We, the Arizona Association of Chiropractic, are proud to be a dynamic, proactive advocate of chiropractic, the patients it serves, and the licensed doctors it represents.   Knowing that chiropractic is 21st Century health care, we are working together, enlightening the public, and striving to keep chiropractic a key player in the delivery of health care and wellness to the people of Arizona and the nation.   We see the expanding demand for chiropractic requiring an Association that promotes the profession, safeguards the rights of our practitioners, and provides exceptional communication and service to our member doctors.   As an Association we strive for equal recognition and participation for chiropractic in government health care programs, private insurance plans, and in all other health care arenas which impact the delivery of health care to the people of Arizona.   As a team we invest in research, legislation, communication, education and service for the benefit of the citizens of the great state of Arizona.

Welcome

IMPORTANT NEWS RELEASE: 08-25-2010

The AAC is weighing all of its options on how to respond to the BCBS announcement that they have contracted with third party administrator ASH for processing of chiropractic claims. We are leaving all options open.
 

Although we held repeated meetings with the BCBS Medical Director Dr. Aspery it is obvious that BCBS was not interested in our opinion and went forward despite our repeated expressions of concern and outrage.
 

Our concern is that third party administrators are not subject to the same level of regulation that the insurance companies are subject to. Further we are distressed that third party administration utilized for chiropractic claims are not being applied to MD's, DO's or PT's for coverage of the same diagnosis and care. That makes it, in our mind, patently unfair. In addition and perhaps most importantly we question how this action stacks up with the letter, intent and spirit of the Arizona Unfair Claims Practices Act (ARS 20-461).
 

We have reiterated to BCBS our deepest concerns and the palpable unhappiness of physicians over this issue and at the same time we are in touch with the Arizona Attorney General's office, the Department of Insurance and key legislative leaders. Litigation may be an option but it should not be the only direction as it likely will prove very costly and extremely lengthy.
The AAC is committed to determining the most effective and expeditious course of action to deal with this issue and will leave no stone unturned. At the same time we urge you to please be patient as we, as an association, develop our response to this action taken by BCBS. Understand that the AAC will do everything within its power to address this situation.
 

Also be aware the AAC must be cautious in its response. The AAC is familiar with other associations that attempted to take rash action and were severely punished by the US Department of Justice (Wisconsin and Connecticut). The AAC will respond on several levels, with a well thought out plan of action.
 

And we will be convening our Executive Committee, Public Policy Committee and district Delegates so as to include the comments and advice of our member physicians as we go along.
We firmly believe that approaching this firmly but carefully is in the best interest of chiropractic and that engaging physicians in the process is essential. Stand by and be ready to act once the plan has been decided. It is important to present a strong front if we are to accomplish our goals.
 

We thank all of you for your support and concern.

UPDATES: Coming in August our NEW WEBPAGE with enhanced features.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

• Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is coming again this year and as we have for the past 3 years we are participating as part of the Medical Crew.  In order for this to work we need your Help by volunteering time to come down and treat the walkers.  You participation can be for the entire 3 day event or just a portion of it.  Please access the pdf. file below to register and forward it to Dr Haberl's fax at 480-947-2966.  Along with your registration form you will need to send a copy of your current AZ Chiropractic License and malpractice declaration page.  On the schedule form attached to the registration form please indicate any or all shifts you wish to volunteer for.   A BIG THANK YOU!!!!                                            Dr Renee Haberl, AAC President
• Registration Form - Click Here

ALSO OFFEERING CE ONLINE THROUGH CEvantive or dconline (CA Training)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Education Programs:

September 2010:

 Joseph Rotella, MD, DC - American Chiropractic Headeache Education Series

•  Sat. Sept. 25, 2010    (8 CE Credits offered) 
• This seminar will be held at the Homwood Suites by Hilton I-17 and Peoria in Phoenix
•   Course Outline
  1. THE BASICS OF HEADACHE
  2. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TACs (Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias)
  3. EVALUATION OF THE HEADACHE PATIENT
  4. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES 
  5. WHAT CAN IMAGING TELL US ABOUT HEADACHE 
  6. CHIROPRACTIC  PREVENTATIVE AND TREATMENT PROTOCOLS AND PRINICPLES FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF PRIMARY HEADACHE (3CME
  7. LABORITORY ANALYSIS OF
  8. HEADACHE DIET AND NUTRITIONAL PREVENTION: REDUCING THE FREQUENCY AND INTENSITY OF HEADACHES WITH HERBAL REMEDIES AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT 

  Sponsored by Arizona Association of Chiropractic

Click here for the registration form.

December 2010:

Mark Charrette, DC - Extremity Adjusting Protocals 

• December 4-5, 2010   (12 CE Credits offered)
• What you’ll learn:
  •The concept of "The Noisy Joint"
  •Simple adjusting protocols to address the most common subluxation patterns in the feet, knees, hips, wrists, elbows, and shoulders
  •How to get great results on knees