NO LIVING SOCIAL, GROUPON, OR HERE'S THE DEAL FOR US...

In response to some recent questions from current patients, we will not be offering a "special" or "reduced fee" service through any of the local and national email based marketing programs.  While we can appreciate a discount or anything to save money, especially in this economy, we are legally obligated the maintain and hold reasonable and customary charges as we are contracted providers with some of the states leading insurance companies (Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care, Medicare/Medicaid, etc).   You will not see an ethical medical office offering free orthopedic exams or free surgeries.  Nor would you see a brain surgeon offering a free BRAIN SCAN AT THE MALL; we agree with the law and strive to maintain a higher standard of care.  Any of the services we offer are covered by most insurance companies and if not, we do have reasonable payment plans, and "time of service", "financial hardship policies and pricing" that is legal within the constraints of our contract with major health insurance companies.  

Acupuncture, supplementation, nutrition, massage therapy, can be discounted as most insurance contacts do not cover these services as they are deemed "not medically necessary".  Chiropractic exams, x-rays, and adjustments however are covered by these insurance companies and therefore, illegal to offer a discount lower then that established by the insurance company.  (*consultations are exempt, not a covered service)

Unfortunately, those offices who accept insurance (cash only offices are not in this category) and offer these discounts are breaking the law and may see fines and jail time if they continue to offer discounts against their contract.  Those chiropractors offering the services also may get kicked OUT-OF-NETWORK for violating those contracts, leaving their patients to have to pay even more in the end.

Our office prides ourself on offering top, quality care, and following within the guidelines of our established contracts.  We will not over-bill, over-treat, (or under-bill) our patients or third party payors (BCBS, United, Medicare/Medicaid) as we strive to maintain ethics in every aspect of healthcare. 

Please email questions or comments to drcj@mybackinline.com .  

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As a current board member of the Iowa Chiropractic Society, here is the most recent stance published on the position :ICS's Position Statement on Advertising of Discounts and Free Services   

It is the position of the Iowa Chiropractic Society (ICS) that, because of many payor contractual restrictions, ICS members should not advertise the provision of free services. The offering of free services, heavily discounted service and the routine waivers of third-party payor deductibles and co-insurance is an unacceptable and possibly illegal method of patient inducement and may be in violation of Medicare/Medicaid regulations and provider contracts. Further, the offering of free services and heavily discounted services may result in reduced contractual payment rates where third-party payor contracts call for reimbursement on the basis of usual and customary fees.

Members should review their own advertising policies and procedures in light of this position. ICS recognizes that in a competitive health care environment, members often engage in various methods of practice promotion and advertising to establish and maintain a viable practice. ICS does not seek to restrict the rights of its members to market their practices, but rather strives to ensure member compliance with Medicare/Medicaid regulations and provider contracts

http://www.iowadcs.org/Dynamic.aspx?Id=262