Latest member webinar gives overview of Posture Practice benefits

Are you curious about what a focus on posture can do for your practice and your patients?  View the latest FCA webinar to learn the highlights of what posture practice protocols can do to enhance your patients’ understanding of biomechanics and the benefits of chiropractic.  It will help you begin a conversation to promote the importance of chiropractic for treating bio-mechanical problems and enhancing athletic performance, active living and aging well.  In “Engaging Patients with Posture Pictures,” Dr. Steven Weiniger will help you with basic concepts and why you should focus on posture in your patients’ best interests.  Just log in as a member on fcachiro.org to view this webinar as many times as you would like and to share it with your staff.

More in-depth posture training for DCs and Staff at FCA National Convention

To help FCA convention attendees positions themselves as posture experts, Summer Convention will feature "Posture Practice Protocols" – including up to 12 hours of the live classroom course work that can lead to eventual certification as a "Posture Exercise Professional (CPEP)." Each stand-alone class will be taught by Dr. Weiniger, whose personal goal is to help his individual colleagues and the profession as a whole to position themselves and chiropractic as the "posture experts" nationwide. He is working with the FCA to make this valuable information more accessible and affordable for FCA members and convention attendees and their staff teams who are involved in rehab and exercise.

Offered at each FCA convention this year and sponsored by Performance Health/Biofreeze, Prossage, Thera-Band Products, these classes are open to DCs and CAs who register for the convention on a first come, first served basis. There is no extra charge for registered DCs and staff to attend these classes; so, come and learn about posture practice. Body Zone will be offering discounts exceeding 40% for FCA members who take their classroom hours at FCA conventions and sign up for the full certification, which includes 15 hours of online coursework, 3 hours of Posture Practice Management training, and materials for study, training and practice implementation. Here is what one doctor had to say about it:

"I have attended 2011 and 2012 Panhandle Convention classes presented by Dr. Weiniger and Body Zone. I was able to take the information from his classes, go into my office on Monday and immediately make significant life and health changes with every single patient. The program was easy to implement and after 30 years of practice I finally found an "exercise program" that the patients saw immediate results and are compliant with ... and are willing to pay for. I have attended the complete certification program and would not hesitate to recommend it to others."  – Anita Kelley-Dukes, D.C.

Early bird discounts for National Convention extended through Sunday, July 28th

Great news!  You can still pre-register online for FCA National Convention and take advantage of early bird discounts until midnight on Sunday, July 28th.   Visit fcachiro.org to access online registration, class schedules and catalogs, hotel reservations and spa discounts, as well as many other helpful links and informational items that will help you have an easy, enjoyable and educational National Convention!

Aetna Appeals Result in Paid Claims

(From the ACA “Week in Review” of 07/25/13)  ACA held a meeting with Aetna representatives back in May to discuss ACA's stance on Aetna's new national policy regarding manual therapy. As a result of that meeting, Aetna agreed to allow providers to appeal and submit supporting documentation for consideration. Soon after, ACA members began reporting that submitted documentation wasn't being reviewed, and that claims were being denied. ACA contacted Aetna executives immediately in an effort to clarify whether DCs would be able to appeal denials of 97140. In response, Aetna alerted its top claims staff to assist in resolving this issue, and so far, reports are coming in that doctors are being treated politely and professionally and claims are being paid.   Continue reading.  

Another Module of the Orlando DABCI happens August 3-4

Become a Diplomate Internist!  Another session of the Orlando DABCI course will take place August 3-4.  “GI Upper and Lower” will be taught by Dr. Anderson.  Register Now!

National Convention Brochure & Class Schedules Now Posted at FCAchiro.org

Enlightenment for your entire office team awaits! Read all about it on fcachiro.org: The 80-speaker program, 400-exhibit expo and all of the value-added bonuses that are yours for the taking at FCA National Convention, August 22-25 at the Peabody Orlando. The 4-color brochure, class schedules, printable forms, on-lineregistration, convenient reservations link and all the tools to plan a great time for you, your staff and your family are at your fingertips. Visit fcachiro.org and click on the "Enlighten" ad on the home page to access it all.

Catch the Latest FCA Journal Online

The latest edition of the FCA Journal is posted for your viewing and reading pleasure on fcachiro.org. Features included in this issue, to name a few, are:

• 2013 Legislative Session Summary
• Chiropractic Day at the Capitol
• Are We on the Edge of a New Wave of Health Care?
• Back and Core Exercise in Firefighters
• National Chiropractic Legislative Conference
• Board of Chiropractic Medicine Meeting Report
• Nine packed pages of classified listings

Florida Supreme Court Issues Another Favorable Ruling on PIP Reimbursements Based Upon Fee Schedule

Following the June 27, 2013, favorable decision in Nunez v. Geico General Ins. Co. on pre-1/1/2008 policies not being able to require Examinations Under Oath as a condition precedent to PIP reimbursements (see FCA Bulletin of July 2, 2013), just one week later, the same 5-2 panel of Justices ruled again against Geico on the issue of whether or not auto insurers were required to incorporate the Medicare Fee Schedule into its policy of insurance if it wanted to take advantage of using it to pay providers. 

The Florida Supreme Court answered NO to the certified question of whether an insurer may limit reimbursements based upon the Medicare Fee Schedules in PIP policies issued after January 1, 2008, without providing notice in its policy of an election to use the fee schedule.  In other words, the Court ruled that the insurer was required to give notice to its insureds by electing the permissive Medicare fee scheduled in its policies before taking advantage of this methodology to limit reimbursements.

The Court reasoned that the 2008 PIP statute allows for two different payment methodologies for calculating reimbursements to satisfy the PIP statute’s reasonable medical expense coverage mandate:  payment of a “reasonable” amount of expenses or payment by use of the Medicare fee schedules. 

What does this mean to your practice?  The Florida Supreme Court has now clarified that if PIP insurers did not incorporate the Medicare fee schedule into its policy before July 1, 2012, that you could send a pre-suit demand letter for the difference between what was billed and the fee schedule amount.  However, in doing this, you could still be faced with a trial on what the “reasonable” amount is for the reimbursement.

It is important to note that the Legislature has now specifically incorporated a notice requirement into the PIP statute, effective July 1, 2012 and, therefore, this decision only applies to policies that were in effect from the 2008 amendments through the effective date of the 2012 amendment which was July 1, 2012.

The ruling is posted for your convenient reference on fcachiro.org. 

See the Unprecedented Line-Up for National Convention at FCAchiro.org

Now available for your viewing pleasure is the National Convention section of fcachiro.org, and registrations are already pouring in from its easy online system.  Check the listings of an unprecedented 112 different class opportunities for DCs, CCPAs, CAs, CRTs, LMTs.  You will find insights into every aspect of chiropractic practice, as well as purely business topics, a complete module of the Chiropractic Internist Diplomate course, NRCME/DOT Training, “Foundation Friday,” and new clinical topics too numerous to list here.  Just click on the “ENLIGHTEN” ad on the home page to read more about it. 

Whatever your interests or concerns may be, there are insights galore for you and your team at this spectacular event.  Make your reservations now and pre-register through the mail (using the printable form posted on the site) or online before July 26th for best discounts.  Don’t forget the fabulous buy-one-get-one registration discounts for staff (CAs, CCPAs, RCAs, CRTs) when registering with their doctor.  Make this a team-building opportunity for improved practice performance.  It’s time to shine!

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Disney® Discounts

Special afternoon and multi-day Disney® tickets are being offered at substantial discounts when purchased prior to arrival in Orlando. These offers are available to pre-registered National Convention attendees until 9pm on Thursday, August 22, 2013, through a special link that will be provided in your FCA pre-registration confirmation e-mail and are not available at the park gate or any other location. After 2pm, After 4pm, and multi-day tickets are available through this special discounted Disney® source for FCA National attendees and their accompanying families or guests. The multi-day tickets include a complimentary bonus visit to your choice of one of several Disney experiences, a terrific value!

Florida Supreme Court Rules Against Auto Insurer in PIP Dispute Involving Examinations Under Oath

Last week, a divided Florida Supreme Court in Merly Nunez v. Geico General Ins. Co., ruled that under the prior, pre-1/1/2012 PIP law, Geico could not require its insured to give a statement under oath ("EUO") as a requirement before paying PIP benefits after an auto accident. The 5-2 rulingfound that Florida's PIP laws requiring "swift and virtually automatic" recovery of benefits did not allow the insurer to place such a requirement on the insured. The Court reasoned that since PIP is a mandatory insurance, and since the EUO requirement was not in the pre-2012 PIP law, that Geico could not make its requirements more strict under the terms of its policy of insurance.

Does this mean that all EUOs from this point forward can be refused and the insurer must still issue benefits?

Read More on FCAchiro.org

See the Unprecedented Line-Up for National Convention at FCAchiro.org

Now available for your viewing pleasure is the National Convention section of fcachiro.org, and registrations are already pouring in from its easy online system.  Check the listings of an unprecedented 112 different class opportunities for DCs, CCPAs, CAs, CRTs, LMTs.  You will find insights into every aspect of chiropractic practice, as well as purely business topics, a complete module of the Chiropractic Internist Diplomate course, NRCME/DOT Training, “Foundation Friday,” and new clinical topics too numerous to list here.  Just click on the “ENLIGHTEN” ad on the home page to read more about it. 

Whatever your interests or concerns may be, there are insights galore for you and your team at this spectacular event.  Make your reservations now and pre-register through the mail (using the printable form posted on the site) or online before July 26th for best discounts.  Don’t forget the fabulous buy-one-get-one registration discounts for staff (CAs, CCPAs, RCAs, CRTs) when registering with their doctor.  Make this a team-building opportunity for improved practice performance.  It’s time to shine!

Disney® Discounts

Special afternoon and multi-day Disney® tickets are being offered at substantial discounts when purchased prior to arrival in Orlando. These offers are available to pre-registered National Convention attendees until 9pm on Thursday, August 22, 2013, through a special link that will be provided in your FCA pre-registration confirmation e-mail and are not available at the park gate or any other location. After 2pm, After 4pm, and multi-day tickets are available through this special discounted Disney® source for FCA National attendees and their accompanying families or guests. The multi-day tickets include a complimentary bonus visit to your choice of one of several Disney experiences, a terrific value!

Medicaid Re-Enrollment and Other Revisions

Medicaid providers are currently being required to re-enroll, including submitting fingerprints if they have not been updated with your licensing board within the last year.  Additionally the Providers’ General Handbook, Chiropractic Services Handbook and Fee Schedules have been updated.

Links to handbooks, forms, fee schedules and updated information specific to enrollment are posted in the members only section of the FCA web site for your easy access. 

ACA Reports: New 1500 Claim Form Receives Final Approval

(From the ACA “Week In Review” of 06/27/2013) On June 17 , the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) announced  final approval of the Version 02/12 1500 Claim Form by the Office of Management and Budget. NUCC began revisions of the 1500 claim form in 2009 in order to accommodate reporting needs for ICD-10 and Version 5010. A detailed list of the differences between Version 08/05 (the current form) and the new form, Version 02/12, can be found here. CMS implementation dates are as follows, but please note that these dates are subject to change (check with commercial payers to verify whether they will adhere to the same timeline):

• Jan. 6, 2014: Medicare begins receiving and processing paper claims submitted on the revised CMS 1500 claim form (version 02/12).
• Jan. 6 through March 31, 2014: Dual use period during which Medicare continues to receive and process paper claims submitted on the old CMS 1500 claim form (version 08/05).
• April 1, 2014: Medicare receives and processes paper claims submitted only on the revised CMS 1500 claim form (version 02/12).

Providers should also review NUCC's Reference Instruction Manual for Form Version 02/12 to familiarize themselves with the new format prior to implementation. ACA will have further updates for members as information becomes available.

                (The FCA will also provide training opportunities and tools in the coming months, as more information becomes available.)

The Countdown to Clinical & Staff Team Enlightenment Begins

Soon you will have full access to the abundant opportunities coming your way at FCA National Convention 2013, August 22-25 at the Peabody Orlando.   And it will be like no other event in chiropractic!  

Enjoy this recap of last year  and watch your e-mail, postal mail and the FCA website for the full details that will be at your fingertips within days.

              (From the ACA “Week In Review” of 06/27/2013) On June 17 , the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) announced  final approval of the Version 02/12 1500 Claim Form by the Office of Management and Budget. NUCC began revisions of the 1500 claim form in 2009 in order to accommodate reporting needs for ICD-10 and Version 5010. 

Appeals Court Grants the FCA Permission to File Amicus Brief in Myers v. McCarty

On June 14 the First District Court of Appeal granted the FCA’s earlier filed motion seeking permission to file an Amicus or, friend of the court, brief in support of the order by Judge Terry Lewis, Leon County Circuit Court judge, enjoining application of certain parts of the new PIP law in Myers v. McCarty. The FCA filed its friend of the Court brief on June 13.  In its brief, the FCA sheds light to the appellate court on the practice of Chiropractic and on the irreparable harm imposed by the new 2012 PIP law. 

The FCA argues that chiropractic physicians have been legislatively recognized since 1923 to have unlimited diagnostic authority which would include making the determination of an “emergency medical condition” (“EMC”) precluded in the new 2012 PIP law.  The brief points out the glaring inconsistency in the new law that requires Chiropractic physicians to be able to rule out an emergency medical condition yet, at the same time, are precluded from making the EMC determination. 

The FCA’s brief likewise argues that chiropractic physicians will suffer irreparable harm under the new 2012 PIP law. A patient with a “non-EMC” may need more treatment than the $2,500 non-EMC limitation of benefits provide.  This forces physicians to either accept a letter of protection and wait months or years for payment if the patient does not have health insurance, or the physician will have to hope that health insurance will pay after the early termination of PIP benefits.  In either case, the patients will suffer as well since they may not treat until maximum medical improvement is reached. 

The Court will issue a decision as to the temporary order of injunction after all of the briefs are filed. Regardless of the Court’s ruling, the case must proceed to trial on the final injunction.  Between the appellate court and the trial, it could be some time before a final ruling on a permanent injunction is made.

The full brief is posted for your reading on fcachiro.org.

The FCA Makes It Easy for You To Comply with New HIPAA Regulations

The Federal Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) adopted new HIPAA regulations effective March 26, 2013 to implement recent new patient privacy requirements imposed by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act known as “HITECH.” The new regulations require compliance by all health care providers by September 23, 2013.

The FCA is making it easy to comply by making an easy-to-use compliance manual available on at www.fcachiro.org at no cost to FCA members. The manual may be accessed on the members only portion of the web site. The FCA manual will be available by August 2013. Only about an hour will be required to train staff and learn to take steps to be compliant with the new regulations.  The FCA will notify members when the new compliance manual is available for download.

The Office of Civil Rights enforces HIPAA regulations and promises vigorous enforcement of the new regulations. Fines for failure to comply with the new regulations or breach of a patient’s confidential protected information are raised to a minimum of $50,000 to $1.5 million from the current maximum of $25,000.

Three changes are of interest to chiropractors:  Contractors’ HIPPA compliance, patient HIPAA notices and patients may request copies of their records in electronic format.   

Read more … 

Beautiful Boca Brings Bountiful Praise

Smiles abounded at the Boca Raton Hotel & Club last weekend as more than 750 attendees gathered to learn from the outstanding faculty, visit the 100 exhibits and enjoy the camaraderie and beautiful surroundings.  It was a terrific event!  Watch future bulletins for comments and photo highlights.   We thank these sponsors for their tremendous corporate support that makes many attendee amenities – like free coffee and the Saturday evening reception with beer/wine/soft drinks, carving stations and snacks – available for everyone: 

Dr. Murphy To Present Technique Featured in "Doctored" at Summer Convention

Dr. Francis Murphy, whose amazing results with frozen shoulder are featured in the "Doctored" documentary, will address the FCA Summer Convention on Saturday, June 15th, 1-2:40pm and continuing 3:20-5pm. He will discuss the skull and its vital relationship to the spine.

This relationship – vital to the development of humans and ultimately how well we function as adults – has a broad effect on frequency of injury, degeneration of the skeleton, organ function, brain function, breathing, the metabolism of glucose and sleep. Dr. Murphy will describe the history of how this knowledge was obtained, evaluate the case management of one frozen shoulder case, and review the developing theory of why this discovery and technique can demonstrate such remarkable results.

One DC who attended Dr. Murphy's seminar last weekend in Canada experienced this technique and stated that "Dr. Murphy has a very specific and particular adjustment that is like no other occipital adjustment and has effects on the nervous system like no other occipital adjustment I have ever had performed on me. I believe that every chiropractor needs to learn this technique as it is not only important but literally ESSENTIAL for … patients to have this subluxation removed or their nervous system can in no way perform optimally."

This is one of many unique, first-time educational offerings at the FCA Summer Convention, June 13-16 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. We thank the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress for sponsoring Dr. Murphy's presentation, along with Saturday morning presentations on "Secrets of the Game: Raise the bar-lower the Risk" and "What Superstar Athletes can Teach you about Health, Peak Performance and Getting Paid" by Spencer Baron, D.C., DABCSP, sports chiropractor for the Miami Dolphins. Seating for these presentations is limited to 200, so, come early.

Sun-Sentinel Features Dr. Weiniger and Importance of Posture to Health

The Friday, June 7th, Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinelpublished an article, "Stand straighter, live longer: Good posture can help you age better" by Diane C. Lade. The article extensively quoted Steven Weiniger, D.C., author of "Stand Taller – Live Longer" and popular presenter of posture professional training at FCA conventions. In fact, the article also mentioned the FCA Summer Convention, where Dr. Weiniger will be speaking.

To help FCA convention attendees positions themselves as posture experts, Summer Convention will feature "Posture Practice Protocols" – including up to 12 hours of the live classroom course work that can lead to eventual certification as a "Posture Exercise Professional (CPEP)." Each stand-alone class will be taught by Dr. Weiniger, whose personal goal is to help his individual colleagues and the profession as a whole to position themselves and chiropractic as the "posture experts" nationwide. He is working with the FCA to make this valuable information more accessible and affordable for FCA members and convention attendees and their staff teams.

Offered at each FCA convention this year and sponsored by Performance Health/Biofreeze, Prossage, Thera-Band Products, these classes are open to DCs and CAs who register for the convention on a first come, first served basis. There is no extra charge to attend these classes; so, come and learn about posture practice. Body Zone will be offering discounts exceeding 40% for FCA members who take their classroom hours at FCA conventions and sign up for the full certification, which includes 15 hours of online coursework, 3 hours of Posture Practice Management training, and materials for study, training and practice implementation. Here is what one doctor had to say about it:

"I have attended 2011 and 2012 Panhandle Convention classes presented by Dr. Weiniger and Body Zone. I was able to take the information from his classes, go into my office on Monday and immediately make significant life and health changes with every single patient. The program was easy to implement and after 30 years of practice I finally found an "exercise program" that the patients saw immediate results and are compliant with ... and are willing to pay for. I have attended the complete certification program and would not hesitate to recommend it to others."

– Anita Kelley-Dukes, D.C.

A Multitude of Great Choices in Boca Start Thursday

An outstanding faculty awaits you for the upcoming FCA Summer Convention at the beautiful, historic Boca Raton Resort & Club, June 13-16. Here are just a few of the outstanding instructors who will deliver over 100 hours of DC classes designed to deliver bright ideas to change and grow your practice:

Nicole Ingrando, D.C. – Robert Fenell, D.C. – Thomas Hynoski, D.C. – Jeff Blanchard, D.C. – William Kleber, D.C., DABCI – Michael Greer, M.D. – Steven Weiniger, D.C. – Spencer Baron, D.C., DACBSP – Jeffrey Cohen, Esq. – James Antos, D.C., DABCO and Joseph Bird, Jr., M.D. – Rob Watkins, D.C. – Paul Lambert, J.D. – Francis Murphy, D.C. – Don Cross, D.C. – Michael Mathesie, D.C,. DABFP, DACRB – Adam Miller – Kevin Sharp, D.C. – Adam Wellikoff, M.D. – Ron Welikoff, D.C. – Mollie Frawley, R.N., CCN – Janet Konefal, Ph.D. – Michael Megehee, D.C. – Bruce Hansbrough, D.C.

Don't forget that optional 12-hour training will be offered at this location to prepare providers for the federal registry to render physicals to the nation's more than 7 million commercial truck drivers. CA classes and RCA Training will also be offered. See the complete program line-up conveniently posted on the FCA web site. Simply print, fill out and bring the PDF registration form with you to register on site. (Forms will also be available at the On Site desk.)

A few rooms remain available at the low group rates. Make your reservations now to take advantage of great group rates, which include the discounted resort fee. Use the online link or call (888) 557-6375 now.

Pre-Registration Discounts for Boca/Summer Convention Extended Through This Weekend

This is the final week of pre-registration discounts for the FCA Summer Convention, June 13-16 at the Boca Raton Resort. Online pre-registration will remain available through this weekend, so, take advantage of the money-saving discounts! Don't forget that optional 12-hour DOT training will be conveniently and inexpensively offered at this location to prepare providers for the federal registry (NRCME) to render physicals to the nation's more than 7 million commercial truck drivers. See the complete program line-up conveniently posted on the FCA web site andregister online. CA classes and buy-one-get-one RCA Training (if you pre-register) will also be offered.
Make your reservations now – before it's too late – to take advantage of great group rates which include the discounted resort fee. Use the online link or call (888) 557-6375 today.

"Doctored" to Air at Boca/Summer Convention

Come and see what all the hype is about: Summer Convention attendees will have a great opportunity to relax and view the 20-minute, condensed version of "Doctored" on Saturday evening, June 15th at 6:15pm, just after the Presidential Reception in the expo area (with carving stations, wine/beer/soft drinks and snacks). Free admission. Registered DC's who attend the showing receive a free DVD of the movie, compliments of FCA and the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. Curious to know more before you get there? See the brief YouTube videos of what Drs. Patrick Gentempo and James Chestnut have to say.

The FCA has held showings of "Doctored" at every convention location this year and comments have been spectacular. You will enjoy it and it will motivate you to spread the chiropractic story through this powerful film. Plans are on the drawing board for more showings at the upcoming FCA National Convention in Orlando, August 22-25, as well.

Medicare Payment Reform Considered by House Committee

(From the ACA "Week In Review" of 06/06/2013) In a hearing yesterday on Capitol Hill before the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health, legislators discussed a recently released version of a plan to replace Medicare's Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). The draft legislation was left incomplete as lawmakers said they wanted more feedback from provider groups and other stakeholders. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) raised several issues important to ACA at the hearing,which can be viewed here at the 1:39:00 mark. ACA will continue to provide input and feedback throughout this process to ensure doctors of chiropractic and their patients are treated fairly in any new system devised by Congress.

Upcoming CMS National Provider Calls: Quality Reporting and More

(From the ACA "Week In Review" of 06/06/2013) On Tuesday, June 18, at 1:30 p.m., EDT, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will provide a general overview on the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) payment adjustment and the Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program payment adjustment. Additionally, CMS will provide specifics on the 2015 PQRS and 2014 eRx adjustments, including eligibility, how to avoid future payment adjustments, key points and tips for successful participation. To register, click here.

A Free FCA Webinar on Medicare's PQRS Basics Is Available

Remember that a free FCA member webinar is available giving the basics on PQRS (Physician Quality Reporting), a 2013 Medicare mandate that could have a negative financial impact on 2015 reimbursements if not implemented. This webinar by Mollie Frawley, FCA Insurance Liaison Coordinator, is only 20 minutes and is intended to introduce this topic in a common sense, informal manner. FCA members can access this webinar at their convenience, pause it if interrupted and even rerun it to catch what you missed the first time through. This does not replace the official documents on the FCA, ACA or Medicare websites. It does however make PQRS more understandable. Let us know what you think and what topics you would like covered in the future by sending your suggestions to admin@fcachiro.org. Watch for the next webinar in our series. Enjoy!

PIP Update – 
Injunction on “New PIP”

At the close of last week, the First District Court of Appeal issued an order affirming Judge Lewis' ordervacating the automatic stay of the Injunction. So where does that leave the status of “new PIP” at this moment? At this moment, Judge Lewis' injunction is in place which, arguably to some, prohibits PIP insurers from denying for massage or acupuncture and prohibits them from limiting benefits to $2,500 based on a determination of there being no emergency medical condition. To our knowledge as reported by members, State Farm is following the Injunction, but GEICO, Progressive, and USAA are not following the Injunction.

The State has appealed Judge Lewis’ injunction order. The Answer Brief of the Plaintiff/Respondent is due to the First District Court of Appeal on May 28th.

At this juncture, five other groups have requested to file Amicus Briefs as “friends of the court” in support of the State of Florida: the Property and Casualty Insurers Association of America, the Florida Insurance Council, the American Insurance Council, the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida, and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

Our FCA Board voted to likewise file an Amicus Brief for the Plaintiff/Respondent in support of Judge Lewis’ order and the injunction. That brief will be filed in early June. Two Acupuncture groups are intended to file Amicus briefs and the Florida Justice Association may likewise be supporting the Plaintiffs by filing an Amicus brief.

JAMA Suggests Chiropractic for Low Back Pain

Chiropractic Physicians Provide Natural Alternatives for Pain Treatment, Injury Prevention

(From an ACA News Release of May 8, 2013 – Arlington, Va.) An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests patients try chiropractic services for the treatment of low back pain. According to the article, surgery is not usually needed and should only be considered if more conservative therapies fail. The information in JAMA reinforces the American Chiropractic Association's (ACA) position that conservative care options should serve as a first line of defense against pain.

The article, part of JAMA's Patient Page public education series, explains that the back is made up of bones, nerves, muscles and other soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons that support posture and give the body flexibility. Back pain can be caused by problems with any of the structures in the back.

As neuromusculoskeletal experts, chiropractic physicians are particularly well suited to manage and help prevent low back pain.

"We are encouraged to see JAMA suggest patients try chiropractic and other more conservative types of treatment for their back pain. In many cases pain can be alleviated without the use of unnecessary drugs or surgery, so it makes sense to exhaust conservative options first," said ACA President Keith Overland, DC.

"Research confirms that the services provided by chiropractic physicians are not only clinically effective but also cost-effective, so taking a more conservative approach at the onset of low back pain can also potentially save both patients and the health care system money down the line," he added.

For those who are currently pain-free, the exercise tips, posture recommendations and guidance on injury prevention routinely provided by chiropractic physicians can help people maintain a healthy back throughout their lives. To learn more, visit www.acatoday.org/backpain.

Early Bird Discounts for FCA Summer Convention/DOT Training Available Until May 24th

Pre-registration activity continues at a brisk pace as DCs and staff take advantage of early bird discounts for economical DOT Training, Registered CA Basic Training and a host of other practice-positive bright ideas available at the FCA Summer Convention, June 13-16 at the Boca Raton Hotel & Club. Room reservations are piling in, as well, for this beautiful, luxurious resort at bargain group rates.

See the complete program line-up conveniently posted on the FCA web site. And register online or print the PDF registration form that is at your fingertips. CA classesand RCA Training will also be offered.

Make your reservations early to take advantage of great group rates starting as low as $150 per night, including the discounted resort fee (which includes bellman tips along with other great benefits). Use the online link or call (888) 557-6375 now.