Episode 15 in the Podcast Series Drops Oct. 14

CLIVE, Iowa — (Oct. 13, 2021) — Scary stories are perfect for Halloween, but not so much for DCs (or their malpractice providers). Case in point:

Back in August, New York had issued a vaccine mandate that applied to all healthcare workers in hospitals, long term care facilities and nursing homes. It required these facilities to develop and implement a policy requiring employee vaccinations, with limited exceptions for those with religious or medical reasons. According to the language as written, we did not believe this would apply to private office settings.

The following statement related to the federal mandate regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements was received by the NYSCA from the ACA on September 15, 2021 via email:

The Chair has determined that the solicitation or receipt of payments from a third party for chiropractic or other health care treatment and services (including so-called "fitting fees" or "service fees") are prohibited by the Workers' Compensation Law, the Rules of the Board of Regents governing the professions, and the New York State Education Law governing the practice of medicine. The Chair has taken, and will continue to take, administrative action against any provider found violating the law.

Updated September 13 at 3:30 pm: CMS provided the following information on background regarding clarification on the mandate rule:

“This regulation does not directly apply to physician’s offices as these are not regulated under the provider-specific Medicare health and safety regulatory provisions, generally referred to as “Conditions of Participation.”

President Joe Biden on Thursday, 09/09/2021 imposed stringent new vaccine rules on federal workers, large employers, and health care staff in a sweeping attempt to contain the latest surge of Covid-19.

On September 6, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the New York State Commissioner of Health officially designated COVID-19 as a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health. This designation triggers the obligation for employers to implement their New York HERO Act plans. 

CLIVE, Iowa — (Sept. 8, 2021) — Are you getting all the information you need when treating your patients? Many times, doctors don't. Whether a new patient, a new-to-you patient, or even existing patients, you gather important information through the exam and history and review any relevant documentation, right?

October is National Chiropractic Health Month and great things are happening in the Chiropractic profession in New York!

At 12:01 a.m., Kathy Hochul was officially sworn in as the 57th Governor of New York State. She is the first woman to ever hold this position. At 10:00 a.m., there was a ceremonial swearing in ceremony for Governor Hochul that was open to press with the oath of office administered by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore. She gave brief remarks at her swearing in and indicated that brevity was going to be a hallmark of her administration.

At this time, it appears the vaccine mandate will apply to all healthcare workers in hospitals, long term care facilities and nursing homes and will require these facilities to develop and implement a policy mandating employee vaccinations, with limited exceptions for those with religious or medical reasons.

Every year there are updates to the ICD-10 codes. These codes take effect 10/1/2021. This year's coding updates that will affect chiropractic claims are listed below:

Arlington, Va. – The American Chiropractic Association and doctors of chiropractic nationwide will celebrate National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) 2021 this October with the theme “Keep Moving!” The campaign highlights how movement contributes to both physical and mental health.

The Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (ChiroCongress) is pleased to deliver the plan developed in Stage II of their Future of Chiropractic Strategic Planning Project.  This report represents the purpose, process, participants, and outcomes of Phase Two of the  Project.

As you may be aware, the NYSCA Board of Directors had a vacant Director's seat in Region 4 subsequent to the May 2021 elections. This vacancy was created when Dr. Rae Smith was elected as the NYSCA Communications Secretary.

Welcome to Summer! 

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863; however, the Civil War continued until April 1865. It was not until June 1865 that Union soldiers made it to Texas where, by order of General Granger, it was announced that the war was over, and slavery was abolished.

NY lifts most COVID restrictions effective 6/15/21; Healthcare settings, including chiropractic offices, must continue to follow previous, in place COVID protocols

As you are already aware, the CDC federal mask mandate remains in effect for pre-K-12 schools, public transit, and healthcare settings in NYS.