Dr M - I have received info from various Medicare agencies across the country. The "opt out" provision is thoroughly explained at: http://www.hcfa.gov/pubforms/transmit/b971760.htm It is called Advance Beneficiary Notice. It applies to medical doctors and osteopaths. The following clause exempts chiropractors. If chiropractors treat Medicare patients, it must be on a participating or non-par status. Here's the exclusion language: 3. Who can "opt out" of Medicare under this provision? Certain physicians and practitioners can "opt out" of Medicare. For purposes of this provision, physicians include doctors of medicine and of osteopathy. Practitioners permitted to opt out are physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, clinical social workers, and clinical psychologists. The "opt out" law does not define "physician" to include optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, dentists, and doctors of oral surgery; therefore, they may not opt out of Medicare and provide services under private contract. Also, physical therapists in independent practice and occupational therapists in independent practice cannot opt out because they are not within the "opt out" law's definition of either a "physician" or "practitioner". Hope this info helps...straight from the horse's mouth. Marilyn K Gard, MBA, CEO guru@clinicpro.com (800) 351-2776 Clinic Pro Software http://www.clinicpro.com DoctorStore http://www.doctorstore.com ChiroStore http://www.chirostore.com --------------------
Dr M -
 
I have received info from various Medicare agencies across the country.  The "opt out" provision is thoroughly explained at:
http://www.hcfa.gov/pubforms/transmit/b971760.htm  It is called Advance Beneficiary Notice.
 
It applies to medical doctors and osteopaths.  The following clause exempts chiropractors.  If chiropractors treat Medicare patients,  it must be on a participating or non-par status.  Here's the exclusion language:
3. Who can "opt out" of Medicare under this provision? Certain physicians and practitioners can "opt out" of Medicare. For purposes of this provision, physicians include doctors of medicine and of osteopathy. Practitioners permitted to opt out are physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, clinical social workers, and clinical psychologists. The "opt out" law does not define "physician" to include optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, dentists, and doctors of oral surgery; therefore, they may not opt out of Medicare and provide services under private contract. Also, physical therapists in independent practice and occupational therapists in independent practice cannot opt out because they are not within the "opt out" law’s definition of either a "physician" or "practitioner". Hope this info helps...straight from the horse's mouth. Marilyn K Gard, MBA, CEO guru@clinicpro.com (800) 351-2776 Clinic Pro Software  http://www.clinicpro.com DoctorStore  http://www.doctorstore.com ChiroStore  http://www.chirostore.com