Recent News
Retrospective Record Review Lookback Period
A member asks: How far back in time can [a benefit plan] legally request records and does the timeframe vary for different plans (e.g., medicare, major med plans) It varies by plan and whether the plan is state-regulated or regulated federally. It can also vary...
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Records Retention
Frequently asked questions regarding retention of medical records: Question:I am in need of room in my files and think it might be time to destroy old files. I went to the NYS website and they state that you can after 6 years from last visit and for children, one year...
HIPAA and Closing a Health Care Practice
What laws govern notification of patients upon the closing of a health care practice? And how should the closing practice handle the forwarding of medical records? HIPAA and NYS law require that patient records be maintained for at least six years and obstetrical...
HIPAA and a Patient’s Spouse
Q: If a patient's spouse has called for records on the patient, do I have to get permission from patient to release the records? A: It is my understanding that, ordinarily, you would have to have the patient's written authorization to release records to the spouse,...
Chiropractic and Adjusting Animals
Our Members Ask: I'm a chiropractor, recently moved back to NY and will be getting my license here, will then be interested in adjusting animals, primarily dogs and horses. I'm wondering what the laws of the state are. Some questions that come to mind: Do I need any...
Chiropractors and Homeopathy
Q: May chiropractors dispense homeopathic medicines in New York State? A: In my estimation, the answer is “No.” Section 6551(3) of Article 132 of state Education Law relating to chiropractic stipulates that "[a] license to practice chiropractic shall NOT permit the...
Provider Agreements and Disclosure Forms
Q: I am filling out a provider agreement and there is disclosure forms and information regarding the payment of Lobbying Funds. My questions are: can they legally make this request?; and if they can make this request and I do not sign this portion of the agreement...
WC PPO Reductions Based on Provider Contracts
Based on the following brief fact pattern a question was asked: Q: “I have been getting reductions in my payments from No-fault insurance companies, and the explanation is: “PPO rate applied. PPO reduction based on provider’s contract with...
NYSCA Addresses State Board on Chiropractic Issues
On Friday, October 21, NYSCA Board member, Lynn Pownall, DC, DACBN presented a letter to the New York State Board for Chiropractic addressed to the State Board chair, Ali M. Jafari, DC on behalf of NYSCA President, Mariangela Penna, DC. The letter addressed a number...
Retrospective Audit Requests by an Insurer’s Special Investigative Unit (SIU)
A member recently received a request from a Special Investigative Unit of a major insurance carrier for patient information and records on nearly twenty different patients going as far back as two (2) - three (3) years ago. This prompted a number of questions on the...
Offers of Free Chiropractic Services
Q: Is it acceptable or insurance fraud for chiropractors to offer free consultations or free first visits to new patients? A: Within the narrow confines of the question asked immediately above, the offer of free consultations...
A New York Yankee Chiropractor in King Arthur’s Medical Court
A former member of the NYSCA Board of Directors, New York Chiropractic College Faculty member and Director of the chiropractic program at Monroe County Community Hospital, Paul Dougherty, DC, DABCO and NYSCA Executive Director, Karl C. Kranz, DC, Esq., were invited to...
Insurance Equality Law and Multistate Employers
Can an insurer avoid New York chiropractic Insurance Equality Law that would ordinarily cover employees working and residing in New York state who happen to work for a multistate employer, by contracting with the employer in jurisdictions other than New York for the...
Why Association Membership Matters for New Chiropractors Starting Their Careers
Graduating from chiropractic school marks an exciting transition from academic training to professional practice. It also represents the beginning of a new set of challenges that extend far beyond clinical knowledge. New chiropractors must quickly navigate regulatory...
Why Partnering with the NYSCA Is a Strategic Investment for Chiropractic Industry Sponsors
In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, organizations that serve clinicians face increasing pressure to demonstrate credibility, deliver meaningful value, and build lasting relationships with the professionals they support. Traditional advertising channels rarely...