October 2007

Wellmark rescinds CA-certification requirement

A controversial requirement concerning certification of chiropractic assistants in Iowa has been rescinded by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, which serves Iowa and South Dakota. In addition, the insurer will reimburse individuals who have already paid for CA certifications based on its June announcement of the certification requirement.

In June the insurer announced it would pay for benefits provided by a certified CA and billed by a doctor of chiropractic. Wellmark changed its policy after the South Dakota Board of Chiropractic Examiners (SDBCE) was asked to develop rules for the licensure of CAs by the South Dakota Department of Public Health.

Because of this initiative, Wellmark decided to rescind its CA certification requirement so the SDBCE can continue its rule-making process without the possibility of conflicting requirements from other groups. 

Wellmark is offering to reimburse individuals in Iowa and South Dakota who paid for the chiropractic-assistant training program after the requirement was announced in a letter dated June 27, 2007, and before Oct. 1, 2007. For information about getting reimbursed, visit www.chiroeco.com/wellmark.

Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.org

Industry News from:
Chiropractic News from: