2021 Chiropractic Economics Summer Buyers Guide: rehab

You’d be surprised at the number of chiropractic clinics that have “Chiropractic & Rehabilitation” in their name. That’s because from a health care “team” perspective, it’s all part of an interconnected web of achieving wellness.

Go big with physical therapy

Of chiropractic offices with specialists in-house, only 5% are physical therapists, according to Chiropractic Economics’ 2021 Salary & Expense Survey — but expect that percentage to rise as the trend toward a more integrated model of care continues.

“Chiropractors who perform physical therapy or have brought therapists into the practice say it increases referrals and income and broadens the patient population,” reported Chiropractic Economics in April of 2020.

“Regardless of your practice style, incorporating chiropractic physical rehabilitation therapy into your practice has big returns for your patients and your bottom line, regardless of your practice style,” says Donald C. Defabio, DC, DACRB, DACBSP, DABCO. “Whether it is low- or high-tech, properly applied rehab improves outcomes, patient satisfaction, referrals and is an additional service your office can provide. However, the main reason chiropractic rehab is big is because of the exceptional outcomes.”

Add durable medical equipment

Durable medical equipment (DME) is another way to bring chiropractic and rehabilitation together — but this year, new Medicare rules and regulations regarding DME have come into play.

To put it simply, unless your office has been awarded a competitive bid contract for Medicare DME for your geographical area, you will not be able to supply, bill for and be paid for off-the-shelf lumbar spinal bracing and off-the-shelf knee bracing.

You still can supply, bill for and be paid for other Medicare DME supplies in your category of certification. Denials to bills not in compliance of the new “Competitive Bid” changes are already being received by chiropractic offices not in an excluded category.

Exceptions include if your geographical location is not included in the competitive bid area locations published by Medicare; if your practice is considered a “group medical” practice; or if your practice includes certified orthotic fitters
recognized by Medicare-approved accrediting organizations.

For more rehab options click here.