2251. COVERAGE OF CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

2251.1 Manual Manipulation.–Coverage of chiropractic service is specifically limited to treatment by means of manual manipulation, i.e., by use of hands. Additionally, manual devices (i.e., those that are hand-held with the thrust of the force of the device being controlled manually) may be used by chiropractors in performing manual manipulation of the spine. However, no additional payment is available for use of the device, nor does Medicare recognize an extra charge for the device itself.

No other diagnostic or therapeutic service furnished by a chiropractor or under his or her order is covered. This means that if a chiropractor orders, takes, or interprets an x-ray, or any other diagnostic test, the x-ray or other diagnostic test, can be used for claims processing purposes (see §4118.C.2(d)), but Medicare coverage and payment are not available for those services. (Of course, this prohibition does not affect the coverage of x-rays or other diagnostic tests furnished by other practitioners under the program. For example, an x-ray or any diagnostic test taken for the purpose of determining or demonstrating the existence of a subluxation of the spine is a diagnostic test covered under §1861(s)(3) of the Act if ordered, taken, and interpreted by a physician who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy.)

Effective for claims with dates of service on or after January 1, 2000, an x-ray is not required to demonstrate the subluxation. However, an x-ray may be used for this purpose if the chiropractor so chooses.

The word “correction” may be used in lieu of “treatment.” Also, a number of different terms composed of the following words may be used to describe manual manipulation as defined above:

Rev. 1656/Page 2-101

 

Letter from Department of Health & Human Services stating Activator is a manual adjustment that is included in Medicare Coverage.