The New York State Board for Chiropractic frequently receives requests for information regarding spinal decompression from practicing doctors and from the general public.These treatments can become expensive and often are not covered by insurance. Coding for these services can also be confusing. There were a series of articles recently authored by James Edwards, D.C and Cynthia Vaughn,D.C.,F.I.C.C. which were published in Dynamic Chiropractic from the middle of 2008 through March of 2009.These articles would be of interest for anyone considering decompression in their practice. These should not be considered a complete guide but rather a starting point.

Remember when completing your New York State continuing education requirements you need 36 hours every registration cycle and 12 of these hours must be in "patient communications, record keeping, and/or matters of law and/or ethics which contribute to professional practice in chiropractic and the health and safety, and/or welfare of the public". Random audits are conducted so please make sure your hours are complete.

In 2005 the American Association of Medical Colleges approved mandatory background checks on all in coming students. Presently, chiropractic colleges rely on students to self report their criminal background. As the pressure increases on all health care providers for increased accountability, so will the standards of entrance requirements for those students entering into the health care fields. As a result, discussion is beginning on considering mandatory criminal background checks for chiropractic college applicants.

As Always, If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the New York State Board for Chiropractic at:

Boards' website at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/chiro

or

NY State Education Department
Office of the Professions
State Board for Chiropractic
89 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12234-1000
1-518-474-3817 ext.190