Chiropractic adjustments involve trained specialists applying controlled force to spinal joints to correct alignment and improve physical function. Successful billing for chiropractic services requires thorough documentation of subluxations and understanding of specific insurance policies, particularly Medicare, which only covers adjustments performed by chiropractors. Employing knowledgeable chiropractic medical billing services can enhance collections, streamline payments, and ensure compliance with billing complexities.

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What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?
The chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which trained specialists use their hands or a small instrument
to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal
manipulation, is to correct structural alignment and improve your body’s physical function.
A chiropractic adjustment refers to a chiropractor applying manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal
movement patterns or fail to function normally. The objective of this chiropractic treatment is to reduce the
subluxation, with the goals of increasing range of motion, reducing nerve irritability, and improving function.
Chiropractic medical billing specialists must clearly understand the vocabulary related to chiropractic
conditions. In order to get reimbursed by insurance for chiropractic services.
The patient must have a significant health problem which makes it necessary for the chiropractor to use
musculoskeletal manipulation as a therapeutic remedy. The patient must have a spinal subluxation, as
determined by the physical examination or x-ray.
The exact location of the subluxation must be clearly noted in the patient’s medical chart. These locations
range from the occiput vertebrae in the neck to the sacral vertebrae and coccyx.

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What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?
The patient must demonstrate at least two of the four symptoms of subluxation – pain/tenderness in a
specific location, asymmetry/misalignment, and range of motion abnormality, and tissue or tone changes in
soft tissue. One always has to be either asymmetry/misaligned or range of motion abnormality.
When it comes to payment, practitioners need to understand the nuances of chiropractic medical
billing and coding which are quite different from that of other specialties. Medicare has special
reimbursement rules, and the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), which came
into effect on April 16, 2015, includes provisions related to chiropractic services.
Hiring Chiropractic Adjustments Medical Billing Services
Hiring a quality billing service is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make regarding the business
aspect of your practice. It is crucial that your billing company has the experience necessary to handle the
complexities presented by Chiropractic medical billing and modifiers.
Benefits

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What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?
 Improved collections and income
 Accelerated payments and reduced stress
 24/7 accessibility to your patient data and financial information
 Real-time updates on revenue cycle
 Full financial and practice management reporting
 The peace of mind knowing billing is being handled by professionals & reimbursements and income will go
up.
Medicare is a separate entity and has a completely different and separate fee schedule and billing policy.
Medicare only covers adjustments when performed by a chiropractor. Though they can refer for X-rays,
Medicare does not cover exams, therapies, or X-rays when performed by this specialist. Maintenance or non-
active/non-acute adjustments are not covered.
If there are reasons to suspect that the claim may get denied by Medicare.
Many insurance plans only cover a certain number of chiropractic services per person per plan year. And so, it
is important for your chiropractic medical billing company to have extensive experience in handling the
complexities presented by chiropractic medical billing and modifiers.