From Chirosecure: All Chiropractors Need to Be Aware of New Regulations
(PRWEB) February 12, 2014 -- For over twenty years Chirosecure has been providing Chiropractors in the United States with malpractice insurance. As part of the service to chiropractors, it is important that all practicing chiropractors both with and without Chirosecure coverage know about any federal laws that are passed that may directly impact operations. The reason why Chirosecure provides this service is so that chiropractors can make the proper amendments to their protocol and operational procedures that are required to abide by these new laws. In turn, chiropractors will be able to protect themselves from prosecution and assure that their practice proceeds without any cause for liability.
The New Stark Law Explained:
By now most chiropractors have probably heard about the "Stark Law" from various media outlets and as a chiropractic practitioner you may be wondering, "How does this apply to my business?"
The good news is, Chiropractors who currently subscribe with insurance providers like Chirosecure will already be protected. However, if a chiropractor does not have malpractice insurance it is extremely important that all proceedings are investigated in order to assure that there are not in violation of the new Stark Law.
"If a payment of any kind, direct or indirect, is made where at least one purpose of the payment is to influence referrals, purchasing, leasing, or to furnish anything that can be paid for by Medicare or Medicaid, then both the person/entity paying and the person/entity receiving the payment can be charged with a felony or be subject to civil monetary penalties," the New Stark Law reads.
This means that anyone practicing chiropractic services can no longer provide incentives to a medical service practitioner who refers over patients. If a chiropractor has made any arrangements with physicians or other medical facilities to recommend another chiropractor to their patients who are covered under a federal or state health care program the terms of that agreement are going to need to be re-evaluate sooner rather than later.
Remember, this new law has been established only to discourage dishonest practice amongst chiropractors and other private contractors in the field of medicine who take advantage of patient's coverage by referring them for treatments that they may not necessarily require. It also prevents practitioners from financially benefiting from referrals that they make for medically related treatments, which are covered by state health insurance.
It does not mean that chiropractors cannot benefit appropriately from a referral program that adheres to the terms of these new regulations. It is recommend that any chiropractors with Chirosecure coverage contact their practice representative immediately to discuss whether or not they are at risk of being charged, and to clarify full understanding of this relevant legislation.
If a chiropractor is operating without malpractice coverage in the United States, it is strongly recommended that malpractice insurance is obtained immediately as these new regulations may directly impact the business. For more information regarding Chirosecure Malpractice insurance and for Chiropractors and the new Star Law please contact the Chirosecure offices today!
Dr Stu Hoffman, Chiro Secure, http://www.chirosecure.com/, +1 (866) 802-4476, [email protected]
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