ACA Vows to Keep Fighting In Wake Of Trigon Court Ruling
Use of racketeer (RICO) statutes to curb insurer abuses to be pursued
Despite the failure of the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the American Chiropractic
Association’s (ACA) court challenge against Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield
(BCBS), leaders of the ACA vowed to continue an aggressive legal campaign to
curb practices by insurers that harm chiropractors and their patients.
On Nov. 8, 2004, the Supreme Court formally declined an appeal by the ACA and
the Virginia Chiropractic Association (VCA), bringing an end to litigation that
began nearly four years ago. The ACA and the VCA—along with a group of
individual doctors and patients—originally filed the federal lawsuit against
Trigon, alleging that the company had conducted a long list of “unlawful
anticompetitive” acts against the chiropractic profession. While the ACA
is undeniably disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision, ACA officials
confirmed that the association is exploring the impact of the RICO (Racketeer
Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) ruling contained in the Court of Appeals’
decision. The association will consider filing RICO-related lawsuits against
other insurance industry targets. The ACA is also studying how the court’s
ruling may be utilized to address a wide-range of current issues and reimbursement
problems facing the profession.
“Health Forum” to Feature International Chiropractors Association
Platinum Television Group is pleased to announce the selection of the International
Chiropractors Association for its innovative, educational television series,
“Health Forum”, for a special half-hour show on “The New Chiropractor.”
All segments of the show will deal with chiropractic practice, and will be introduced
by spokesmen for the International Chiropractors Association.
“Since 1997, Platinum Television Group has produced high quality television
programming focused on educating consumers and is a natural partner for the
ICA as we work through the media to project chiropractic’s unique and
valuable contribution to health and healing,” said ICA President Dr. C.J.
Mertz. “This new media initiative provides an opportunity to reach
millions of consumers on a matter of the greatest national interest, the power
of prevention and the wellness movement.”
President Bush Signs Bill Reactivating Chiropractic Advisory Panel
On Oct. 28, U.S. President George Bush signed into law a bill that will reactivate
and set forth an expanded set of responsibilities for the Pentagon’s chiropractic
health care advisory committee, a panel established to provide guidance to the
secretary of defense on how to implement a new chiropractic benefit for active-duty
military personnel.
The chiropractic provision in H.R. 4200 (section 718) was authored by Sen. Jim
Talent (R-Mo.), Rep. John McHugh (R-NY) and Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), and
strongly supported by Reps. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Jeb
Bradley (R-NH) and Mike Rogers (R-AL).
“This is a great victory for the troops because Congress has placed their
health care needs first,” said American Chiropractic Association President
Dr. Donald J. Krippendorf. “As a U.S. Navy veteran and concerned citizen,
I want to see America’s military have access to the best health care that
can be provided, including chiropractic care. After years of struggle, doctors
of chiropractic are now an important part of the military health system—in
Bethesda, Walter Reed and 40 other military hospitals and clinics around the
country—so it’s wholly appropriate for us to have an active role
at the Pentagon to make chiropractic care even more accessible.”
Flu Season Wellness Plan Should Include Chiropractic Care
The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) is recommending that people of all ages
add chiropractic to their strategy for warding off and fighting the flu and
its effects this season.
Spinal adjustments can have a positive effect on immune function which are cited
by a growing number of researchers who are exploring the common denominators
in disease processes, and the role of the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems
in development of immune related illnesses. Since the nervous system controls
all functions of the body—including the immune system—chiropractic
care can have a positive effect on immune function.
“Contemporary research is beginning to shed light on the neurobiological
mechanisms which may explain the outstanding clinical results chiropractors
have experienced when managing patients with viral and infectious diseases,”
stated Dr. Christopher Kent, WCA vice president.
“A comprehensive review of the research literature reveals the current
understanding that the brain and immune system are the two major adaptive systems
in the body. During an immune response, the brain and the immune system ‘talk
to each other’ and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis
or balance in the body.”
Chiropractors are also aware of the importance of positive health lifestyle
practices (rest, drinking ample quantities of water, diet, exercise, proper
food choices, use of high potency multivitamins and minerals and stress reduction
approaches) that can also positively influence the nervous system and immune
response.
Chiropractors helping patients battle the flu is not a new occurrence either.
During the 1917-18 influenza epidemic, which brought death and fear to many
Americans, it has been estimated that 20 million people died throughout the
world, including about 500,000 Americans. It was chiropractic’s success
in caring for flu victims that led to the profession’s licensure in many
states.
“I would recommend to any person concerned about the upcoming flu season
to add chiropractic to their list of things to do to remove interference to
their nervous system, enhance their immune function and give their body every
extra bit of security it needs” stated Dr. Kent.
Harvard Health Letter Responds to Chiropractic Criticism
The American Chiropractic Association and the Foundation for Chiropractic Education
and Research recently received confirmation that the Harvard Health Letter will
replace a misleading and biased statement about chiropractic spinal manipulation
published in a recent promotional mailing. The change comes as a direct result
of pressure placed on Harvard by the chiropractic organizations.
The anti-chiropractic statement was part of a “26 Health Revelations You
Need to Know Now” promotional mailing and stated: “Did you know
that about half the people who seek spinal manipulation from a chiropractor
experience problems caused by the treatment?”
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