February 2006

WCA supports DCs’ right for prepaid services

The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) has issued a position paper which supports the right of chiropractors to offer a variety of payment alternatives for patients, including annual retention fees or prepayment programs.

According to the WCA paper, the use of prepay arrangements is commonly accepted in many other professions, including orthodontics, obstetrics, and law. The arrangement is particularly useful for people who intend to use the professional services on a regular basis over time, and can help by saving these individuals substantial amounts of money.

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of chiropractors who have been brought before their state licensing boards for offering such prepaid plans. According to WCA Board of Director Matthew McCoy, DC, cases have been reported in the US, Britain, Canada, and Australia. The complaints are frequently directed at doctors of chiropractic who focus on subluxation-correction and wellness care rather than limited treatment of specific diseases or conditions.

In issuing the paper, the WCA urged chiropractic regulatory bodies to consider such practices to be in compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations of the jurisdiction where the chiropractor practices.

Source: World Chiropractic Alliance, www.worldchiropracticalliance.org

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