The following information has been received from Aetna to assist in your transition to the new program.

Please know NYSCA has heard the profession’s voice. We are as concerned as you are and are actively advocating for necessary changes.  Of particular concern are the chiropractic conversion factor, the 180-day wording, and impact on specialty practices.

National Chiropractic Health Month Kicks Off Oct. 1

For National Chiropractic Health Month 2018 this October, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its members will encourage the public to move more – to “Move 4 Life” -- to improve and maintain their musculoskeletal and overall health. As part of the campaign, chiropractors will provide information about musculoskeletal health and tips to stay active and prevent injury.

As the second session of the 115th Congress nears the election, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate recently agreed on a comprehensive legislative package to help end the scourge of opioid addiction.  The opioid issue, which federal and local legislatures across the country have been grappling with for several years, will soon see more federal dollars being focused on ways to help alleviate the destructive force associated with the addiction. 

Government-Mandated Sexual Harassment Policies for Employers go into effect October 9, 2018.

Please be aware that after initial public comment period, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) has produced a revised proposed fee schedule. There are comments available for review on the State Register and the fee schedule is available for review on the WCB website. 

Having reviewed public comments on the proposed medical fee schedule released in June (below), the New York State Workers' Compensation Board will be issuing a revised draft of the schedule on October 3, which will be followed by a 30-day public comment period. Following the public comment period, the Board will review all comments. When final regulations are adopted, the Board will announce an effective date for the new schedule. Please watch for more information.

As you may recall, the NYS WCB proposed a much needed update to the fee schedule. On behalf of the profession the NYSCA and Council responded with formal public comments on the proposed WC fee schedule.

San Jose, Calif.–Sept.11, 2018—Transforming toward a new care model that is patient-centered, comprehensive, collaborative and conservative, the U.S. healthcare system is incorporating chiropractic care as a drug-free treatment approach for the management of spinal disorders.

Members of the NYSCA insurance committee met with Aetna and NIA to discuss the implementation of the new Pre-Authorization Program which went into effect on 09/01/18.  We understand that many of you were not notified until late July / early August and could not attend NIA's webinar on August 7, 9 or 16.  There has been some confusion regarding different aspects of the program, resulting in our reaching out to Aetna to discuss your concerns.

It’s that time of year again. As you may be aware, every year since its inception, there have been updates to ICD-10 codes. Some years have more changes, others fewer. As of October 1, 2018 the following changes will go into effect:

Note from the NYSCA Insurance Committee:

Please note the following update relative to Aetna's new Prior Authorization Program which went into effect 9/1/18.

As of 09/07/2018 Special Funds Conservation Committee has officially closed down operation. Each patient that was assigned to Special Funds will revert back to the original carrier they had prior to special funds or NCA (Neuman claims administrator).  Many patients were notified of this by their designated carrier.

Niskayuna, New York, August 28, 2018 – September 2018 is designated as National Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month: an opportunity to raise public awareness about the dangers of prescription and over the counter (OTC) pain medications. It is also an opportunity to educate consumers about drug-free options, such as chiropractic care, to safely and effectively relieve chronic pain.

The NYSCA is very pleased to welcome NCMIC as a Diamond Level Corporate Sponsor!

Military life requires many physical challenges. The physical stresses of carrying heavy loads, running with body armor and jumping out of planes can often have a long-term impact on a person’s body. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that many Veterans suffer from chronic pain from the lingering effects of active duty.

Those who serve in the U.S. military are heroes, dedicating their lives to ensure the safety of our country. Military life requires many physical challenges, and for the troops to be in optimal shape they must undergo rigorous training. Common tasks include carrying heavy loads, running with body armor, jumping out of planes and much more. These types of activities can have a long-term impact on a person’s body, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many of our military suffer from chronic pain.