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Healthcare News: Chiropractors ineligible to order or refer

August 23, 2011

 CMS incorrectly included chiropractors in the list of physician and practitioner types that may order and refer items or services to Medicare beneficiaries in recent announcements and materials, CMS announced on its listserv.

In accordance with section 1877(a)(1) and (5)(A), and section 1861(r)(5) of the Social Security Act, and 42 CFR 410.21(b)(1) and (2), doctors of chiropractic medicine are not eligible to order or refer.

Medicare coverage extends only to treatment by means of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation. Medicare does not cover any other services furnished or ordered by chiropractors.

CMS is in the process of revising documents (including change requests) to reflect this correction.