Medicare Expands Chiropractic Coverage throughout Maine in Demonstration Project
The US government and CMS have expanded coverage for chiropractic services in four areas of the country, one of which is the state of Maine. This demonstration project will take place from April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2007. This demonstration project now allows for coverage of and payment for examinations, x-rays, manipulation / adjustments, therapies and rehabilitation. Doctors may choose whether or not to participate, so it is necessary to contact a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) before assuming that he or she is taking part in this project. The patient will still be responsible for their deductible until this has been covered and for their co-payment; however, generally, coverage will increase and out-of-pocket cost will likely decrease.
This study opens the door for those seeking more choices for the evaluation and treatment of injuries and conditions involving the neuro-musculo-skeletal (joints, muscles, nerves, bones) systems throughout their bodies (head and neck, upper to lower back, shoulders through wrists and hands, and hips through ankles and feet). Previously, Medicare only covered the manipulation and only if it was of the spine.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) receive a four-year postgraduate education in anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis and other pertinent subjects and then have to pass rigorous national board and state board testing to receive their licenses). Every DC is trained and skilled at diagnosing and addressing neuro-musculo-skeletal conditions and injuries, including (but not limited to) headaches, arthritis, sprains and strains (to all joints), neck pain, back pain and lower back pain.
If you have further questions, please contact your local Doctor of Chiropractic. Otherwise, Dr. Thomas J. Augat of Augat Chiropractic in Brunswick, the Maine Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC) representative for chiropractic in the state of Maine, may be reached at (207) 725-7177 or at dr.augat@verizon.net .
