staff As a chiropractor, you must ensure that your Medicare claims are accurate and complete. It means understanding insurance billing rules and regulations and adequately coding procedures.
Medicare Part B only covers spinal manipulation (or adjustment) deemed medically necessary to correct vertebrae in the spine that are out of alignment or subluxation.
How to Get Started
Chiropractors are doctors who specialize in treating patients with spinal injuries and disorders. They are also skilled in diagnostic techniques and medical history examinations. Regular visits to a chiropractor can improve patients’ overall health and well-being.
Whether you are a practicing chiropractor or an in-house biller, Medicare coding and billing can be complicated. Knowing the rules and regulations is essential to avoid denials and increase approval rates.
While gaining clinical experience, consider the technique you want to use. There are around 200 different chiropractic techniques in existence today. If you are considering owning your practice, an expert suggests that some employers may ask you to sign a non-compete agreement. This agreement can restrict where you can work for a certain period after leaving the company.
Studying for the Exam
Chiropractors provide a natural and alternative form of health care. Their manual manipulation of the spine focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself without the use of potentially addictive medications. For chiropractors, Medicare coverage can increase revenue and patient satisfaction.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created an educational and chiropractic Medicare training program to help chiropractors accurately document their services. Medicare reimbursement can be complicated and requires detailed documentation.
The program includes information about the documentation requirements for chiropractic services and dispels some common myths. For example, it explains that there is no limit or cap on the number of visits for covered chiropractic services and that a doctor cannot use an ABN to avoid filing Medicare claims. It is true whether the doctor is participating or non-participating in Medicare.
Preparing for the Exam
Chiropractors are skilled at manipulating the bones and joints in the body. They also have a unique perspective on pain management because they work with patients directly, helping them to identify what is causing their discomfort and find ways to alleviate it. They also strongly understand the human condition and often relate well to their patients.
Medicare requires that chiropractors document their services correctly to be reimbursed. Chiropractic has the highest rate of improper payments in Medicare Part B. This broadcast aims to educate chiropractors on improving their documentation and reducing these errors.
Medicare billing and coding is very different than filing health insurance claims. This course breaks it down into simple steps that doctors and office staff alike can follow. Sample 1500 claim forms specific to your region and a block-by-block manual of the Medicare requirements are included. HJ Ross Seminars present the course; certification is provided at the end.
Taking the Exam
Chiropractic services diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Medicare pays for specific treatments involving manual spinal manipulations, though it doesn’t cover routine maintenance or preventative visits. Unfortunately, chiropractors have a high rate of Medicare documentation errors, resulting in significant improper payments.
Medicare’s coding and billing rules are complex, so chiropractors need to have the proper training. Using online courses to learn how to correctly document and bill Medicare claims can help them avoid mistakes that could result in penalties.
Moreover, it’s a great way to generate revenue for a new practice. Chiropractors who offer Medicare training are more likely to attract patients and build their reputation for quality care. It can also help them create a sustainable business model less dependent on private insurance coverage. It is essential for chiropractors in rural areas where attracting Medicare patients may be more of an incentive than generating business from other sources.
