Radiologists can no longer order x-rays for Medicare patients referred to them by chiropractors in a nonhospital setting, according to a January 1 ruling from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The American College of Radiology (ACR) of Reston, VA, reported that the 2008 Medicare Fee Schedule Final Rule has eliminated the so-called "chiropractor exception," which allowed nontreating physicians such as radiologists to order diagnostic tests to identify the subluxation of the spine at a chiropractor's request.
Prior to January 1, 2000, CMS required an x-ray to confirm the subluxation diagnosis for reimbursement of chiropractic adjustments to correct subluxations. Since radiologists do not qualify under Medicare rules as treating physicians who can order x-rays -- and chiropractors are similarly restricted -- the regulations provided an exception.
In 2000, CMS eliminated the requirement for x-ray confirmation of spinal subluxations, although the rule was not formally changed. CMS has now aligned its reimbursement policies with the 2000 statutory change, the ACR said.
Related Reading
Stark, raving mad? Physicians say Maryland's self-referral laws too broad, January 15, 2008
Cardiologists, orthopods boost imaging use and adoption rates, studies find, November 26, 2007
CMS to delay portion of Stark III, November 20, 2007
Same-specialty referring physicians use imaging more frequently, study says, November 8, 2007
CMS delays in-office self-referral decision with new MPFS rule, November 7, 2007
Copyright © 2008 AuntMinnie.com
