Abstract

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Background

Several tests have been suggested to assess the isometric endurance of the cervical flexor (NFME) and extensors (NEE) muscles. This study proposes to determine whether neck flexors endurance is related to extensor endurance, and whether cervical muscle endurance is related to disability, pain amount and pain stage in subjects with neck pain.

Methods

Thirty subjects (18 women, 12 men, mean ± SD age: 43 ± 12 years) complaining of neck pain filled out the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Neck Pain and Disability Scale-Italian version (NPDS-I). They also completed the timed endurance tests for the cervical muscles.

Results

The mean endurance was 246.7 ± 150 seconds for the NEE test, and 44.9 ± 25.3 seconds for the NMFE test. A significant correlation was found between the results of these two tests (r = 0.52, p = 0.003). A positive relationship was also found between VAS and NPDS-I (r = 0.549, p = 0.002). The endurance rates were similar for acute/subacute and chronic subjects, whereas males demonstrated significantly higher values compared to females in NFME test.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that neck flexors and extensors endurance are correlated and that the cervical endurance is not significantly altered by the duration of symptoms in subjects with neck pain.

Abstract (provisional)

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Background

This systematic review updated and extended the "UK evidence report" by Bronfort et al. (Chiropr Osteopath 18:3, 2010) with respect to conditions/interventions that received an 'inconclusive? or 'negative? evidence rating or were not covered in the report.

Methods

A literature search of more than 10 general medical and specialised databases was conducted in August 2011 and updated in March 2013. Systematic reviews, primary comparative studies and qualitative studies of patients with musculoskeletal or non-musculoskeletal conditions treated with manual therapy and reporting clinical outcomes were included. Study quality was assessed using standardised instruments, studies were summarised, and the results were compared against the evidence ratings of Bronfort. These were either confirmed, updated, or new categories not assessed by Bronfort were added.

Results

25,539 records were found; 178 new and additional studies were identified, of which 72 were systematic reviews, 96 were randomised controlled trials, and 10 were non-randomised primary studies. Most 'inconclusive? or 'moderate? evidence ratings of the UK evidence report were confirmed. Evidence ratings changed in a positive direction from inconclusive to moderate evidence ratings in only three cases (manipulation/mobilisation [with exercise] for rotator cuff disorder; spinal mobilisation for cervicogenic headache; and mobilisation for miscellaneous headache). In addition, evidence was identified on a large number of non-musculoskeletal conditions not previously considered; most of this evidence was rated as inconclusive.

Conclusions

Overall, there was limited high quality evidence for the effectiveness of manual therapy. Most reviewed evidence was of low to moderate quality and inconsistent due to substantial methodological and clinical diversity. Areas requiring further research are highlighted.

Arlington, Va.—The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) today announced its intention to appeal the recent dismissal of its claims against American Specialty Health Inc. and American Specialty Health Networks Inc. (collectively, "ASHN"), and CIGNA Corporation and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (collectively, "CIGNA"). Significantly, the dismissal was based upon a variety of procedural considerations--not the substance of ACA’s claims.

ACA’s legal counsel is optimistic about the chances of a successful appeal, noting that this area of the law is the subject of increasing judicial focus.

“Recently, there have been several significant rulings recognizing that providers are entitled to assert claims under ERISA to challenge benefit determinations by insurers, including with regard to recoupments of previously issued payments”,” said Brian Hufford, Esq., of Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, who represents ACA in the class action suit. "We believe that federal courts are increasingly recognizing that individual providers and associations such as the ACA have standing to assert the claims brought in this action.”

ACA's litigation against ASHN and CIGNA alleges, among other things, that CIGNA--in violation of ERISA--failed to comply with terms and conditions of its plan to afford subscribers or their health care providers an opportunity to obtain a "full and fair review" of denied or reduced reimbursement, and failed to make appropriate and non-misleading disclosures to subscribers or their health care providers.

"ACA took this action against ASHN and CIGNA because it is patients who suffer most when doctors must choose between providing necessary care and adhering to requirements imposed by payers," said ACA President Anthony Hamm, DC. "We will not rest until patients receive the care they need and have paid for through their insurance premiums."

Providers who believe they and/or their patients have been affected by ASHN and/or CIGNA's improper practices can visit the Chiropractic Networks Action Center to submit a complaint to ACA.

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The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), based in Arlington, VA, is the largest professional association in the United States advocating for more than 130,000 doctors of chiropractic (DCs), chiropractic assistants (CAs) and chiropractic students. ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit us at www.acatoday.org.

The timeline that CMS provided to allow providers to transition from the old version of the CMS-1500 claim form (08/05) is coming to an end. Effective April 1, claims will only be accepted if submitted on the new version of the claim form identified by the date 02/12 in the lower right hand corner. The CMS-1500 Form has been revised to give providers the ability to indicate whether they are using the International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes or its successor, the ICD-10-CM and allows for additional diagnostic codes to be reported. Additional changes were made to item numbers 14, 15 and 17, which now have qualifiers to identify provider roles such as ordering, referring or supervising. ACA has prepared a 1500 Claim Form Fact Sheet, which is free to members, to assist your clinic in making the needed changes. Further information from CMS on this topic can be found here.

Additionally, the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) has developed a 1500 Reference Instruction Manual detailing how to complete the claim form. The purpose of this manual is to help standardize nationally the manner in which the form is being completed. The current version of the instructions (v 9.0) was released in July 2013: Version 9.0 7/13

1. How long do I have to submit my appeal request?
   
   Answer: You have 120 days from the date of the original Medicare remittance advice to submit an appeal. Multiple resubmissions of a claim will not extend the 120-day time limit. The time limit begins with the original denied/processed claim. 
2. Can an appeal be filed past the 120-day limit?
   
   Answer: The time limit may be extended if good cause for late filing is shown. If good cause is not found, the request for appeal will be dismissed. The issue of good cause for the provider and beneficiary is addressed in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Internet-Only Manual (IOM) Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 29, Section 240. (982 KB) 
3. Must a redetermination request have a signature, and what type of signature is needed?
   
   Answer: Yes, it must be a full signature (first and last name) on the redetermination request form in order for it to be a valid request. 
4. How can I follow up on claims that are already in the appeal process?
   
   Answer: Please visit http://www.NGSConnex.com or call our IVR system at 877-908-9499. Both of these self-service tools allow providers/suppliers to obtain the status of all redetermination/reopening requests. Remember, the contractor has 60 days from the date the appeal was received to make a determination. 
5. I have made corrections to my denied claim. Should I rebill?
   
   Answer: A claim should only be rebilled if the claim was rejected with message MA130. If the claim denies for any other reason, do not rebill as it could result in a duplicate claim or cause delay of payment. 
6. What is a reopening?
   
   Answer: A reopening is an alternative to the appeals process where minor errors or omissions in filing claims have occurred. For more information regarding the appeals process, visit the Review Process > Appeals section on our Web site. 
7. How do you determine whether you need to submit a first level appeal request (the redetermination) or a second level appeal request (the reconsideration)?
   
   Answer: An initial claim submission will show the MA01 remark code, which states you have 120 days to appeal and request a redetermination. If you see this remark code on your claim, you need to request a redetermination from us.
   
   Adjustments resulting from a redetermination decision can be identified by the remark code of MA02, “If you do not agree with this determination, you have the right to appeal. You must file a written request for appeal within 180 days of the date you receive this notice.
   
   Please note the difference in the amount of time to request a second level appeal, also known as the reconsideration. The MA02 message gives you appeal rights for the second level appeal or the reconsideration. If you wish to appeal claim adjustments with the MA02 remark code, you must file a reconsideration request to the Qualified Independent Contractor. 
8. Do redetermination requests have to be made in writing?
   
   Answer: Yes, they have to be made in writing or sent electronically through the http://www.NGSConnex.com portal. 
9. Where can I find the redetermination form?
   
   Answer: The National Government Services Medicare Redetermination Request form, along with additional information, is located under Quick Links > Forms.
   
   Related Content: Medicare Redetermination Request Form - First Level of Appeal (CMS-20027) 
10. Can I request a redetermination for all services in question on a specific claim at one time, or must I submit a separate redetermination form for each service in question?
    
    Answer: No, you do not have to submit a separate form for each service on the claim. In fact, we encourage you to request a redetermination for all services in question on the claim at one time. This ensures a faster response since any adjustments that need to be performed on your claim can be done at one time. This will also cut down on the number of letters and remittances you receive from us.

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These questions and answers come from the NGS Medicare frequently asked question (FAQ) database. FAQs cover a variety of topics and are a great resource for answering your questions, please visit our Web site at http://www.NGSMedicare.com, choose your Jurisdiction and Business and click on the FAQ tab.

The NYSCA at its annual convention at Mohegan Sun (Uncasville, CT) presented a robust educational forum that highlight changes in healthcare and the potential role for chiropractic.

Friday afternoon began with Dr. John Ventura (NYSCA District 15 member, former ACA alternate delegate, board member WHG) laying the groundwork for the chiropractor as primary spine care provider. He presented evidence for the qualifications of chiropractic, the interaction of the stakeholders and current platforms in which this is already occurring.

Saturday morning included newly elected ACA President Dr. Anthony Hamm leading an informative and well received introduction to ICD 10 coding, which takes effect on 10/01/2014. Dr. Hamm is the co-chair of the AMA’s RVS Update Committee (RUC) Health Care Professionals Advisory Committee Review Board (HCPAC) and has lectured extensively on coding and documentation.

Saturday’s annual luncheon featured a dynamic keynote address by ACA immediate past president and Connecticut native Dr. Keith Overland. In his address, Dr. Overland highlighted some of ACA’s activities including maintaining section 2706 of the health care reform law which prevents health plans from arbitrarily excluding the participation and coverage of entire categories of providers based solely on their licensure. The law enables patients to receive care from any provider who is licensed in a state to provide a specific benefit covered through an exchange health plan; working with the VA and DOD to expand chiropractic services and establish residency programs for chiropractors in the VA system; meeting with CMS to begin obtaining increased coverage for chiropractic services in the Medicare system, beginning with E&M codes. He enthusiastically supported the continued relationship between the NYSCA and the ACA and explained the need for these affiliations and how the interplay between the states and the national organization strength our small profession and allow us to pool our resources as we move forward in the healthcare arena

Following his address, Dr. Overland was awarded the NYSCA Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to the chiropractic profession. Dr. Overland is the immediate past president of the American Chiropractic Association. He has also served on ACA’s Health Care Reform Task Force as well as served as co- chair of the Connecticut Governors Committee on Physical Fitness, a member of Sen. Joseph Lieberman’s Health Care Task Force and a member of Rep. Christopher Shays’ Task Force on Human Services. He is the past president of both the Connecticut Chiropractic Association and the New England Chiropractic Council.

Mrs. Carol Beige was awarded an Outstanding Service Award for her many years of dedicated service with the NYSCA.

Also honored were the following doctors for 50 years in practice: Dr. John Pellegrino, Dr. Henry Keidel, Dr. Robert Gregory, Dr. Paul Muscolino, and Dr. Seymore Mac Goldstein.

On February 11, 2014, the Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) adopted amendments to the regulations governing the conduct and reporting of Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) (12 NYCRR §300.2). The amended regulation became effective on February 26, 2014.

This Subject Number highlights the significant changes contained in the amended regulation. The complete text of the amended regulation is located on the Board’s website under Laws, Regulations and Decisions.

Notices, Provision of Information, and Requests for Information

Service of Notices by Overnight Mail: Notice of the scheduled IME may be made using overnight mail as long as the notice is received by the claimant at least seven days prior to the scheduled examination.

Provision of Information: A new requirement has been added to the regulation that requires that every record, document, or test result supplied to an IME examiner for review in connection with an IME or records review must be a part of the Board file. Any information that is not already part of the Board file must be submitted before or at the time the IME or records review is arranged. Information submitted to the Board before or at the time the IME is arranged should not be submitted to the Board as a Request for Information using an IME-3.

Note: The submitting IME examiner must list all documents, reports, and other items reviewed in the IME or records review report.

Requests for Information: An IME-3 must be submitted to the Board when the provider receives any substantive communication regarding the claimant. An IME-3 shall not include documents, records, and items that are part of the Board file.

Reports of Examinations without Physical Examination or Records Reviews

A records review conducted by a medical provider without physically examining the claimant must be completed by a medical provider authorized to treat workers’ compensation claimants or authorized to conduct IMEs, or “qualified” within the meaning of 12 NYCRR §300.2 (b)(9). A medical provider that completes a records review must adhere to the rules governing IME reports at 12 NYCRR §300.2 (d)(4) including certifying the contents of the report and listing every document, record, or item reviewed in connection with the records review. A report of a records review must be submitted to all parties and the Board at least three business days before the hearing where it will be referenced.

Videotaping of IMEs

The amended regulation clarifies that an IME examiner may not refuse to conduct an IME when a claimant appears at the IME prepared to record or videotape the IME. A party (or agent of a party) may not alter a recording or videotape, nor may a videotape be distributed beyond its use in a hearing of the Board.

Reports

The amended regulation sets forth specific criteria for the content, certification, and signing of an IME report and a records review report. The reports must list all documents, records, and items reviewed by the examiner. Any questionnaires or intake sheets completed by the claimant must be attached to the report. In addition to the parties and the Board, copies of all reports must be submitted to attending providers that have treated the claimant within the last six months. The regulation states that a treating provider who examined the claimant solely for consultation or to perform a diagnostic test does not need to receive a copy of the report. The regulation specifies that a report may not be based on a checklist or questionnaire.

Exemptions

The amended regulation clarifies that a carrier's medical professional, as that term is defined in 12 NYCRR §324.1 (c), is not an IME examiner within the meaning of WCL §137 and 12 NYCRR §300.2. In addition, an examination conducted at a clinic that is a member of an occupational health network established pursuant to WCL §151 (3) is not an IME within the meaning of WCL §137 and 12 NYCRR §300.2.

IME entities

The term IME entity is defined. Services that may be supplied by an IME entity are described. The amended regulation sets forth clear and specific rules for IME reports submitted by IME entities. The amended regulation also clarifies that the IME examiner is responsible for certifying the contents of a report and that an IME report may not be derived from an IME examiner completing a checklist or form. The process for registering an IME entity is updated.

Suspension and revocation of the authorization of IME examiners and IME entities

The amended regulation updates the process and basis for suspending and revoking the authorization of a provider to perform IMEs and records reviews. The process and basis corresponds to the process and basis for suspending and revoking the authorization of treating providers as set forth in WCL §13-d.

The amended regulation also sets forth a process for revoking the registration of an IME entity.

Robert E. Beloten
Chair

Washington, D.C.--The American Chiropractic Association's (ACA) House of Delegates (HOD) today adopted language describing the profession's approach to health care and the use of drugs by chiropractic physicians during it's annual meeting Feb. 28- March 1 in Washington, D.C.

The statement was originally written and approved by the Chiropractic Summit, an umbrella leadership group of more than 40 prominent chiropractic organizations, during a meeting in Seattle in November.

The statement reads, in part--

As you can imagine, this statement was crafted very carefully and after long discussions by all participants of the Summit, which includes organizations and individuals from all corners of the profession and with widely varying viewpoints. When the group first approached the task, it realized that the profession could not legitimately use the word "drugless" to describe itself. Surprised? It makes sense when you consider the FDA classifies the use of certain vitamins and supplements to treat a condition a form of drug use. With so many doctors of chiropractic using nutritional therapy to help their patients, it was obvious to even the most conservative among us that "drug-free approach" more accurately describes what we all do.

Granted, there are wide variations in the scope of practice for chiropractic based on the state in which DCs practice. Some states are quite expansive in what they allow doctors of chiropractic to do; others are rather restrictive. The Summit's role is not to define scope (that is the function of the states themselves), so any statement on chiropractic practice drafted-to be accurate-needed to keep into account those who may have more tools in their toolbox.

Nevertheless, the approach that all doctors of chiropractic take, regardless of their available tools for patient care, is first and foremost drug-free. This is what unites us; we as a profession can be proud that the organizations representing the Chiropractic Summit came together and unanimously agreed on this very positive and powerful statement.

"ACA is proud to adopt the Chiropractic Summit's statement, which succinctly describes the intention behind our profession's conservative approach to health care," said ACA President Keith Overland, DC.

The HOD met in conjunction with the 2014 National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC) and Education Symposium. Be sure to visit ACA's Facebook fan page for photos, updates and videos from the conference. Twitter users can talk about the event using the hashtag #NCLC2014.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), based in Arlington, VA, is the largest professional association in the United States advocating for more than 130,000 doctors of chiropractic (DCs), chiropractic assistants (CAs) and chiropractic students. ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit us at www.acatoday.org.

Washington, D.C.—Hundreds of chiropractic physicians, students and supporters joined the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) in Washington, D.C. today to visit with lawmakers on Capitol Hill as part of the 2014 National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC) and Education Symposium.

Doctors from all walks of the profession came to Washington to tell their stories and advocate on behalf of the patients they serve. Attendees urged lawmakers to support bills that would benefit patients, expand access to chiropractic services for veterans and active-duty military personnel, and help chiropractic graduates qualify for federal programs that would enable them to practice in underserved areas in exchange for student loan debt relief.

Keynote speaker, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)—a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee—discussed how his commitment to improving the health and quality of life of our nation’s veterans ties into his support for chiropractic.

“When we advocate for chiropractic, we are really advocating for patients, including veterans,” said Sen. Moran. “We must honor our commitment to provide for the military, including providing for their health care. Chiropractic is a way to provide for veterans and their communities.”

NCLC Plenary Speaker, Fabrizio Mancini, DC, an internationally acclaimed educator, philanthropist and president emeritus of Parker University, shared his experiences promoting whole-person wellness, and how that focus will be essential in the formed health care landscape.

“Just because our health care system has a hard time fitting us in its box doesn’t mean we can’t serve that system,” said Dr. Mancini. “Chiropractic has what the new health care system is looking for. We get more results than most, we just have to share them with the public.”

Attendees also heard from the prime sponsor of the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who was part of a bipartisan coalition of senators responsible for including major portions of the bill in larger legislation that was recently sent to the full Senate for consideration; Rep. Bill Enyart (D-Ill.), a cosponsor of the Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act designed to further integrate the services provided by doctors of chiropractic in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) health delivery system; and Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), a member of the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee.

ACA President Keith Overland, DC, in his opening address to attendees, focused on the importance of creating a level playing field for chiropractic physicians in order to improve the health and wellness of the American people and U.S. veterans. “Doctors of chiropractic offer safe approaches for helping veterans in pain, so your message to lawmakers is so important,” he said.

To complete the day, ACA will host a “Green-tie Gala” event to honor retiring Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), a long-time chiropractic champion on the Hill who is known for his penchant for wearing green ties.

Visit ACA’s website for video excerpts of the conference, and be sure to visit ACA’s Facebook fan page for photos, updates and videos from the conference. Twitter users can talk about the event using the hashtag #NCLC2014.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), based in Arlington, VA, is the largest professional association in the United States advocating for more than 130,000 doctors of chiropractic (DCs), chiropractic assistants (CAs) and chiropractic students. ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit us at www.acatoday.org.

In order to maximize the profession’s advocacy activities at the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC 2014), the ACA is coordinating an advance online grassroots campaign in an effort to “soften the beachhead,” when the ground forces arrive in Washington for Capitol Hill visits on February 27th. Please read carefully and take the specific action requested below.

BACKGROUND: The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) health care system continues to discriminate against doctors of chiropractic and America’s veterans who need and deserve the essential services DCs provide. We have long argued that the DVA needs to “fully integrate” doctors of chiropractic into their healthcare system, however, chiropractic services continue to remain unavailable in nearly half of the nation’s major DVA treatment facilities. This lack of care is not only unfair to America’s veterans, but sends a very damaging signal to the consumer public, private employers, and other hospitals and healthcare systems, that the DVA does not consider the services provided by doctors of chiropractic to be important or valued enough to be made routinely available to all consumers and patients in need of our care. Gaining “full inclusion” in the DVA would send a strong signal not only to our veterans, but to all insurers, employers, medical doctors and hospitals on a nationwide basis.

There is legislation currently pending in the U.S. House of Representatives that would greatly expand our profession’s presence within the DVA health care system, HR 921, the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act. We urgently need to gain additional cosponsors and support for this bill. We simply need to generate a strong grassroots response on HR 921, in order to increase the likelihood that the legislation will be enacted into law this year.

ACTION NEEDED: Please CLICK HERE to go to the ACA’s Legislative Action Center. From this link, you will be able to send the appropriate pro-chiropractic message to your elected federal official on Capitol Hill on the issue described above.

Remember -- all of the information you need to effectively respond to this Alert Bulletin can be conveniently accessed with just a few mouse clicks -- so please respond this important request ASAP. Also please note: You can greatly increase the effectiveness of this grassroots campaign by forwarding this message to your staff members, family and patients, anyone can access the ACA Legislative Action Center and we encourage them to do so.

In order to maximize the profession’s advocacy activities at the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC 2014), the ACA is coordinating an advance online grassroots campaign in an effort to “soften the beachhead,” when the ground forces arrive in Washington for Capitol Hill visits on February 27th.

This is the first in a series of three Legislative Alert Bulletins that requires your immediate grassroots response. Please read carefully and take the specific action requested below.

BACKGROUND: In the near future all Part B Medicare providers, including doctors of chiropractic, will face draconian reductions (over 27%) in their Medicare payment rates unless Congress takes legislative action to “fix” a flaw in the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) payment formula that exists under current law.

Specifically, Congress needs to enact new legislation to prevent the imposition of these prior to March 31 of this year. As a “solution” to this problem, the American Chiropractic Association favors the enactment of legislation, which would provide a long-term “fix” to the SGR problem. While the legislation currently under consideration does not address all problems and limitations that DCs have with the Medicare program, it does include a new Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and DCs are specifically made eligible to qualify for this component.

ACTION NEEDED: Please CLICK HERE to go to the ACA’s Legislative Action Center. From this link, you will be able to send the appropriate pro-chiropractic message to your elected federal official on Capitol Hill on the issue described above.

Remember -- all of the information you need to effectively respond to this Alert Bulletin can be conveniently accessed with just a few mouse clicks -- so please respond to this important request ASAP. Also please note: You can greatly increase the effectiveness of this grassroots campaign by forwarding this message to your staff members, family and patients, anyone can access the ACA Legislative Action Center and we encourage them to do so.

CMS is extending the deadline for eligible professionals to attest to meaningful use for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program 2013 reporting year from 11:59 pm ET on February 28, 2014 to 11:59 pm ET March 31, 2014.

This extension will allow more time for providers to submit their meaningful use data and receive an incentive payment for the 2013 program year, as well as avoid the 2015 payment adjustment.

This extension does not impact the deadlines for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program or any other CMS program, including the electronic submission for the Physician Quality Reporting System EHR Incentive Program Pilot.

How to attest?

If you are an eligible professional, you may use the registration and attestation system to submit your attestation for meaningful use for the 2013 reporting year. You must attest prior by 11:59 pm ET on March 31, 2014 to meet the new 2013 program deadline.

Resources

If you are an eligible professional working on your attestation for the 2013 reporting period, there are resources available to help you with the registration and attestation process.

• Stage 1 Meaningful Use Calculator
• Registration and Attestation User Guides
• EHR Incentive Program Website

The EHR Information Center is open to assist you with all of your registration and attestation system inquiries. Please call, 1-888-734-6433 (primary number) or 888-734-6563 (TTY number). The EHR Information Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Central Time), except federal holidays.

Tips

In addition, there are some simple steps you can take which will help to make the process easier for you:

• Ensure that your payment assignment and other relevant information is up to date in the Medicare payment system PECOS
• Make sure to include a valid email address in your EHR program registration
• Consider logging on to use the attestation system during non-peak hours such as evenings and weekends
• Log on to the registration and attestation system now and ensure that your information is up to date and begin entering your 2013 data
• If you experience attestation problems, call the EHR Incentive Program Help Desk and report the problem
• If your organization has more than 1,000 providers assigned to a proxy user, use the PECOS system to designate additional proxies to facilitate attestation.

"For possibly the first time since this "great compromise" between workers and employers was reached in 1914, the whole system is under review, not only by the Board but be representatives of all system participants. Never before has the Board taken the opportunity to work in conjunction with stakeholders and other major participants to examine the entire scheme and to seek to address the issues within it and to build into the system methods and mechanisms for making it self-correcting in the future."

BPR As-Is Assessment Report

NYSCA recognizes the currently challenges of NY's Workers Compensation system. As such we have been and will continue to be part of this review process. We will be meeting with the WCB again next week to continue to advocate for the needs of the injured workers of New York and our members.

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) has just begun mailing surveys to more than 10,000 randomly selected chiropractic practitioners throughout the United States. The survey procedures have been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Palmer College of Chiropractic. Results from the survey will be used to produce the Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2015. This reference volume is the fifth edition of a document that was first published in 1993 and called the Job Analysis of Chiropractic.

The Practice Analysis is the only publication of its kind to focus on the role of a typical full-time doctor of chiropractic, presenting reliable statistics about demographics and practice patterns, as well as a review of recent research about chiropractic. Results of the completed project will be shared with educators, insurance companies, legislators, libraries, state licensing boards and others who need a reference concerning the profession.

Within the NBCE, the Practice Analysis is the foundation of the Part III and Part IV clinical and practical skills assessments administered by the NBCE. Its use ensures that the content of these examinations directly pertains to the practice of chiropractic. In short, the new edition will benefit every aspect of the profession, including the general public.

The accuracy of the Practice Analysis is largely dependent upon the response of a large number of practitioners. It is critical that those who receive the survey complete and return it as quickly as possible, either by mail or online. The submitted data will be compiled and analyzed, with the results being added to the chapters that are already in progress.

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Headquartered in Greeley, Colo., the NBCE is the international testing organization for the chiropractic profession. Established in 1963, the NBCE develops, administers and scores legally defensible, standardized written and practical examinations for candidates seeking chiropractic licensure throughout the United States and in many foreign countries.