 |
Orange County Chiropractic District
|
|
|
|
Memorandum to: ACA Members, Board of Governors, House of
Delegates and Other Interested Parties In this week's report: 1. MCANDREWS DEPOSES FORMER TRIGON MEDICAL DIRECTOR 2. TRIGON IS PURCHASED BY ANTHEM 3. STROKE CONTROVERSY CONTINUES (CANADIAN INQUEST) 4. SOUTH DAKOTA DOCTORS STEP UP FOR THE LAWSUITS 5. MC/NC: ONE CHIROPRACTIC NETWORK SHOWS ITS SUPPORT 6. ACA REPRESENTATIVE MEETS WITH PRESIDENT'S POLITICAL ADVISOR 7. SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE TO STUDENT ACA (SACA) MEMBERS 8. CORRECTION REGARDING APHA STORY 9. 2nd ANNUAL MEDICAL FICTION WRITING COMPETITION FOR PHYSICIANS 10. FOOT LEVELERS SEMINAR IN MINNESOTA HELPS SUPPORT LEGAL ACTION 11. CAN'T ACCESS THESE LINKS? 1. MCANDREWS DEPOSES FORMER TRIGON MEDICAL DIRECTOR In June of 2000, Dr. George McClelland, Patricia Jackson and Tom Daly joined representatives of the Virginia Chiropractic Association (VCA) to meet with officials from Trigon Blue Cross/Blue Shield to discuss their discriminatory practices toward this profession. One of the more prominent Trigon representatives was their medical director, Dr. Larry Colley. Three statements made by the Trigon reps during the meeting summarized their attitudes: 1) they pay chiropractors less because the doctors are willing to accept it, 2) they pay our doctors less for the same service because they consider us limited practitioners, and 3) that they had no intention of changing their policies or trying to accommodate our concerns. A few months later, we filed suit against Trigon. Colley left Trigon shortly thereafter. George McAndrews' deposition of Colley was the first opportunity to probe a Trigon official regarding this matter. The deposition started around 9:15 in the morning and continued until 5:00pm an hour lunch break. The attorneys for Trigon asked that the deposition be kept confidential. Mr. McAndrews agreed to a thirty-day confidentiality seal, during which time Trigon's attorneys would be required to justify why all or parts of the proceedings should be kept confidential. Because of the confidentiality seal, comments about the deposition are restricted to the following statement, which has been approved for consumption by Mr. McAndrews: "The purpose of the deposition was to further explore with Dr. Larry Colley the manner in which Trigon uses medical physicians to determine what all providers get paid under Trigon policies, even when the studies in refereed medical journals indicate that medical physicians are substantially uneducated in and incompetent to deliver the most cost-effective and beneficial care for musculolskeletal problems that represent (possibly with the exception of respiratory problems) the most common problem reported to health care providers in the United States. The ACA lawyers intended to question Dr. Colley closely on his knowledge, background, education and training in problems involving the musculoskeletal system and his knowledge or lack of knowledge of studies that reference the training that chiropractic manipulation requires and that it is the preferred mode, or treatment, for caring for back pain and related problems. The lawyers also expected to inquire about the substantial lack of documentation produced by Trigon, to date, supporting the medical physicians' decisions to reduce reimbursement rates for chiropractors and their patients for chiropractic care. At the time of this writing it is known that Dr. Colley's deposition took approximately 7½ hours. Details of this deposition are currently under confidential seal at the request of Trigon. Within 30 days of receiving the full transcript of the deposition, the matter of confidentiality will be revisited. 2. TRIGON IS PURCHASED BY ANTHEM You may have seen recent press reports that Trigon will be purchased by Anthem. The deal would add 2.2 million Trigon members to Anthem and increase enrollment to more than 10 million lives, making it the second largest Blue Cross/Blue Shield business in the nation. Anthem operates Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in 8 other states including Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana (its home base), Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire and Ohio. Four of those states have reported problems with chiropractic coverage, and a recent front-page article in the Indianapolis Star has detailed the general "ill will" providers have with Anthem. On the other hand, Rob Sherman, General Counsel for the Ohio State Chiropractic Association, has reported that while problems remain with Anthem, it has shown cooperation in its dealings with the state association. As for ACA's litigation, Anthem will be purchasing not only Trigon's assets but will also purchase its liabilities, including the potential liability resulting from our litigation. What is also clear is that this purchase raises the importance of ACA's efforts to reform Trigon policies, since those policies will soon become part of the nation's 2nd largest Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan (spread into 9 different states). A successful outcome would have an immediate effect within Anthem and an undoubted ripple effect on other insurers across the nation. In the David and Goliath struggle the ACA is engaged in, Goliath just became about 4 times larger. 3. STROKE CONTROVERSY CONTINUES (CANADIAN INQUEST) As you've probably heard, two high-profile stories are in the news allegedly linking chiropractic manipulation to stroke - Sharon Stone and the Lana Dale Lewis inquest in Canada. As a result, DCs across the nation might receive inquiries from patients concerned about the safety of chiropractic cervical adjustments. The ACA recently developed talking points on the safety of chiropractic that we believe will help you respond to patients concerned about these recent news reports. While the information was originally developed in response to an extremely flawed Canadian study - and not the inquest in particular -- we believe the general information regarding the safety of chiropractic treatment will still be helpful. You can find it on our Web site at http://www.acatoday.com/hot_topics/memo_stroke.shtml. In addition, the ACA has been in contact with the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) regarding the Lewis inquest, and reports from Canada are that things are going as well as can be expected. According to the CCA, news reports in Canada on the inquest have been relatively balanced - pointing out the chiropractic profession's contention that Ms. Lewis was predisposed to stroke because of smoking, elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and a family risk of heart disease, among other things. In addition, the CCA is confident that its team of experts will clearly point out the chiropractic profession's impressive safety record and history of positive outcomes. According to a May 2 story in the Toronto Star, Dr. Scott Haldeman testified that the "stroke was almost certainly a natural consequence of advanced artherosclerotic disease" and "that the suggestion that trauma from manipulation caused bleeding (inside the skull) is without scientific validity." You can follow media coverage of the inquest on the Toronto Star's Web site at www.thestar.com. We will continue to forward updates on the Canadian inquest as they become available. We are making this information available to our state associations as well. 4. SOUTH DAKOTA DOCTORS STEP UP FOR THE LAWSUITS This past week the South Dakota Chiropractic Association contributed another $10,000 to the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF), bringing its total contribution to $60,000. What is most remarkable about their contribution is not only that it is the second highest amount from a state, second only to Ohio, but that the total number of chiropractic licentiates in the state is under 400. When you consider that we have 55 thousand-plus DCs in the country, South Dakota shines brightly. 5. MC/NC: ONE CHIROPRACTIC NETWORK SHOWS ITS SUPPORT The Michigan Chiro/Net Corporation (MC/NC), the largest non-profit chiropractic IPA in Michigan, contributed $5,000 this week to the NCLAF, bringing its total contribution to $19,000. Since the inception of ACA's legal activity against CMS (formerly HCFA) and Trigon, the MC/NC was one of the first, if not the first, chiropractic IPA to support the effort with annual corporate contributions. They have also promoted this effort in their newsletter, which generated further contributions by their members. With the exception of Triad, whose contribution of $100,000-plus through NCMIC is the largest ever, the majority of the chiropractic networks have either been silent or their contributions have been relatively small. Here is what the record shows: (I will fill in) 6. ACA REPRESENTATIVE MEETS WITH PRESIDENT'S POLITICAL ADVISOR Dr. Kenneth Luedkte, past president of the ACA and PAC chairman, met with Karl Rove, political advisor to President Bush in a private gathering attended by no more than nine other contributors. The ACA PAC, together with Dr. Luedtke's personal contribution, helped support Dr. Luedtke's participation in the event. He had some one-on-one face time with Rove, and learned that Rove had just seen his chiropractor. Rove invited our doctor to call him the next time he is in Washington, D.C.. Dr. Luedtke brought many things to this meeting - not just a check. He represented the ACA, which is considered a player in the political arena. Equally important, he is chairman of the Republican Party of Dane County, Wisconsin. Involvement in political matters has always been one of our profession's strengths. Doctors like Dr. Luedtke, who labored in the political vineyards for years, are the bulwarks of our successes. 7. SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE TO STUDENT ACA (SACA) MEMBERS Once again the American Chiropractic Foundation and the ACAuxiliary are offering a number of scholarships to SACA members. Eligibility requirements include SACA membership, a minimum GPA of 3.0, full-time student status, and enrollment in the student's second year of chiropractic college. Up to fourteen scholarships will be awarded each year. Typically the ACF will grant ten to twelve $1,000 scholarships, and the ACAuxiliary will award two $2,500 scholarships. Scholarships are to be used toward tuition, books or other school supplies. The determination of the number of scholarships granted will be made by the ACF and ACAuxiliary. The deadline for 2002 scholarship applications is July 12th. Awards will be announced at the ACA's Annual Business Meeting on August 31st. Additional information regarding the scholarships, including the application, can be found at the ACA Web site at http://www.acatoday.com/about/saca/scholarship.shtml, at college student financial centers, or through the campus SACA chapter. 8. CORRECTION REGARDING APHA STORY My report last week included a story about the accomplishments of the chiropractic section in the American Public Health Association. Some of the information I received was from doctors who participate in the chiropractic section. If I were smart, I would have included only their information. However, I thought I would show everyone how smart I really was by adding my own spin and information to the story, when I noted that the APHA "...for years refused to even accept the membership of our doctors in its organization. This changed in the early 1990s when chiropractic membership began to be accepted." Apparently, this is not true. Fortunately, there were some people reading this newsletter, including Dr. Rand Baird, who caught my errors. Dr. Baird commented that, "This is patently untrue. APHA recognized chiropractic as safe and effective for certain neuromusculoskeletal conditions and low back disorders in 1982, not 'the early 1990s.' And while APHA had an official anti-chiropractic care policy from 1969 thru 1982, it never refused individual membership at any time in its history. Think about it for a second: if APHA didn't allow DC memberships until the 1990s, how could I have been a member since 1975? How could we have gotten the anti-chiropractic policy superceded in 1982? How could we have established The Chiropractic Forum - SPIG in 1981? The fact is we had over 500 individual members plus several agency members before the early 1990s!" If anyone would know the history of chiropractic in the APHA, it is Dr. Rand Baird. He was one of the first chiropractic doctors who fought the early years of recognitions with the APHA. 9. 2nd ANNUAL MEDICAL FICTION WRITING COMPETITION FOR PHYSICIANS We received notice from SEAK, Inc., a legal and medical information system, that they are seeking fictional short stories not to exceed $2,500 words. The purpose of the competition is to encourage physicians to become more interested in and adept at writing medical fiction. There are cash awards of $1,000 for first prize, $500 second prize and $250 third prize. Deadline for submission is September 13th. There is no charge for entering the contest. If you are interested, let me know and I will forward you the pertinent information. 10. FOOT LEVELERS SEMINAR IN MINNESOTA HELPS SUPPORT LEGAL ACTION Foot Levelers' 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONFERENCE in Minneapolis (May 17-19, 2002) helps support the lawsuits. 18 Hours of License-Renewal Credits -- ONLY $99! The right price, the best speakers and lots of fun festivities - all for a good cause! What more could you ask for from a Foot Levelers 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONFERENCE? Held at the Millennium Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this special three-day extravaganza (May 17-19, 2002) focuses on key practice-building aspects, such as: · Philosophy - Understand how to make the chiropractic paradigm work for you! · Technique - Learn new treatment protocols of practical and immediate value! · Motivation - Discover invigorating approaches for growing your practice! Engage in lively discussions with chiropractic's most popular and entertaining speakers, including favorites such as Drs. Mark Charrette, Kim Christensen, John Danchik, John Hyland, David Jackson, K.S.J. Murkowski, Jeff Olsen, and Terry Yochum. Also, enjoy a slate of planned festivities and plenty of refreshments, including a large ornate anniversary cake and lavish hors d'oeuvres. Doctors of chiropractic pay ONLY $99 when they sign up at least 5 days in advance. With early registration, chiropractic assistants and students can attend for JUST $49. Half of all proceeds from this special event will go to the colleges of the attendees' choice, with the other half benefiting the American Chiropractic Association's (www.acatoday.com) National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF). Please call us toll-free at 1-800-553-4860 (Canada: 1-800-344-4860) or click here: (https://www.footlevelers.com/doctors/spring_conferences.cfm?pg=157) for more details. Hurry, early registration ends May 12, 2002! Don't miss this special opportunity to unlock your practice's potential at Foot Levelers' 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONFERENCE. Foot Levelers, Inc.U.S.: (800) 553-4860 Canada: (800) 344-4860 International: (540) 345-0008 FAX: (540) 345-0202 E-mail: service@footlevelers.com Address: P.O. Box 12611 Roanoke, VA 24027-2611
We have placed my weekly EVP report on our Web site, where members and non-members can download the report in various formats. We will have the report available in "Publications," "EVP Report." The report is available in .html and .txt formats. |
|
This web site is best viewed with
|
. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
|
