**Standing Strong for Justice: The Battle for Fair Compensation in Chiropractic Care**
In a significant and unprecedented move, a federal judge in New Jersey has allowed a lawsuit against health insurers Cigna and Aetna, filed by chiropractors Peter Scordilis and Eric Loewrigkeit along with the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors (ANJC), to proceed. The suit accuses these insurance giants of underpaying for chiropractic services—a pressing issue that resonates deeply with those of us in the chiropractic community.
### A Closer Look at the Case
This lawsuit raises critical concerns around breach of fiduciary duty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Notably, U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez allowed the breach of fiduciary duty claims by Scordilis to move forward, though many other claims were dismissed without prejudice. The plaintiffs allege that Cigna and Aetna hired MultiPlan to reduce the amounts reimbursed to chiropractors, effectively lowering the compensation that out-of-network chiropractors receive.
Judge Vazquez acknowledged the complexity of the case, noting differences in billing requirements across various ERISA plans. Yet, he provided the plaintiffs with 30 days to address technical pleading issues, giving them another opportunity to amend their complaints and pursue their claims vigorously. (Source reference: Article Summary)
### The Broader Implications
For those who have dedicated their careers to chiropractic care, this legal battle underscores an all-too-familiar struggle—receiving fair compensation for transformative healthcare services. Reduced reimbursement rates not only undervalue the expertise provided but also hinder the ability to grow and maintain a thriving practice.
As Jeffrey Randolph, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, pointed out, the fight for fair compensation is far from over. This case sets a precedent and serves as a rallying cry for chiropractors everywhere. It’s a testament to the importance of standing up for what’s right and continually seeking ways to ensure that our industry is respected and valued.
### Adding Value to Your Practice
Keeping this in mind, chiropractors should take proactive steps to safeguard their practice’s financial health. Consider consulting with legal experts to understand your rights and responsibilities under ERISA. Engage in conversations within your professional networks to share insights and strategies for navigating complex insurance claims.
> **Opportunity for Growth:**
While legal battles such as this one continue to unfold, there’s a significant opportunity to focus on ways to strengthen and expand your practice. Whether it’s through adopting new treatment technologies, enhancing patient education, or optimizing your billing processes, constant growth is key to staying resilient in the face of industry challenges.
### Let’s Discuss!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this unfolding case and how it impacts your practice. Have you faced similar underpayment issues with insurance companies? How do you navigate these challenges? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Your input could provide valuable guidance to fellow chiropractors facing the same hurdles.
Engage with us and your peers—like, comment, and share this post to keep the conversation going. Together, we can elevate our profession and advocate for the fair treatment and compensation that every chiropractor deserves.
#ChiropracticCare #HealthcareJustice #FairCompensation #ChiropracticCommunity #PracticeGrowth
