Fw: eACA Today

April 10, 2002

eACA Today

An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association April 2002 *****************************

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

* In last month's eACA Today, we included a survey to find out what members think of the ACA Today inserts that have appeared in Dynamic Chiropractic over the last year. If you haven't already done so, please fill out the survey below (#9) and let us know what you think about this strategy for reaching more non-members and informing them about ACA activities and successes. As members, your opinions are important to us.

* May is Correct Posture Month. Spread the word about the importance of good posture and spinal health in your community. For more information, click here: <http://www.acatoday.com/hot_topics/040402.shtml>. Members can also access a Correct Posture Month kit at <http://www.acatoday.com/hot_topics/>.

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1. DOCTORS, CONGRESSMEN CELEBRATE SUCCESSES AT NCLC 2002

The chiropractic profession gathered March 6-9 at the American Chiropractic Association's National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC) in Washington, DC, to celebrate the second major political victory in two years and focus on laying the groundwork for more legislative progress.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#1>. You can also view photos of the conference at <http://www.acatoday.com/about/nclc_2002/photos.shtml>.

2. DELEGATES, OTHERS RAISE $300,000 TO CONTINUE ACA LEGAL BATTLES

In an enthusiastic show of support for ACA's legal efforts on behalf of the profession, delegates, chiropractic students and vendors attending the ACA House of Delegates meeting March 8 raised another $300,000 for the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF).

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#2>.

3. ACA RECOGNIZES ACHIEVERS

As always, ACA leaders took the time at NCLC/HOD 2002 to recognize individuals who have played a major part in the advancement of chiropractic over the last year.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#3>.

4. RESOLUTIONS

The House of Delegates at its recent meeting passed resolutions dealing with damaging managed care practices, the need for collective bargaining legislation and the importance of "in-person" classroom study when it comes to continuing education.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#4>.

5. ACTING SURGEON GENERAL: SHARE THE DECISION TO DONATE ORGANS

Aside from making the important decision to become an organ donor, it's equally critical to communicate your decision to family members and others, said Acting Surgeon General Moritsugu, MD, who spoke to doctors and students at NCLC about the HHS Workplace Partnership for Life program.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#5>.

6. NCLC IN FIRST PERSON

What's it really like to attend NCLC? Experience it "firsthand" with ACA member Dr. J.C. , who covers the major events and speakers of the conference and reflects on what the chiropractic profession has achieved over the years-and what still needs to happen to attain chiropractic equity in health care. For Dr. 's personal account of NCLC, "Let's Roll Chiropractors! Celebrate Our Victories," visit the ACA Web site at <http://www.acatoday.com/about/nclc_2002/letsroll.shtml>.

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ACA PRODUCTS

7. VIDEO NEWS RELEASE FEATURING DEREK PARRA AND CHIROPRACTIC DISTRIBUTED NATIONALLY

Olympic speed skating gold and silver medalist Parra talks about the important role chiropractic care played in his medal-winning performances in a video news release (VNR) that was distributed nationally on April 8.

The VNR, which was released via satellite to more than 800 media outlets across the United States, explains that doctors of chiropractic have been a part of the Olympic Medal Staff since 1980 and have helped many world-class athletes reach their peak. Also featured in the VNR is ACA Connecticut Delegate Dr. Overland, chiropractic consultant to the U.S. speed skating team, who explains that weekend warriors are prone to the same types of repetitive and overuse injuries as Olympic athletes.

The footage for the VNR was shot during an interview in Salt Lake City just days after Parra's Olympic victories. At the same time, Parra was also filmed for a public service announcement (PSA) about chiropractic care as well as a television commercial spot that ACA members can air in their local communities.

The PSA will be available in 60, 30 and 15-second lengths, and promotes chiropractic care as an integral part of the health care team. PSAs are designed to be placed for free by local TV and radio stations as a service to the viewing public. ACA members will soon be able to order the PSA at cost and present it to their local stations for possible free placement. For ACA members who want to advertise either chiropractic in general - or their own local practice - with guaranteed, paid air-time, we are also producing a 60-second advertising spot that can be aired "as is" or personalized with a doctor's name and clinic information. Pricing and ordering information for the PSA spots and the advertising piece will be available soon.

Click here to view the Video News Release: <http://64.224.5.139/westglen.com/Hot_Topics/12594.wmv>.

IMPORTANT: To view the VNR, you must have Windows Media Player installed on your computer, which can be downloaded for free at the following site: <http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/>. Even with Windows Media Player, some computers may not have the capacity to play the video - due to system requirements and/or firewalls that are in place at your organization. For those of you who are able to view the VNR, we hope you enjoy it. <http://www.real.com>

8. STRENGTHEN YOUR HOSPITAL APPEAL

Purchase ACA's new resource, Doctors of Chiropractic: Part of Your Hospital System, and begin educating hospitals and hospital administrators in your community about the many ways that DCs can help balance fiscal responsibilities while providing positive outcomes for hospitals patients, and why a DC can be a substantial resource for the allopathic physician and hospital in their quest to provide high-quality, cost-effective care. It is a "must-have" for doctors seeking staff privileges in their local hospitals.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#7> or shop for other ACA products at <http://www.shopaca.com>.

***************************** 9. SURVEY: ACA TODAY INSERTS--WHAT DO YOU THINK? By early April, ACA will have inserted six issues of the printed ACA Today into Dynamic Chiropractic. By reaching more than 60,000 doctors and students, we hope to increase awareness of all that ACA accomplishes for the profession. And we hope to see many non-members follow the lead of their member colleagues and take up the challenge to join in our efforts toward parity and unity.

Please copy and paste the following survey into an e-mail, answer the questions, and send to <mailto:apena@...>. Please write "ACA survey" in the subject line of the e-mail. If you have already returned a survey, we thank you for your opinions. If you have not done so already, please take a moment to tell us what you think so that we can better serve you and all of our members.

** ACA Today Survey **

1. Have you noticed the ACA Today inserts in Dynamic Chiropractic?

2. How many inserts do you recall seeing?

3. Have you observed any feedback on the inserts from your non-member colleagues?

4. Have you observed any feedback on the inserts from fellow members?

5. Do you feel that these inserts are a good way of educating the profession about important issues and ACA activities? Why or why not?

6. Any other comments or suggestions regarding the ACA Today inserts in Dynamic Chiropractic?

***************************** Copyright 2002 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

May 9, 2002

eACA Today

An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association May/June 2002 *****************************

** ACTION ALERT **

HOUSE PREPARING TO VOTE ON MEDICARE REFORM BILL; GRASSROOTS ACTION NEEDED TO ENSURE CHIROPRACTIC PROVISION IS INCLUDED

The House Ways & Means Committee and the House Energy & Commerce Committee are currently working to produce a joint Medicare reform bill that could be brought to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote in the very near future--perhaps as early as the end of this month. This bill is expected to be the only Medicare reform bill voted on by the House this year, therefore it is critical that a chiropractic provision be included.

ACA is working to have the Watkins Bill, H.R. 902 (or an acceptable provision based on it), included in the reform bill. The Watkins bill would greatly expand chiropractic reimbursement under Medicare by allowing DCs to receive payment for any existing covered Medicare service that they are licensed to provide under state law. Thus far, the draft bill does not contain any chiropractic provision; it is critical that we intensify our grassroots efforts and win the inclusion of an acceptable chiropractic provision before the bill is publicly unveiled.

ACTION NEEDED: Make immediate contact with your member of the U.S. House of Representatives and urge him or her to work to ensure the inclusion of a chiropractic provision (based on H.R. 902) in the joint Ways & Means/Energy & Commerce Committee Medicare reform bill (the legislation is still in draft form and does not currently have a bill number). To find out whom your representative is, click on <http://www.house.gov/writerep/>. The Capitol Hill switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. Encourage members of the House to contact ACA's Department of Government Relations at (703) 276-8800 if they have any questions or need detailed information regarding this issue.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. SENATE APPROVES CHIROPRACTIC DEMONSTRATION IN STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM

The Senate has agreed to support a three-year demonstration program testing chiropractic in the National Health Service Corps, a federal program that places primary health care providers in rural and underserved areas in exchange for reimbursement of their tuition expenses. Currently, doctors of chiropractic are not specifically included in the program, which has created a barrier for young DCs who wish to serve in the corps.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#1>.

2. TRIGON BALKS AT PROVIDING EVIDENCE FOR ITS LOWER CHIROPRACTIC PAYMENTS

ACA obtained a court order March 18 from the federal court in Abingdon, VA hearing ACA vs. Trigon that requires Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia to respond to specific questions about the manner in which it determines reimbursement rates for chiropractic services.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#2>.

3. ACA TARGETS OFFENDING MEDICARE HMO; APTA WITHDRAWS FROM HHS LAWSUIT

In its lawsuit against HHS, ACA continues to await a federal court's ruling on its motion for summary judgment. In the meantime, the association is moving to take the gains it has made thus far and apply them on a practical level. Lead ACA attorney Mcs plans to send a special communication to a Medicare HMO that has refused to provide chiropractic services to a Medicare patient. Meanwhile, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has decided to withdraw its efforts to join HHS in the litigation.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#3>.

4. ACA STRIKES BACK AGAINST STROKE STUDY

The ACA responded strongly to an extremely flawed and outrageous study titled "Chiropractic Stroke in Canada," that was recently presented by a group of neurologists during an American Stroke Association conference in San , TX. The authors of the study claim that an estimated 150 Canadian patients younger than 45 suffer strokes each year as a result of chiropractic neck manipulation.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#4>.

5. BLUE CCHIP AND THE BLUES: WORKING TOGETHER

Participants of ACA's Chiropractic Clinical Healthplan Integration Program, or Blue CCHIP, gathered in March to share problems, as well as solutions, that have been identified between doctors of chiropractic and their local Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#5>.

6. ACA'S COMPUTER GROWING PAINS

Did you feel our computer growing pains? (We hope your answer is "no"!) The ACA recently changed its membership software, moving from an old B-trieve-based database to a more modern sql-based database that uses Microsoft Office tools. The new system will provide us with better tools and greater flexibility in managing our membership records.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#6>.

7. GOLD MEDAL-WINNING SPEED SKATER TO ATTEND NEXT HOD MEETING; SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR ACA AWARDS

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the next ACA House of Delegates meeting. The 2002 annual business meeting will be held Aug. 29-31 at the Fairmont Hotel in Kansas City, MO. This year's special guest presentation is sponsored by the ACAuxiliary and will feature Parra, who won a gold and silver medal in speedskating this year at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The ACA Chiropractor, Humanitarian, Researcher, Academic and Delegate of the Year will also be presented at the HOD meeting.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#7>.

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8. ACA PRODUCTS: UPGRADED OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT SOFTWARE 2002 NOW AVAILABLE

A 2002 upgrade is now available for the much-talked-about Outcomes Assessment CD-ROM developed by Dr. Kim Christensen and Dr. Steve Yeomans. Drs. Christensen and Yeomans developed this extensive CD and book to help DCs evaluate patient progress and avoid the risks of copyright infringement. With this program, you can break free from the tedium of paperwork and give insurance companies the information they need.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/aca_today.shtml#8>.

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9. NOTICE: CMS OFFERS MODEL PLAN TO EXTEND HIPAA DEADLINE

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a model compliance plan that will allow health care providers to receive a one-year extension to comply with the new rule governing electronic health care transactions. The Health Care Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 required the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to adopt national standards for conducting health care transactions electronically. The original deadline for compliance with the law was Oct. 16, 2002 for all covered entities except small health plans, which by law had an additional year. Last year, Congress authorized a one-year extension-to Oct. 16, 2003-for those covered entities required to comply in 2002. To obtain the extension, a covered entity must submit a compliance plan on or before Oct. 15, 2002. Covered entities can use the model plan for this purpose. It is available at <http://www.cms.hhs.gov/hipaa>.

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Copyright 2002 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

September 6, 2002

eACA Today

An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association September 2002 *****************************

ANNOUNCEMENT

ACA needs your help in getting a chiropractic provision included in the Medicare reform legislation now under consideration in Congress. Doctors and their patients should contact their representatives in the Senate and urge them to support the inclusion of a chiropractic provision that would widen DC reimbursement under the Medicare program. For details, see story #3 below.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. CONCERNS RAISED OVER APPOINTEES TO VA ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Six months after President Bush signed historic legislation mandating the establishment of a chiropractic health benefit within the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) health care system, DVA Secretary Principi announced the appointment of an 11-member advisory committee comprised of six doctors of chiropractic and five other health care professionals to oversee implementation of the new law. While the ACA vigorously lobbied Congress for passage of the new law and the establishment of an appropriate advisory committee, the association fears some of Secretary Principi's choices to serve on the new committee reflect a continued hostility toward chiropractic on behalf of the DVA's notoriously anti-chiropractic bureaucracy.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#1>.

2. EVIDENCE OF DISCRIMINATION EMERGING IN TRIGON LAWSUIT

A clear picture of the type and extent of economic discrimination inflicted on chiropractors is beginning to emerge in ACA's ongoing legal action with the Virginia Chiropractic Association, several doctors of chiropractic and their patients against Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield. While the specifics of the discovery process are under court-ordered seal, it is clear that the discovery of Trigon records and depositions of Trigon representatives have uncovered a pattern of intentional acts aimed at minimizing the participation of chiropractors-to the benefit of medical competitors-in the overall Trigon health reimbursement system.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#2>.

3. LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT: CONTACT SENATE IN SUPPORT OF MEDICARE CHIROPRACTIC PROVISION

The ACA is trying to get a chiropractic provision included in the Senate Medicare reform bill. The provision would be based on H.R. 902, the Chiropractic Patients' Freedom of Choice Act, which mandates DCs be reimbursed under Medicare for all services they are licensed to provide under state law.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#3>.

4. HIPAA DEADLINES FAST APPROACHING: DOES YOUR PRACTICE COMPLY?

It's time to think about what impact the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) will have on your practice. In fact, the HIPAA compliance dates are fast approaching. The ACA is committed to providing timely updates and educational products to assist you with HIPAA compliance.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#4>.

5. STUDENT LOAN ISSUE MOVES TO HOUSE; ACA PREPARES FOR GRASSROOTS PUSH

Efforts to include a chiropractic provision in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) reauthorization bill have shifted in recent weeks to the House, where ACA lobbyists are asking members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to support Senate language that allows DCs to participate in the program. ACA anticipates a major grassroots effort by doctors of chiropractic will be needed to persuade the House to add the provision.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#5>.

6. OCTOBER IS SPINAL HEALTH MONTH: EDUCATE YOUR COMMUNITY ON THE PROPER USE OF BACKPACKS

We all know that back pain is pervasive among American adults, but a new and disturbing trend is emerging. Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that the use of book bags or back carriers resulted in more than 6,500 injuries in 2000 alone. This October, during Spinal Health Month, educate your community about the potential dangers of overweight backpacks using the kit that was inserted into the July-August "Members Only" issue of ACA Today.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#6>.

7. ACCREDITING AGENCIES FIND ACA MATRIX IN LINE WITH THEIR STANDARDS

Two national, non-profit accrediting agencies have reviewed an outline of health plan/chiropractic network responsibilities drafted by ACA in recent months, finding the document to be in line with their own standards.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#7>.

8. NOTICE: CHECK YOUR MEDICARE CARRIER'S WEB SITE FOR POLICY UPDATES

If you're wondering why you haven't received a newsletter or bulletin from your Medicare carrier in the past few months, that's because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated carriers to suspend the printing and mailing of such materials between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2002.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#8>.

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9. ACA PRODUCTS: PROMOTE CHIROPRACTIC OR YOUR LOCAL CLINIC WITH NEW DEREK PARRA TV SPOTS

For many years, Olympic athletes have used a secret weapon-chiropractic care-to help them perform at their peak. Now it's time to let the world know their secret. Olympic speed skater Parra, who won both a gold and silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics, touts the benefits of chiropractic in a new professionally produced public service announcement (PSA) and television ad spot available to ACA members and state associations only.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#9>. ***************************** 10. NOTICE: SPECIAL OFFER FROM DC-LINK

The ACA is pleased to provide you with a special offer and also introduce DC-LINK as our preferred chiropractic electronic claims solution. DC-LINK products work in conjunction with your existing practice management system and allow you to electronically submit unlimited participating claims for only $22 per month! From now until Dec. 31, 2002, the initial startup fee of $59 will be waived on your behalf. In addition, the monthly service fee of $22 will be waived for the first two months.

Call 888/499-5465 today, or log onto https://www.mdon-line.com/mdonline/md_main.asp for more information.

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ACAUXILIARY

DC family members and spouses can do their part to support chiropractic by joining the ACAuxiliary, which spearheads outreach, public relations and educational efforts on behalf of the profession. To join, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/about/auxiliary/pres_letter.shtml>.

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Copyright 2002 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

October 7, 2002

eACA Today

eACA Today An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association October 2002 *****************************

The October 2002 issue of eACA Today is sponsored by Osteometer, a company devoted to preserving bone health and a manufacturer of a superior line of bone densitometers. With a line of mobile diagnostic tools, Osteometer plays a part in identifying and preventing "the Silent Disease," osteopenia and osteoporosis, as early as possible. The ACA endorsed Osteometer's DTX-200 DexaCare® densitometer in the fall of 2001. Osteometer's new densitometer, the DexaCare® G4, recently received 510(k) approval from the FDA and is also available to ACA members at a discounted price. For more information please visit <http://www.osteometer.com> or call 866/421-7762.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. COURT CONSIDERS FINAL TRIGON PLEADINGS AS TRIAL DATE LOOMS

At press time, the Federal District Court in Abingdon, VA, which is presiding over ACA's lawsuit against Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield, is preparing to consider all final pleadings filed by both the plaintiffs and defendant in response to Trigon's motion for summary judgment. A trial date has been set for Nov. 12.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#1>.

2. NEW MEDICARE ABN FORM IS MANDATORY FOR DOCTORS

As part of its Beneficiary Notification Initiative, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a new Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) form along with new instructions. This new form (CMS-R-131-G) became MANDATORY as of Oct. 1, 2002.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#2>.

3. VA SECRETARY APPOINTS DR. RICK MCMICHAEL TO COMMITTEE

The Secretary of the Veterans Administration has appointed ACA's Ohio delegate Dr. Rick Mc to the VA Chiropractic Advisory Committee, which will oversee implementation of a new chiropractic benefit in the VA health care system.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#3>.

4. OLYMPIAN DEREK PARRA URGES RADIO HOST JIM ROME TO "STOP INSULTING" CHIROPRACTIC

Olympic gold and silver medalist Parra has signed a strongly worded letter to sports radio personality Jim Rome, praising the chiropractic profession for its contributions to athletes and urging Rome to "stop insulting the chiropractic profession" on his radio program.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#4>.

5. ACA-ENDORSED BACKPACK FEATURED ON THE TODAY SHOW

The ACA-endorsed Samonsite® Chiropak backpack was featured on "The Today Show" in late August as one of three recommended backpacks for parents to purchase as their kids head back to school. Meanwhile, a long list of media organizations-including USA Today-have also picked up ACA's tips for backpack safety, a timely topic again this fall.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#5>.

6. CIGNA WELCOMES ACA HELP IN IMPROVING CODING ACCURANCY

ACA officials, at the direction of the Insurance and Managed Care Committee, met with national CIGNA officials in Hartford, CT, in early September to discuss a wide range of concerns on how the chiropractic profession is treated by the insurer-from managed care practices to incorrect coding edits.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#6>.

7. SURVEY SHEDS LIGHT ON UTILIZATION REVIEW

ACA Chairman Dr. at the Sept. 1 Board of Governors meeting appointed a 10-member Utilization Review Committee that will study results from a recent survey and produce recommendations regarding the feasibility and development of utilization review guidelines for chiropractic. ACA New York delegate Dr. Herd will chair the committee.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#7>.

8. INSURANCE AND REIMBURSEMENT TAKE CENTER STAGE AT ANNUAL MEETING

Underscoring its role as the chiropractic profession's pre-eminent leadership organization, ACA's House of Delegates took decisive action on a variety of public health and professional development issues during its 2002 annual business meeting, Aug. 28-30, in Kansas City, MO.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#8>.

9. ACA PRODUCTS: 2003 VERSION OF ACA CODING BOOK IS YOUR MOST ACCURATE CODING RESOURCE

ACA's Official Chiropractic Coding Solutions Book is the most accurate, chiropractic-specific coding resource available.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#9>.

10. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: NCLC 2003 SET FOR MARCH 5-8

It's coming: the 2003 National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC)--the chiropractic profession's most prestigious and exciting legislative event. Every year, NCLC attracts many important congressional leaders and other chiropractic supporters, who update attendees on chiropractic legislation as well as other important health care issues. Attendees then head to Capitol Hill to meet with their representatives and lobby for even more support. It's an opportunity for chiropractors and students across the country to make an impact in Washington, DC, and on the future of their profession. Ask anyone who has been to NCLC before...it's worth the trip. More details about NCLC 2003 to come in upcoming ACA publications.

11. NOTICE: SPECIAL PUBLICATION PURCHASES SUPPORT NCLAF

Doctors of chiropractic can now support the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF) with every purchase of two popular consumer-oriented publications: Sitting on the Job and Peak Performance Body and Mind. The author of these publications, Dr. W. Donkin, an ACA member and past president of the ACA Council on Occupational Health, has generously offered to contribute a significant portion of each purchase to the NCLAF effort.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#11>.

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Copyright 2002 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

November 8, 2002

eACA Today

An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association November 2002 *****************************

This issue of eACA Today is sponsored by OSTEOMETER, a company devoted to preserving bone health and a manufacturer of a superior line of bone densitometers. With a line of mobile diagnostic tools, Osteometer plays a part in identifying and preventing "the Silent Disease," osteopenia and osteoporosis, as early as possible. The ACA endorsed Osteometer's DTX-200 DexaCare® densitometer in the fall of 2001. Osteometer's new densitometer, the DexaCare® G4, recently received 510(k) approval from the FDA and is also available to ACA members at a discounted price. For more information please visit <http://www.osteometer.com> or call 866/421-7762.

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Make plans today to attend the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference: March 5-8, 2003. See #10 below.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. PRESIDENT SIGNS BILL INCLUDING DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC IN NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS PROGRAM After nearly two years of effort by the ACA and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC), President Bush signed S.1533 into law on Oct. 26. The legislation, known as the Health Care Safety Net Improvement Act, for the first time ever, makes doctors of chiropractic eligible to participate in the National Health Service Corps' (NHSC) student loan reimbursement program-a move the ACA is hailing as a significant victory for chiropractic students and the profession as a whole.

For the full story, go to http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#1.

2. PRO-CHIROPRACTIC CANDIDATES FARE WELL IN ELECTIONS

Pro-chiropractic candidates, many of whom were supported by the ACA-PAC through contributions and grassroots efforts, fared well in this month's elections. In all, the ACA-PAC had a 92 percent success rate in the House, with 89 of the 97 candidates supported winning office. In the Senate, the PAC had a 79% success rate, with 11 of the 14 candidates supported winning office (at press time, one of the lost seats is still pending a recount).

For the full story, go to http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#2.

3. WAL-MART DROPS CHIROPRACTIC COVERAGE IN 2003; ACA TAKES ACTION TO OPPOSE CHANGE

The ACA is taking vigorous action to oppose a decision by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to drop chiropractic services from its health benefits in 2003. With some 962,000 associates across the United States, Wal-Mart is one of the largest employers in the country.

For the full story, go to http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#3.

4. JUDGE CANCELS TRIAL DATE FOR ACA, TRIGON

The ACA's Nov. 12 trial date with Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield was cancelled in October after the judge presiding over the case halted all activity surrounding it until a decision could made regarding an extensive motion by Trigon to dismiss the case and ACA's subsequent response. There is little doubt that U.S. District Court Judge P. ' decision regarding Trigon's multi-faceted motion will set the guidelines for either trial of the case or an immediate appeal to the Fourth Circuit.

5. CHANGES MADE TO MEDICARE APPEALS PROCESS

As part of the Benefits Improvement and Protection Act (BIPA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be implementing two changes to the appeals process.

For the full story, go to http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#5.

6. WILK ANTI-TRUST COMMITTEE, MICHIGAN CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION SHOW STRONG SUPPORT FOR ACA LEGAL FUND

In a show of solidarity unseen since the Wilk vs. AMA lawsuit, the entire chiropractic community continues to rally behind ACA's lawsuits against Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Most recently, the National Chiropractic Anti-Trust Committee (NCAC) and the Michigan Chiropractic Association (MCA), an ICA-affiliated state association, have thrown their support behind ACA's lawsuits.

For the full story, go to http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#6.

7. PILOT STUDY TO EXAMINE COST SAVINGS OF CHIROPRACTIC

ACA has approved plans to hire a national actuarial firm to conduct a pilot study on the cost savings of chiropractic care. While other studies in the past have attempted to address this topic, the proposed approach would be based on a true actuarial model that speaks directly to the bottom line of insurance companies.

For the full story, go to http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#7.

8. ACA SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT WITH TIME, WALL STREET JOURNAL AND NBC'S "ER"

The ACA has responded to three major media outlets for recent misrepresentations of chiropractic care. The issues involved included headaches, spinal fusion surgery, state mandates for chiropractic care and scoliosis.

For the full story, go to http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#8.

9. ACA PRODUCTS: 2003 CHIROPRACTIC CODING SOLUTIONS MANUAL

Avoiding unnecessary medical reviews and obtaining fair reimbursement call for a comprehensive and accurate chiropractic resource. The new 2003 Coding Solutions Manual from the ACA provides you with the level of detail and accuracy you need to streamline your insurance reimbursement process. And this resource is particularly user-friendly because doctors of chiropractic developed it for use by their peers in the chiropractic profession.

For the full story, go to http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#10.

*****************************

10. MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND NCLC 2003; SPECIAL CONFERENCE, HOTEL RATES AVAILABLE

It's coming March 5-8: the 2003 National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC)--the chiropractic profession's most prestigious and exciting legislative event. Every year, NCLC attracts important congressional leaders and other chiropractic supporters, who update attendees on chiropractic legislation and other health care issues. Attendees then head to Capitol Hill to meet with their representatives and lobby for support. It's an opportunity for chiropractors and students across the country to make an impact in Washington, DC, and on the future of their profession. Ask anyone who has been to NCLC before...it's worth the trip. To register for NCLC, call 800/986-4636. To make reservations at the Hyatt Regency Washington, the site of the conference, call 202/737-1234 or go to <http://www.washingtonregency.hyatt.com/groupbooking/acha> and make your reservation online. Take advantage of reduced "early-bird" rates for both NCLC and your hotel stay by making your reservations for both before Feb. 7, 2003.

*****************************

ACAUXILIARY

DC family members and spouses can do their part to support chiropractic by joining the ACAuxiliary, which spearheads outreach, public relations and educational efforts on behalf of the profession. To join, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/about/auxiliary/pres_letter.shtml>.

*****************************

Copyright 2002 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

December 6, 2002

Any of you colleagues out there in cyberspace care to join me in Washington DC to lobby our Congressmen and our Congresswomen???

The ACA be on a roll baby!! two years ago we got the Dept. of Defense Bill, last year the VA Bill, and a few weeks ago the National Health Service Corps Bill, next on deck Medicare to pay ALL of our services!!

Come join me in our nation's capital its a blast!!

Vern Saboe, DC

President Chiropractic Association of Oregon

Delegate American Chiropractic Association

eACA Today

An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association December 2002 *****************************

The ACA's NATIONAL CHIROPRACTIC LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE is just months away-and you won't want to miss it. The event takes place March 5-8, 2003, at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, DC. Attendees will learn about the latest political and legislative events affecting the profession and then take their pro-chiropractic message to Capitol Hill, where they will meet with their elected representatives. There's no mistake, this mass lobbying effort makes a difference. Last year, including chiropractors in the National Health Service Corps program was a major objective for NCLC participants. This year, the president signed the bill into law. Make a difference in 2003 by attending NCLC and promoting chiropractic to the nation's policy makers. To register, call 800/986-4636. To make reservations at the Hyatt, call 202/737-1234 or go to <http://www.washingtonregency.hyatt.com/groupbooking/acha>. Early bird rates available until Feb. 7, 2003.

*****************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. ACA TO HAVE VOICE IN IMPLEMENTATION OF NHSC DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM

With the National Health Service Corps bill now law (P.L. 107-251), the ACA turns its attention to implementation of the provision allowing doctors of chiropractic to participate in the NHSC student loan reimbursement program. It will ultimately be up to Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy as to how the three-year demonstration program approved in the bill will be structured and implemented, but thanks to specific language added in the conference report that accompanies the legislation, ACA and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) will have a voice in the process.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#1>.

2. WAL-MART AGREES TO DISCUSS BENEFIT CHANGE WITH ACA

Officials of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. have agreed to meet with the ACA to discuss the company's decision to drop chiropractic services from its employee health benefits beginning in January 2003.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#2>.

3. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT INSURERS, ACA EXPLORE WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER

Representatives from the National Association of Independent Insurers (NAII) and the ACA met on Nov. 6 to discuss ways the two organizations might work together in the future to improve relations between insurers and doctors of chiropractic.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#3>.

4. ASSOCIATED PRESS, CNN.COM FEATURE ACA'S BACKPACK TIPS A link to the backpack tips on ACA's Web site was featured in an Oct. 10 Associated Press (AP) wire story, prompting hundreds of Web sites and newspapers across the country to direct readers to the ACA Web site.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#4>.

5. WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB: COMMUNITY OUTREACH TOOLS NOW AVAILABLE

ACA works to help you promote your clinic and your profession. Now it has tools available on the ACA Web site to enhance your community outreach efforts.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#5>.

6. ACA PRODUCTS: 2003 CHIROPRACTIC CODING SOLUTIONS MANUAL

Avoiding unnecessary medical reviews and obtaining fair reimbursement call for a comprehensive and accurate chiropractic resource. The new 2003 Coding Solutions Manual from the ACA provides you with the level of detail and accuracy you need to streamline your insurance reimbursement process. And this resource is particularly user-friendly because doctors of chiropractic developed it for use by their peers in the chiropractic profession.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#6>.

*****************************

7. NOTICE: ACA TODAY INSERTS TO CONTINUE IN 2003

Since July 2001, the printed version of ACA Today has been periodically included as an insert in Dynamic Chiropractic-an industry publication that reaches all 60,000 chiropractors in the United States-to increase readership as well as awareness of ACA activities and accomplishments. This arrangement will continue in 2003.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#7>.

*****************************

PARKER SEMINAR LAS VEGAS: MOTIVATIONAL, INSPIRATIONAL, EDUATIONAL

One look at the schedule and it's obvious: Chiropractic has never witnessed an event like the upcoming Seminar to be held in Las Vegas, Jan. 30 through Feb. 2. Thousands of attendees have already registered and hotel space is filling fast. Seminar organizers have packed the program with a literal "who's who" of chiropractic.

Highlights include:

presentations from over 20 of the leading chiropractic technique developers and presenters;

a keynote address by Patch , MD, a world-renowned doctor with a zany approach to life and his profession. Afterward, the 13 Principles for Success will be presented;

more than 50 presenters, from empowering philosophy speakers to inspirational classes including the System for Professional Success; a new Student Summit to bring together chiropractic students nationwide for a program focused on the challenges they face today;

and Super Success Saturday: a one-of-a-kind full day immersion into chiropractic that will inspire you, motivate your staff and bring thousands together to celebrate chiropractic. The program includes the most famous chiropractic speakers, motivational speakers, health and fitness gurus and Hollywood and Las Vegas entertainers.

Early bird pricing is still available. For up-to-date program details or to register visit the Seminars online at www.Seminars.com or call toll-free 888/727-5338. Call the Las Vegas Hilton at 888/732-7117 to reserve your room.

*****************************

ACAUXILIARY

DC family members and spouses can do their part to support chiropractic by joining the ACAuxiliary, which spearheads outreach, public relations and educational efforts on behalf of the profession. To join, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/about/auxiliary/pres_letter.shtml>.

*****************************

Copyright 2002 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

February 4, 2003

eACA Today

An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association February 2003 *****************************

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

* The ACA's NATIONAL CHIROPRACTIC LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE (NCLC) is just one month away-register today.

The event takes place March 5-8, 2003, at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, DC. Attendees will learn about the latest political and legislative events affecting the profession and then take their pro-chiropractic message to Capitol Hill, where they will meet with their elected representatives. There's no mistake, this mass lobbying effort makes a difference. Last year, including chiropractors in the National Health Service Corps program was a major objective for NCLC participants. In October 2002, the president signed the bill into law. Make a difference again this year by attending NCLC and promoting chiropractic to the nation's policy makers. To register, call 800/986-4636 or download a registration form at <http://www.acatoday.com/about/nclc2003/>. To make a reservation at the Hyatt, call 202/737-1234 or go to <http://www.washingtonregency.hyatt.com/groupbooking/acha>. Early bird rates available until Feb. 7, 2003.

* MORE THAN $520,000 RAISED FOR LEGAL FUND AT PARKER LAS VEGAS

Fundraising for the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF) got off to a big start in 2003 at the 51st Annual Seminar, held in January in Las Vegas. After the showing of a special film featuring Dr. Carl Cleveland III and testimonials by several chiropractic leaders, more than $520,000 was raised to support the chiropractic lawsuits against HHS and Trigon (Anthem) Blue Cross Blue Shield. This brings the Seminars' fundraising total to $800,000-just $200,000 away from its goal of $1 million. ACA sends its thanks to College President Dr. Fabrizio Mancini and everyone on the team for their commitment to the legal action fund. For more information on the chiropractic lawsuits, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/legal/>.

*****************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. WAL-MART WELCOMES ACA'S HELP IN UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF CHIROPRACTIC

The American Chiropractic Association and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. have forged a new working relationship after a meeting between the two on Dec. 12, 2002, to discuss the retail giant's decision to drop chiropractic services from its employee benefits in 2003. In conjunction with the ACA, Wal-Mart has indicated a willingness to look at new data regarding the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care in offsetting more catastrophic events in patient care.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#1>.

2. EFFORTS TO ADDRESS MANAGED CARE ABUSES UNDERWAY

The ACA's efforts to address unfair managed care practices targeting doctors of chiropractic have stepped up a notch since March 2002, when the association passed a resolution outlining its position against specific activities and pledging to develop a plan to halt them (to read the entire resolution, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/pdf/2002_aca_policies.pdf> and scroll to page 22 for Managed Care "Discriminatory Practices"). Over this past year, ACA has launched several projects related to the managed care resolution, including a campaign to collect data on abuses and issues and an investigation into collecting data on reimbursement rates.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#2>.

3. "101ST SENATOR" DUKE SHORT TO JOIN ACA'S LEGISLATIVE TEAM

The ACA is pleased to announce that veteran hill staffer and doctor of chiropractic Duke Short has agreed to join ACA's legislative team as a special legislative consultant. Dr. Short brings more than two decades of Capitol Hill experience to the table, with many of those years spent as a senior advisor to the U. S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#3>.

4. CMS APPOINTS DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC TO LIAISON POSITION

Chiropractor Rich Lawlor has been appointed as an outreach specialist in the Office of the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), formerly the Health Care Financing Administration. Dr. Lawlor will work with four or five other specialists in maintaining a liaison with various health care groups regarding Medicare problems.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#4>.

5. ACA WELLNESS CAMPAIGN COLLECTS DATA, PLANS FOR NEXT STEPS

Survey data examining how well chiropractic colleges prepare students for their role in maintaining patients' overall wellness is being compiled and analyzed as part of ACA's Wellness Campaign, which seeks to increase awareness among the public and the profession regarding chiropractors' roles and responsibilities as wellness practitioners.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#5>.

6. ACA REQUESTS REVIEW OF CCE POLICY THAT MAY DELAY LIFE'S ACCREDITATION

In a letter sent in December 2002 to the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), the ACA requests the review of a policy that may delay the accreditation process for Life University, which lost its accreditation last year after failing to comply with CCE standards.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#6>.

7. HIPAA UPDATES; ACA TELECONFERENCE ON PRIVACY RULE SCHEDULED

New guidance on the HIPAA regulations was issued Dec. 4, 2002, by the HHS Office of Civil Rights. Plus, information on NPI and EIN, numbers required under HIPAA.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#7>.

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8. NOTICE: ACA TODAY INSERTS TO CONTINUE IN 2003

Since July 2001, the printed version of ACA Today has been periodically included as an insert in Dynamic Chiropractic-an industry publication that reaches all 60,000 chiropractors in the United States-to increase readership as well as awareness of ACA activities and accomplishments. This arrangement will continue in 2003. In months designated "members only" below, ACA Today will be mailed directly to ACA members.

ISSUE DATE: type JANUARY/FEBRUARY: members only MARCH: insert in March 10 Dynamic Chiropractic APRIL: insert in April 7 Dynamic Chiropractic MAY: insert in May 19 Dynamic Chiropractic JUNE/JULY: members only AUGUST/SEPTEMBER: members only

*****************************

ACAUXILIARY

DC family members and spouses can do their part to support chiropractic by joining the ACAuxiliary, which spearheads outreach, public relations and educational efforts on behalf of the profession. To join, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/about/auxiliary/pres_letter.shtml>.

*****************************

Copyright 2003 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

March 4, 2003

eACA Today

An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association March 2003 *****************************

ANNOUNCEMENTS

> ACA sends special thanks to this year's sponsors of the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC)--see #9 below for more information on these valued supporters of the chiropractic profession. ... Look for coverage of NCLC in the April edition of eACA Today and the printed edition of May ACA Today (which will be inserted into the May 19 issue of Dynamic Chiropractic). Also check out <http://www.acatoday.com> later this month for video excerpts from NCLC speakers.

> What's the latest news from chiropractic students? SACA representatives recently made their third trip to the headquarters of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners to discuss old and new issues concerning students. Read about it in an eACA Today EXTRA at the end of this e-mail.

*****************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. CHIROPRACTIC PROFESSION RAISES OVER $530,000 FOR LEGAL ACTION AT PARKER LAS VEGAS

For the second year in a row, the leaders of every major chiropractic organization joined hands in support of a common cause-the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF)-at the 51st annual Seminars held in late January in Las Vegas, NV. With the help of Dr. Fabricio Mancini, president of College of Chiropractic, the event was a smashing success, with over $530,000 raised for the NCLAF to assist the chiropractic profession in supporting two critical federal lawsuits.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#1>.

2. REIMBURSEMENT TO CHIROPRACTORS EXPANDED UNDER FEDERAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH PLAN

Doctors of chiropractic may now be reimbursed for physical therapy and other services within their state scope of practice under the Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan of the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#2>.

3. ACA ATTORNEY'S REMARK PROMPTS CMS TO APPOINT CHIROPRACTOR AS HEALTH CARE LIAISON

Chiropractor Rich Lawlor has been appointed as an outreach specialist in the Office of the Administrator for the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Dr. Lawlor will work with four or five other specialists in maintaining communications with various health care groups regarding Medicare problems.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#3>.

4. ACA BLASTS SHOWTIME FOR MISINFORMATION IN PENN & TELLER'S "BULLSH--"

On Feb. 10, ACA chastised cable network Showtime for airing an anti-chiropractic program, aptly titled "Bullsh--," featuring magicians/comedians Penn & Teller. The program intended to expose the lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of alternative health care as well as the outrageous claims that some alternative health practitioners use to attract patients. In addition to chiropractic, reflexology and magnet therapy were featured in the Jan. 31 broadcast.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#4>.

5. ACA STEPS IN TO BRING ATTENTION TO MONTANA BLUES PROBLEMS

After a series of disappointing talks earlier this year between the Montana Chiropractic Association, the state Blue CCHIP liaison Dr. Lee Hudson and the local Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, the ACA stepped into the discussions to address the problem at hand, a capped benefit on chiropractic services, and other unfair practices.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#5>.

6. PARTY WRANGLING WON'T DETER ACA'S AGGRESSIVE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Sharp partisan differences between Democrats and Republicans in Congress continue to set the tone on Capitol Hill this year, with many legislative issues remaining contentious between warring Democrat and Republican factions. In this difficult environment, the ACA continues aggressive efforts to maintain bipartisan support for pro-chiropractic legislative initiatives designed to expand access to chiropractic in major government programs.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#6>.

7. HELP PATIENTS RESOLVE TO EAT BETTER THIS NEW YEAR

Now that the new year is underway, many of your patients will be resolving to turn over a new leaf and eat more nutritiously this year. ACA's newest "For Your Health" fact sheet can help give them the guidance they need.

Just paste your business card over the rectangular box on the reverse side of the fact sheet, copy and distribute to patients and staff. Encourage additional readership by asking patients and staff to display the sheets on refrigerators and office bulletin boards.

You'll find the nutrition fact sheet at <http://www.acatoday.com/media/tips/>, along with fact sheets on other topics-all designed to help you promote your clinic and chiropractic care in general. You will need to enter your username and password to access the copy-ready "PDF" document. (If you have forgotten your username and password, simply contact the ACA Member Information Center at <mailto:memberinfo@...>.)

8. NOTICE: ACA TODAY INSERTS TO CONTINUE IN 2003

Since July 2001, the printed edition of ACA Today has been periodically included as an insert in Dynamic Chiropractic-an industry publication that reaches all 60,000 chiropractors in the United States-to increase readership as well as awareness of ACA activities and accomplishments. This arrangement will continue in 2003. In months designated "members only" below, ACA Today will be mailed directly to ACA members.

ISSUE DATE: type MARCH: insert in March 10 Dynamic Chiropractic APRIL: insert in April 7 Dynamic Chiropractic MAY: insert in May 19 Dynamic Chiropractic JUNE/JULY: members only AUGUST/SEPTEMBER: members only

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9. SPECIAL THANKS TO NCLC 2003 SPONSORS

> PLATINUM Sponsor

Ekornes <http://www.Ekornes.com>

> GOLD Sponsors

Antioxidant Health Group <http://www.antioxidanthealth.com/>

Breakthrough Coaching <http://www.mybreakthrough.com>

Scrip Inc. <http://www.scrip-inc.com>

Spingwall <http://www.springwall.com>

> SILVER Sponsors

Foot Levelers <http://www.footlevelers.com>

Performance Health (Biofreeze) <http://www.biofreeze.com>

Samsonite Chiropak <http://www.acatoday.com/hot_topics/chiropak.shtml> 800/547-BAGS (ask for extension 7951)

Shekel Electronic Scales <http://www.shekelscales.com>

> SACA Dinner Sponsor

PassYourBoards.com <http://www.passyourboards.com>

For more information on ACA sponsorship opportunities, contact Caroline Fuchs at <mailto:cfuchs@...>.

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* * eACA Today EXTRA * *

SACA MAKES THIRD TRIP TO NBCE HEADQUARTERS

Leaders of the national Student ACA (SACA) met with officials from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners at their headquarters in Greeley, CO, earlier this year to increase communications between the two groups and dispel some of the myths that have arisen among students regarding NBCE tests and policies. Representing SACA were Janelle Whitehead, national SACA chairperson; Mayeda, national vice chair; Skow, national legislative chair; and Caitlin roe, national vice legislative chair. Following is a brief Q & A with SACA regarding that trip:

ACA Today: Last year some students had concerns about the questions on NBCE exams and the time it took to get their test results back. Were there any lingering problems from last year that needed to be addressed during this trip?

SACA: There were some lingering concerns, but that was mostly due to the difficulty of dispersing all of the information to enough students to get the truth out. The main concerns that were on the agenda this year were 1) computerization of the NBCE exams and 2) NBCE's contribution to the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund, which supports the federal lawsuits against Trigon and HHS.

ACA Today: Do you feel that NBCE has successfully addressed all the concerns from last year?

SACA: Yes. The NBCE was amazingly forthright with its answers and didn't hide anything from us while we were there (short of the answers to the exams!). Their answers were all valid and made sense. Our job now is to make sure that every college receives that information-not just those represented by the SACA national officers.

ACA Today: How are you planning to pass on the information you learned at NBCE?

SACA: We have developed a Power Point presentation of our tour at NBCE headquarters. Once it is approved, we will burn the presentation onto CDs, which will be distributed to every chiropractic college's SACA president.

ACA Today: Will this become a yearly event, SACA officers meeting with NBCE? If so, what is the value of fostering such a relationship?

SACA: Yes, it will be a yearly event. This is a very effective way to communicate the students' concerns directly to NBCE, in a setting that is open for ideas and changes. Also, the visits allow the NBCE to figure out the best ways to help students in terms of sample exams and dispersing information. Incidentally, student officers of ICA and WCA have also been invited to NBCE, however, they have yet to pursue the offer. This is the third year SACA officers have visited NBCE headquarters.

ACA Today: Are there any new issues that you discussed with NBCE?

SACA: Yes, we talked about computerization of the exams, contributions to the chiropractic lawsuits, and attempting to get the [board exams] paid for out of our tuition directly. Computerization has been tabled for now, due to the cost. In terms of paying for the exams out of our tuition, the NBCE said it would look into it, but would need to check with its lawyers first. Overall, they were incredibly open to suggestions.

ACA Today: Were you told of any other changes on the horizon for NBCE and its tests?

SACA: Changes take a lot of time at the NBCE, simply due to the shear number of applications that they have to process. However, they are expanding their international horizons. This would enable more students to practice in other countries outside the U.S. via their NBCE licensure-a huge benefit for those who enjoy traveling and spreading the word about chiropractic.

*****************************

ACAUXILIARY

DC family members and spouses can do their part to support chiropractic by joining the ACAuxiliary, which spearheads outreach, public relations and educational efforts on behalf of the profession. To join, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/about/auxiliary/pres_letter.shtml>.

*****************************

Copyright 2003 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

April 10, 2003

eACA Today

An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association April 2003 *****************************

* NOW SHOWING: NCLC VIDEOS & "SIMPLE JUSTICE" *

For the first time, ACA offers video excerpts of NCLC speakers online. Hear what U.S. Cabinet secretaries and members of Congress think about chiropractic and the ACA's legislative efforts. To view the videos, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/about/nclc2003/video.shtml>.

Also available online is "Simple Justice," a nine-minute film, narrated by Dr. Carl Cleveland III, that examines the past and present struggles of the chiropractic profession. To view the film, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/hot_topics/simplejustice.shtml>.

*****************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. CABINET SECRETARIES ADDRESS CONTROVERSY, PRAISE CHIROPRACTIC DURING NCLC APPEARANCES

Those in attendance at this year's National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC) won't soon forget the appearance of two United States Cabinet secretaries. ACA Chairman Dr. called the visits by Secretary Principi of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Secretary Tommy of the Department of Health and Human Services "phenomenal"-even the representatives and senators from Capitol Hill who spoke at NCLC were impressed by the ACA's ability to attract such high-profile dignitaries.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#1>.

2. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR EXPANDED CHIROPRACTIC IN MEDICARE

As always, several members of Congress joined NCLC attendees to celebrate the chiropractic profession's legislative and political momentum, as well as support its future legislative goals-particularly the effort to expand chiropractic services under the Medicare program.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#2>.

3. HOD PASSES REVISED SPINAL MANIPULATION/ADJUSTMENT POLICY, OTHER RESOLUTIONS

The ACA House of Delegates passed several significant resolutions at its meeting in March. Among the topics covered were the ACA spinal manipulation/adjustment policy, improving payer and health plan accrediting, and preparing DCs for disaster-relief work.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#3>.

4. RESEARCH MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN CHIROPRACTIC LAWSUITS, SAYS ACA ATTORNEY

Attorney Mcs gave doctors and students at the March House of Delegates meeting an insightful speech on his progress in the HHS and Trigon lawsuits. Mcs told DCs that when he was litigating the Wilk case, he didn't have the kind of research supporting the use of chiropractic that is available now-and it's making a big difference, particularly in the Trigon case, where representatives of the insurer had claimed that chiropractors were less educated and therefore not worthy of the same reimbursement as medical doctors.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#4>.

5. RUBBER DUCKS DO THE TRICK: HOD RAISES OVER $320,000 FOR LEGAL FUND

Fund raising for the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF) got off to a somewhat peculiar start at the House of Delegates meeting in March as Dr. Spoto played a Bruce Springsteen tune for delegates with the lyrics, "No retreat, no surrender." Dr. Spoto then proceeded to line his podium with little rubber ducks, put on a duck bill that "quacked" and announce to the delegates: "Will we do whatever it takes? You bet."

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#5>.

6. ACA CHAIRMAN ADDRESSES VA ADVISORY COMMITTEE On March 25, ACA Chairman Dr. presented ACA testimony to the Veterans Affairs Chiropractic Advisory Committee in Washington, DC. Dr. stressed the importance of direct access so our nation's veterans can get the care they deserve. In addition, he discussed the necessity of doctors of chiropractic being able to practice under the full scope of their state chiropractic license.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#6>.

7. REIMBURSEMENT ISSUES TOP DOCTOR COMPLAINTS IN ACA SURVEY

The most frequent complaints about managed care and chiropractic networks that ACA is hearing through its Managed Care Data Collection Project center around issues relating to fair reimbursement. Doctors say that they are often paid a low, flat "global" fee for their services per visit, regardless of the number of individual treatments they provide to patients. Similarly, they also indicate that payers reduce reimbursement by bundling together several CPT codes rather than paying for each line item that doctors include on claim forms. The result in either case for DCs is frustration and financial hardship.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#7>.

8. ARTICLES FEATURING CHIROPRACTIC SPOKESPERSONS PUBLISHED IN MAJOR MAGAZINES

The ACA effectively uses feature news releases and good old-fashioned "pitching" of ideas to help place chiropractic representatives in prominent publications and on the nation's airwaves. Stories that feature ACA spokespersons are not only informative, but they also help to position doctors of chiropractic as health and wellness experts in the eyes of the public. Look for articles featuring chiropractic experts in First For Women, Fitness, Men's Health, and Muscle & Fitness: Hers magazines.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#8>. 9. NEW YORK THANKS ACA FOR 9/11 RELIEF EFFORTS

The city of New York sent a letter to ACA in January thanking the association for its efforts to aid the city following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#9>.

10. DOWNLOAD A FACT SHEET ON GARDENING AND A CORRECT POSTURE MONTH KIT--THEY'RE FREE TO ACA MEMBERS

As springtime approaches, weather warms up and leaves turn green; many people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. And while gardening can provide a great workout, all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling can make for quite a pain the back.

That's why ACA if offering a free For Your Health patient fact sheet on gardening safety tips-complete with camera-ready artwork-to ACA members only! To access the fact sheet, ACA members can visit <http://www.acatoday.com/media/tips/> and click on the "PDF" version of the gardening fact sheet from the list of health tips. You will need to enter your user name and password to access the PDF file. (If you have forgotten this information, simply call the ACA Member Information Center at 800/986-4636 or e-mail <mailto:memberinfo@...>.)

>> Also, it's not too early to get started on plans for CORRECT POSTURE MONTH, an annual observance that takes place in May. This year's theme is home and office ergonomics. To help them prepare, ACA members can access a special kit online, complete with a sample Correct Posture Month news release and radio script, as well as tips on spreading the word in your local area. Download it at www.acatoday.com/media/tips/ <http://www.acatoday.com/media/tips/> .

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ACA TODAY INSERTS TO CONTINUE IN 2003

The printed version of ACA Today is periodically included as an insert in Dynamic Chiropractic-an industry publication that reaches all 60,000 chiropractors in the United States-to increase readership as well as awareness of ACA activities and accomplishments. This arrangement continues in 2003. In months designated "members only" below, ACA Today will be mailed directly to ACA members.

ISSUE DATE: type APRIL: insert in April 7 Dynamic Chiropractic MAY: insert in May 19 Dynamic Chiropractic JUNE/JULY: members only AUGUST/SEPTEMBER: members only

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ACA'S NEWEST SUPPLIER MEMBER

ACA welcomes new supplier member, Antioxidant Health Group, an independent distributor of Pharmanex products. To demonstrate its commitment, Pharmanex has subjected its numerous sports nutrition and general multivitamin products to rigorous testing, to screen for substances banned by the International Olympic Committee. For information on the tested products please send an e-mail to <mailto:smulligan@...>

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The Council on Diagnostic Imaging will hold its annual Spring Meeting at the Savannah Hilton Desoto on May 3-4, 2003. Dr. Buehler, Dr. Tim Mick and Dr Hosler are the featured speakers. Join us a day early for golf on Friday and plan to spend Saturday evening on a Haunting Ghost Walk. Details are available at <http://www.ACCR.org>, or by e-mailing Dr. Kathy Thorn, dacbrnc@....

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Copyright 2003 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

June 5, 2003

eACA Today

An official publication of the American Chiropractic Association June 2003 *****************************

>> BREAKING NEWS <<

A study published in the ls of Internal Medicine this week says spinal manipulation is no better than other treatments for low back pain. ACA has launched a pre-emptive media effort to temper these findings in any press coverage by emphasizing the positive side of the study: the fact that spinal manipulation is an effective, safe, drug-free alternative to traditional medical care. See story #11 below for details.

***************************** . Members...Help determine the future direction of the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association (JACA), by completing the survey at the bottom of this e-mail.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

1. TRIGON LAWSUIT ADVANCES TO APPEALS COURT

Chiropractic plaintiffs in the federal antitrust lawsuit against insurance giant Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield will "vigorously appeal" an April 25 decision by U.S. District Court Judge P. to dismiss the case. Calling the judge's opinion "legally and factually wrong" and "full of holes," the American Chiropractic Association, Virginia Chiropractic Association (VCA) and several doctors of chiropractic and patients maintain that an appeal will also allow them to challenge earlier decisions by the judge that limited evidence and discovery procedures that would have exposed "discriminatory schemes" that took place prior to 1996.

At the center of Judge 's ruling was a legal finding that a Trigon advisory panel, which was composed of representatives from various Virginia medical societies, could not as a matter of law "conspire" with Trigon to limit coverage of chiropractic services and payments to doctors of chiropractic. This, according to the ruling, is because there was not sufficient evidence that the members of the advisory panel personally benefited financially from Trigon's discriminatory policies taken toward doctors of chiropractic. ACA believes that this interpretation, however, turns existing antitrust law on its head and cannot be the law of the land.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#1>.

2. HOUSE PASSES BILL ACCELERATING IMPLEMENTATION OF CHIROPRACTIC IN MILITARY

Active-duty military personnel are one step closer to getting access to chiropractic services after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on May 22 that includes a provision to accelerate implementation of the new chiropractic benefit in the Department of Defense health care system. The bill was approved 361-68.

Working closely with the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC), ACA lobbied successfully for a specific legislative directive to be included in the House version of the 2004 Department of Defense authorization bill, H.R. 1588, requiring accelerated implementation of chiropractic health care services for active-duty military personnel and setting a new target date of Oct. 1, 2005, for full implementation. The bill also provides $18 million in funding to implement chiropractic services throughout the military health care system in 2004.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#2>.

3. ACA CALLS FOR INTENSIFIED GRASSROOTS ACTION ON MEDICARE EXPANSION

As the U.S. Congress continues to grapple with the testy and controversial issue of Medicare reform, the ACA continues to urge its members and other doctors of chiropractic throughout the nation to "fire up" their grassroots and mobilize patients in support of legislation to expand access to chiropractic services under Medicare.

Seeking to capitalize on the possibility that Congress will enact legislation this year modifying the program by adding new benefits, such as prescription drugs, ACA is pressing hard to include provisions that would allow doctors of chiropractic to furnish any existing Medicare service, such as diagnostic x-rays, that they are licensed to provide under state law. The current Medicare program, called "anti-competitive" by ACA officials, arbitrarily limits Medicare reimbursement to a single service (manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation) and does not allow DCs to provide other covered services.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#3>.

4. ACA RESPONDS SWIFTLY TO STROKE STUDY; NEGATIVE PUBLICITY DIFFUSED

ACA's swift action helped temper much of the negative publicity surrounding a May 13 Neurology study attempting to link chiropractic cervical adjustments and strokes resulting from vertebral artery dissections.

Prior to the release of the study, media from across the country called ACA for comment--allowing us to offer a more fair and balanced perspective on this flawed study. CNN, Reuters Health, NBC and the San Francisco Chronicle--to name just a few--interviewed ACA land Delegate Dr. Bill Lauretti, an expert on the stroke issue, as well as ACA member Dr. Jaclyn Beuttner.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#4>.

5. LOOK FOR PREVENTION MAGAZINE'S CHIROPRACTIC SUCCESS STORY IN JUNE

Be sure to look for the June 2003 issue of Prevention magazine. Prevention, the most widely read health/fitness magazine in the country with a circulation of over 3 million people, will run an article (on page 85) featuring the success story of a patient of ACA member Dr. Unruh. The patient was relieved of severe back pain and sleeplessness through chiropractic care.

An article in such a widely read publication like Prevention is great PR for chiropractic...not to mention ACA members. In fact, the article will provide ACA's toll-free number, which readers can call to locate ACA members - like you - in their community!

6. SUPREME COURT RULING STRIKES A BLOW AGAINST MANAGED CARE NETWORKS

Both managed care industry supporters and detractors consider the recent Supreme Court ruling in Kentucky Association of Health Plans Inc. et al. vs. a major blow to the industry. The court upheld Kentucky's "any willing provider" law, which allows all providers willing to abide by HMO terms and conditions to participate in a network.

ACA has identified the following states as having some type of "any willing provider" law that may affect doctors of chiropractic: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#6>.

7. ACA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY NOW ONLINE

The ACA's latest membership directory is now online <http://www.acatoday.com>. Available exclusively to ACA members, the online directory can serve as a valuable patient referral tool for your practice. Just enter your username and password for access to the most current contact information possible for you and your fellow ACA members. (If you have

forgotten this access information, just e-mail ACA at <mailto:memberinfo@...>.) When you want to find the name of a colleague or a list of doctors in a particular city, all you need to do is type your search word, and your computer will take you to that listing within seconds.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#7>.

8. JOIN THE ACA COMMUNITY IN DISCUSSIONS ONLINE

The ACA has launched a new online discussion group, or "list serve," allowing for a greater exchange of ideas and opinions among doctors of chiropractic. The service is available only to ACA members.

A list serve creates a community online of people who share certain interests. Those who post e-mails on the ACA list serve have the opportunity to get feedback on an endless variety of topics from doctors of chiropractic around the country.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#8>.

9. NEW JERSEY AGENCY TO WORK WITH ACA TO RESOLVE ISSUES WITH LOCAL BLUES PLAN

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) has agreed to work with the ACA to resolve problems doctors of chiropractic in the state are having with the local Blue Cross Blue Shield plan.

ACA representatives met with DOBI officials April 22 to discuss what it believes to be the unfair claims practices that have been reported and to determine the extent of DOBI's regulatory oversight over Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield.

For the full story, go to <http://www.acatoday.com/publications/eaca_today.shtml#9>.

10. EDUCATE YOUR PATIENTS ON THE PROPER USE OF BACKPACKS

We all know that back pain is pervasive among American adults, but a new and disturbing trend is emerging. Young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that backpack-related injuries sent more than 7,000 people to the emergency room in 2001 alone.

This month, ACA offers its members a fact sheet designed to educate patients and communities about the potential dangers of overweight backpacks. Just log on to ACA's Web site at <http://www.acatoday.com/media/tips/> and enter your user name and password to access a camera-ready fact sheet to copy and distribute to your patients. (If you have

forgotten this access information, just e-mail ACA at <mailto:memberinfo@...>.) A hard copy of the fact sheet will also be mailed to members this month in the June/July issue of the printed ACA Today.

11. ACA TEMPERS STUDY FINDINGS WITH PRE-EMPTIVE MEDIA BLITZ

A June 3, 2003 study from the ls of Internal Medicine contends that a systematic review of available literature shows there is no evidence that spinal manipulative therapy is superior to other standard treatments for patients with acute or chronic low back pain.

The ACA has prepared an official, preemptive response to the study, highlighting the study's positive aspects and challenging its negative aspects. ACA has already distributed this response as a news release to the health editors of the nation's largest media organizations--including national and international wire services, news syndicates, broadcast networks and the nation's leading newspapers and magazines. In addition, ACA officials have already handled interviews on this issue with The Wall Street Journal and WebMD.

In essence, the ACA believes that the new study indicates that spinal manipulation is an effective, safe, drug-free alternative to traditional medical care. Unfortunately, the authors ignored the positive findings of such studies as the Manga Report and the AHCPR guidelines, cited below:

· Manga, Pran. "Enhanced chiropractic coverage under OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) as a means for reducing health care costs, attaining better health outcomes and achieving equitable access to health services." Report to the Ontario Ministry of Health, 1998.

· Manga, Pran., et al. Chiropractic Management of Low-Back Pain. Pran Manga and Associates, Ontario, Canada, 1993

· Bigos S., Bowyer O., Braen G., et al. Acute Low Back Problems in Adults. Clinical Practice Guideline No. 14. AHCPR Publication No. 95-0642. Rockville, MD: Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. December, 1994.

The ACA is alerting state associations, ACA members and chiropractic media to the study as it may attract attention from media outlets across the country - and you may be contacted by your local media to comment on the study.

Please click here to find ACA's official response: <http://www.acatoday.com/media/releases/060203.shtml>. And for a copy of the full text of the study, click here: <http://www.annals.org/issues/v138n11/full/200306030-00008.html>.

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NOW SHOWING: NCLC VIDEO & "SIMPLE JUSTICE"Hear firsthand what U.S. Cabinet secretaries and members of Congress think about chiropractic and the ACA's legislative efforts. Visit <http://www.acatoday.com/about/nclc2003/video.shtml>. Also available online is "Simple Justice," a film about the chiropractic professions past and current struggles. To view it, log on to <http://www.acatoday.com/hot_topics/simplejustice.shtml>.

***************************** Copyright 2003 by the American Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved. For questions or comments about eACA Today, e-mail <mailto:apena@...>. To learn more about the ACA's activities, go to <http://www.acatoday.com>.

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** 2003 JACA SURVEY **

Because the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association (JACA) is your journal, we look for ways to make it better meet your needs. Please take a few moments to copy and paste this survey into an email mail, complete the questions and send it back to Carol Marleigh Kline, ACA publications director, at <mailto:ckline@...>.

Note: now that ACA's Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System (JNMS) is no longer being published due to budgetary concerns, we need your input regarding the types of manuscripts that were formerly available in that journal.

Please answer the following questions:

1. What sources do you presently use to read about chiropractic science and research

JMPT: ____ What percentage of it do you regularly read? ____%

Spine "____ What percentage of it do you regularly read? _____%

Other(s):

2. Were you receiving JNMS (Journal of the Musculoskeletal System)? Yes _____ No _____

If you received it, what percentage of JNMS did you read? ____%

3. Please choose one (1) among the following options:

I prefer JACA to continue publishing its current mix of clinical, practice management, coding/reimbursement, and other articles. ____

Out of four (4) major articles in a single issue of JACA, I would like one (1) to be devoted to science/research. _____

Out of four (4) major articles in a single issue of JACA, I would like two (2) to be devoted to science/research. _____

Out of four (4) major articles in a single issue of JACA, I would like three (3) to be devoted to science/research. _____

Out of four (4) major articles in a single issue of JACA, I would like all four (4) to be devoted to science/research. ____

Other suggestions:

When complete, e-mail survey to <mailto:ckline@...>. Thank you!

October 9, 2003

eACA Today

October 2003

An Official Newsletter of the American Chiropractic Association

IN THIS ISSUE

For Your Health Patient Fact Sheet: Chiropractic's Approach to the Ear High-Tech Releases Send Chiropractic Message Out to Millions DCs Must Resubmit Previously Denied PT Claims under Blues Federal Employee Plan Educate Claims Adjusters, Resolve Payment Problems with New Claim Adjuster Index HIPAA Compliance: Medicare Deadline Extended

For Your Health Patient Fact Sheet: Chiropractic's Approach to the Ear

With the cold and flu season on the horizon, ear infections will once again become a common occurrence among young patients. With 10 million new cases every year, ear infections are the most common illness affecting babies and young children and the number one reason for visits to the pediatrician. For many children, it can become a chronic problem, requiring treatment year after year, and putting the child at risk of permanent hearing damage and associated speech and developmental problems.

But before yet another round of "maybe-they'll-work- and-maybe-they-won't" antibiotics or the drastic step of "ear tube" surgery, more parents are considering chiropractic to help children with chronic ear infections.

ACA has produced a new online "For Your Health" patient education fact sheet on the chiropractic approach to ear infections. The fact sheet, available to members only, can be downloaded from ACA's Web site 24 hours a day.

Just visit www.acatoday.com, click on the "Publications" section, then "For Your Health Fact Sheets." You'll need to enter your Member ID and password to access the document. Place your business card over the rectangular box on the back of the fact sheet, then photocopy it and distribute to patients.

Click here to access the FYH fact sheet on "ear problems"... News & More...

Coverage of the 2003 House of Delegates Meeting

ACA Neurology Board Receives Accreditation

ACA Salutes America's Veterans at National Conventions

Access Valuable Practice Tools 24/7

Coding Questions? Get the Answers Here...

Boost Your Practice with Special Member Benefit Programs

High-Tech Releases Send Chiropractic Message Out to Millions

ACA packed a "one-two" public relations punch in late September and early October, developing and distributing an exciting "multimedia news release" (MNR) on backpack safety and an informative "audio news release" (ANR) on Spinal Health Month and the benefits of chiropractic care. The MNR has been professionally delivered to more than 6,100 major media outlets and Web sites, as well as a Web site for professional journalists that boasts more than 60,000 registered users. Meanwhile, the audio news release has been delivered to the nation's top 1,000 radio stations based on market and audience size.

The MNR delivers news-in this case ACA's backpack safety information-with the impact of video footage, Internet links, text and more. Immediate past president of the ACA Council on Occupational Health Dr. Bautch is featured in the video portion of the release. He was filmed at a school in his hometown in Wisconsin, discussing the importance of proper backpack use and also showing local schoolchildren how to wear their backpacks without hurting themselves. Use the link below to view the MNR.

The ANR-which ACA is using as a format for promoting Spinal Health Month and chiropractic care-is a scripted, produced, one-minute audio package with sound bites from new ACA President Dr. Krippendorf. The release also includes voiceover narration formatted to fit radio newscasts. The audio news release provides radio stations across the nation with ready-to-use programming that is also delivered directly to millions of on-line consumers, investors and other target audiences. In a few weeks, you will be able to listen to the ANR on ACA's Web site, www.acatoday.com.

Members can access ACA's Spinal Health Month kit, which includes projects for promoting Spinal Health Month in their communities, by visiting www.acatoday.com and downloading it from the "In the Spotlight" section.

Click here to view the MNR »

DCs Must Resubmit Previously Denied PT Claims under Blues Federal Employee Plan

Doctors of chiropractic who have been previously denied reimbursement for physical therapy services under the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Plan (FEP) must resubmit previously denied claims for payment consideration, according to national FEP officials. Denied PT claims going back to Jan. 1, 2002, are eligible for reimbursement.

The FEP is the largest privately underwritten health insurance contract in the world, enrolling 4 million federal employees, dependents and retirees. Several insurance companies around the United States administer the plan-the new PT coverage for DCs applies only to the FEP that is administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. A recent change in the status of DCs in that plan has expanded their reimbursement eligibility to include PT services under both the Basic and Standard options.

In a letter to ACA, the FEP revealed that its system does not maintain records of previously denied claims, and therefore covered providers will have to resubmit claims for previously denied PT services. The claims must be submitted by Dec. 31 of the year following the year when the services were provided. For example, claims for PT services provided in 2002 would have to be resubmitted to the local Blues plan by Dec. 31, 2003.

Local Blue Cross Blue Shields plans have been notified of the change in policy that allows doctors of chiropractic to be reimbursed for physical therapy services provided to patients covered under the Blues FEP.

Full story »

Educate Claims Adjusters, Resolve Payment Problems with New Claim Adjuster Index

With its new Claim Adjuster Index (CAI), ACA aims to remove some of the misinformation and confusion that persists about chiropractic among some claims adjusters and handlers-enabling the payment process go more smoothly for everyone involved. The CAI is a collection of information sheets that give adjusters basic, understandable information about both chiropractic treatment and doctors of chiropractic.

While ACA is distributing the CAI nationally, doctors of chiropractic can download it today from the ACA Web site and use it to resolve problems that may arise with their own claims. In addition to educating adjusters, it is hoped that the information will help to reduce review expenses for insurers as well as any severity toward chiropractic claims.

The CAI was developed under the direction of the ACA Insurance and Managed Care Committee, which is chaired by Dr. Gentile. Along with ACA leadership and academics, representatives from five national insurers contributed to the documents by outlining adjusters' information needs.

ACA is promoting the CAI to insurers, chiropractic networks and other organizations. It has already distributed the CAI to all past participants of the Claims Solutions Work Group and almost all major insurers in the United States. The CAI was also sent to all local Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and state chiropractic associations.

Click here to access the CAI »

HIPAA Compliance: Medicare Deadline Extended

At press time, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's (HIPAA) electronic transaction standards for Medicare claims past Oct. 16. A new deadline has yet to be announced. Doctors of chiropractic should be aware that some DCs who run small private practices and bill on paper will eventually be exempt from the law when billing for Medicare patients.

After the new deadline, Medicare will only pay claims that are filed electronically. This change is due to the Administration Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA), which is a component of HIPAA. The ASCA provides an exception for claims submitted by small suppliers of service. CMS provides the following definition of small supplier: A physician, practitioner, facility, or supplier with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees.

Therefore, if you are in private practice with less than 10 full-time employees, you will be able to take advantage of this exemption; you will not be required to file Medicare claims electronically. Medicare does not require small suppliers to file for a waiver at this time. Qualified suppliers can simply continue to submit their claims to Medicare on paper. At a later date, Medicare will issue a bulletin further defining "small supplier of services" along with instructions on how to apply for a waiver to bill on paper.

For more valuable information on HIPAA compliance, check out the Member Resources Page on the ACA Web site. Simply click the "Member Login" button at www.acatoday.com and enter your member ID and password.

Details on the HIPAA Medicare extension »

email: apena@... voice: 703-276-8800 web: http://www.acatoday.com

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April 16, 2004

eACA Today

March/April 2004

An Official Newsletter of the American Chiropractic Association

IN THIS ISSUE

NCLC 2004: Top Washington Legislators Vow to Fight for Chiropractic VA Secretary Green-Lights Chiropractic Care for America's Veterans ACA-Sponsored Bill Would Give Veterans Direct Access to DCs Patience, Relationships are Key to Successful VA Integration Attorney Mcs Fights for Trigon Appeal Before Three-Judge Panel

NCLC 2004: Top Washington Legislators Vow to Fight for Chiropractic

"Recognized, respected and heeded." "A force on health policy issues." "A grassroots lobbying powerhouse."

These were some of the terms used across Washington, DC, to describe the ACA and its members in early March as senior lawmakers and presidential advisers--including the Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert (pictured) and the Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy --appeared before standing-room-only crowds of more than 500 DCs, students, state association officials, college administrators and faculty and ACA staff gathered in the nation's capital for ACA's 29th National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC).

By every measure, this year's NCLC was the most successful and productive chiropractic advocacy event ever. With the ACA recognized as one of the 25 most effective health care lobbying organizations in America- the ACA was listed 19th among the top 25 health care organizations included in the ranking appearing in the Washington Times on Nov. 26, 2003-congressional leaders and the president's cabinet officers eagerly accepted invitations to address the largest group of NCLC participants since the mid-1990s effort to defeat plans to create a massive government-run health system.

As Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) noted when he saw the long list of elected officials who would be sharing the NCLC podium with him, "You have a really good line up; that means you're big!"

Full story News & More...

ACA Joins National Wellness Campaign to Help America Get Healthier

May Is Correct Posture Month: Make It An Event in Your Area!

ACA Membership Directory Now Available on CD-ROM, Online

Live Teleseminars Are Convenient, Valuable to the Entire Office

JACA--Inflammatory Arthritides:What Can DCs Offer?

View Video of NCLC 2004 Speakers Online!

VA Secretary Green-Lights Chiropractic Care for America's Veterans

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) commended Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Principi for issuing an historic and far-reaching blueprint for formalizing the full inclusion of chiropractic care into the massive veterans health care system in the United States. Secretary Principi's decision today to implement more than three dozen recommendations made by a multi-disciplinary health care advisory panel will dramatically improve the quality of care available to millions of veterans in the U.S. and increase access to chiropractic care for every veteran who wants or needs to see a doctor of chiropractic.

The Secretary's bold action originated with legislative directives from Congress in 2002 and 2003--passed at the urging of ACA, ACC and America's veterans--to establish a permanent chiropractic benefit throughout the VA system and authorize the VA to hire and employ doctors of chiropractic as care providers.

Since the creation of the VA health system, the nation's doctors of chiropractic have been kept outside the system and all but prevented from providing proven, cost-effective and much-needed care to veterans, including those among the most vulnerable and in need of the range of the health care services DCs are licensed to provide. In 2002, 4.5 million patients received care in VA health facilities, including 75 percent of all disabled and low-income veterans. Although the VA health care budget is roughly $26 billion, in 2002, less than $370,000 went toward chiropractic services for veterans.

Full story »

ACA-Sponsored Bill Would Give Veterans Direct Access to DCs

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) applauded Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) for introducing legislation in March to provide veterans with direct access to a doctor of chiropractic through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. The ACA, the nation's largest chiropractic organization, worked closely with Congressman Filner on the direct-access bill now before Congress and on other ongoing efforts to ensure unimpeded access to chiropractic care.

In the past, segments of the federal bureaucracy have been reluctant to implement directives from Congress regarding chiropractic care. This new bill (H.R. 4051) seeks to send a message to opponents of chiropractic - inside and outside of the government - that America's veterans will not be denied the chiropractic care they need and deserve.

The Filner bill (H.R. 4051) seeks to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to permit eligible veterans to receive direct access to chiropractic care at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics. Section 3 of H.R. 4051 states that "The Secretary [of Veterans Affairs] shall permit eligible veterans to receive needed [health care] services, rehabilitative services, and preventative health services from a licensed doctor of chiropractic on a direct-access basis at the election of the eligible veteran, if such services are within the state scope of practice of such doctor of chiropractic." The measure goes on to directly prohibit discrimination among licensed health care providers by the VA when determining which services a patient needs.

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Patience, Relationships are Key to Successful VA Integration

Since the signing of legislation in 2002 mandating chiropractic services be made available to America's veterans, many doctors of chiropractic have been excited by the prospect of getting hired by a VA health care facility. But doctors who have been working closely with the VA on the details of chiropractic implementation say the best thing DCs can do for now is be patient--the process will take time and require education for both chiropractors and VA administrators.

"[The VA] is still operating under the old law, which has only resulted in very limited access to chiropractic care," says Dr. Rick Mc, who is a member of the VA Chiropractic Advisory Committee, an 11-member body comprised of a mix of health care providers and charged with creating recommendations on chiropractic integration for VA Secretary Principi. These recommendations relate to how the new law, passed in 2002, should be carried out. This new law directs the VA to hire doctors of chiropractic and offer chiropractic care to veterans. During NCLC, Dr. Mc (pictured, far right) participated in a panel discussion on the subject of employment in the VA with fellow committee members Drs. Vaughn and (also pictured).

The three told doctors that essentially no changes would happen in the VA until the secretary acts on the committee's recommendations, which were submitted on Nov. 5, 2003 relative to implementation of the new law. "Even though the law is there, the recommendations are the vehicle from point A to point B," explained Dr. Vaughn.

But that doesn't mean there's nothing doctors of chiropractic can do in the meantime to put themselves in good positions to be hired by the VA down the line. (Editors Note: As this story went to press, the VA secretary approved many of the advisory committee's recommendation. See story above.)

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Attorney Mcs Fights for Trigon Appeal Before Three-Judge Panel

With his characteristic repertoire of blistering truths and colorful analogies, ACA General Counsel Mcs pulled out all the stops Feb. 24 to convince a federal three-judge appellate panel that insurance giant Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield conspired to discriminate against doctors of chiropractic.

During the hearing in Richmond, VA, before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, Mcs presented oral arguments laying out the reasons why he believes the case deserves to be sent back to the district court for trial.

During the hearing, Mcs and attorneys for Trigon each had a total of 20 minutes to state their cases and respond to questions from the judges. Mcs used 14 minutes of his time to present evidence that Trigon had altered the federal government's 1994 guidelines on acute low-back pain to remove references to chiropractic-style spinal manipulation--purely for economic reasons.

Trigon's new "referral" guidelines, co-authored by representatives of most of the state's medical- physician trade associations and medical schools, effectively directed low-back patients away from chiropractors and to pharmaceutical treatment by medical doctors, he said. "They changed the critical definition of manipulation," Mcs explained. "The evidence is that they weren't trained in [manipulation]. It was panic time."

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