Some insurance companies (esp. State Farm) are misinterpreting part of the tort reform law passed by the republicans. Essentially they are telling doctors that they HAVE to file the health insurance in a PI case which means that the doctor gets paid the reduced network fee instead of his/her full fee. State Farm then gets the benefit of the health insurance covering the bill and doesn't have to actually pay anything in a case where they are otherwise liable.
Prohibit Liability Carrier Using Lien Statute
We have reports of liability carriers disbursing settlements per the lien statute (see attached) when the only bill is a chiropractic bill and there is not enough money to fully pay the doctor and leave the patient some of the money. This seems to be totally inappropriate but we have two legal opinions that they are legally doing this. The lien law seems to only apply if there is a lawyer involved but the liability company (primarily Allstate at this point) is using the lien statute to make lower settlements and take money from the doctor to give to the patient.
Consistent Procedure Reimbursement with other Physicians
DCs should be paid at the same rate as an MD for i.e. an exam CPT code.
Copay Parity
Parity with Primary Care copays
Preceptor
Re-authorize the preceptor program after UNC Board of Governors ruled it out of compliance
High School Athletic Physical
Instruct board of education to accept pre-participation physicals performed by DCs
Chiro Care before Opioid
Make it a requirement that prior to opioid precscritption for back pain, the patient must undergo a trial of chiropractic care
DC License Plate
Authorize an official DC license plate similar to the Nurse plate. Requires the pre-sale of 300 plates
Broader Scope
Needs to be defined but in general may include prescriptive authority
Peer Review
Requires a liability carrier to use a NC licensed DC for claims review/peer review
