUARE FOOT OFFICE IN MESA (GILBERT &

UNIVERSITY) FOR SALE OR LEASE. Doctor retiring. Practice has been in business for 30 years with established patients.  All equipment will stay with office. If interested please call 480-833-4655 or
e-mail evakiva@qwestoffice.net Monday thru Wednesday 8 AM to 4:30 PM. MH

LIVE, WORK, PLAY IN COLORADO: Fully equipped office is waiting for you to serve patients. Use entire space for your own needs or as a home/office. For details or photos, call 303-506-4147 or 303-505-4013 or
email cheryljacobs54@msn.com or rjjacobs50@gmail.com.

OFFICE SPACE RENTAL AND

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

OPPORTUNITIES

CHIRO SPACE AVAILABLE IN BUSY GROCERY ANCHORED

RETAIL CENTERS: Owner will fund relocation costs. Increased traffic & convenience = Increased sales & client retention. Experienced retail developer with well-located, grocery anchored centers in MESA, PEORIA and GILBERT.  Call or email for more information: Bryan Lamond
(480)-235-9999, blamond@nadg.com

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR TO SHARE OFFICE IN

AHWATUKEE: Established 10 year old practice, great location off I-10 and Chandler Blvd. Paperless office, X-ray and full equipment provided. Looking to cut overhead.  Please email Metthamdc@cox.net

NEW OR ESTABLISHED DC WANTED (IC): PAY LOW RENT, 
1-2 equipped rooms available in beautiful clinic. Amazing loc. (approx. 101 Fwy/Warner - Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert). 1 DC (me); 2 LMTs P/T and 1 NMD P/T at location. Call Dr. Shapiro (602) 908-3815.

WANT A LOWER OVERHEAD? SHARE SPACE IN MY CLINIC in the NW Valley/Arrowhead area for a flat monthly fee. Office equipped with x-ray, therapy beds, muscle stim, infrared, traction, laser, etc. Reduce overhead by half! Call William Zeiler, D.C. at 602-375-2225 or 602-369-0787 or
email rocknchiro@aol.com

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR OFFICE AND TREATMENT ROOMS in new Integrative Medical Clinic in Tempe; Baseline and Lakeshore Dr; 85282. Fair Price Negotiable. Friendly Office. Opening Sept 1st.
Contact Dr. Mona Morstein at 480-688-0283.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: LEANDER motorized table $2500 and 2 Leander lite tables $1700 ea, SUMMIT X-RAY MACHINE $4000, MINI-MED X-ray processor $800, HILL Anatamotor $1700, Diathermy unit $350, and much more.  602-577-2576

4 THOMAS HERITAGE 7 TABLES with all drop sections and tilting headrests. Excellent condition, brown leather-look, newly refurbished. Cost each is $1,400 new with tax and shipping. Asking $650 each or $2,100 for all. ALSO, ELITE ELECTRIC HI-LOW, Baltic Blue and white base. Rarely used in the last 8 years. $4,200 new price. Asking $2,200. 2 x-ray view boxes, Each side by side full spine for viewing A-P & Lat together, $200 each. TDP Lamp Model CDP CQ27- $130. Call (480) 443-2584 or 

email dr.palmer@wellnessdoc.com. AP

DRX 9000: 6 years old, very little use. Perfect condition. Ready to move. $12K. Call Dr. Shaun Malone 602-421-6111.

YOUR AD CAN APPEAR HERE!

The size is 35 words maximum; cost is $40 per month for members and
$80 per month for nonmembers.  Deadline is the 28th of the month preceding publication of the next issue.  Classified ads are also posted online on the ACS Online Classified Ads Page for no additional cost.   The ACS monthly newsletter 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 ACS@AZChiropractors.org for more information.