PCA Deep Dive: Medicare Stuck in 1972; The Case for Chiropractic Modernization

Episode Overview

This episode examines the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act (H.R. 539 / S. 106) and the structural limitations within Medicare that restrict coverage of chiropractic services to spinal manipulation only, excluding evaluation, imaging, and related services routinely covered for other physician types.

We explore the economic impact of referral loops, opioid exposure pathways, and downstream surgical costs, along with recent JAMA analysis on Medicare Advantage quality measurement and data fragmentation.

00:00 Why Federal Policy Matters: Medicare Modernization Act (H.R. 539 / S. 106)

01:31 The ‘Mechanic Can’t Pop the Hood’ Analogy (How Medicare Handcuffs Chiropractors)

03:19 2026 vs. 1972: The Time-Capsule Rules Still Running Medicare

03:59 Mission & Sources: Legislative Text, Cost Data, and the New JAMA Viewpoint

05:31 Back to 1972: What Medicare Actually Covers (One Service Only)

06:37 Portal-of-Entry Reality vs. Medicare Reimbursement (No Pay for Exams or Imaging)

09:28 What the Bill Really Does: Parity, Not ‘New Services’

11:14 Meet Brenda: The Referral Loop, Delays, and the Opioid ‘Prescription Pathway’ Risk

15:39 The Hidden Price of Restricted Chiropractic Access (and Why Costs Explode)

16:34 Lane Assignment: How Barriers Push Patients Toward Opioids, Injections & Surgery

17:19 Static vs Dynamic Budget Modeling: The $50 Exam That Prevents $40,000 Surgery

19:01 The Opioid & Safety Data: Lower Prescriptions, Fewer Adverse Events, Fewer Falls

22:25 If It’s a Slam Dunk, Why Hasn’t Medicare Changed? Enter the Macro View

23:29 Medicare Advantage Explained: Star Ratings, Admin Metrics & the “Illusion” of Quality

26:10 The Data Swamp: Missing Encounter Data, Invisible Networks & Fragmented Governance

28:45 How HR 539 Fixes the Feedback Loop: DCs as Physicians, Closed Data Loops & Real Outcomes

31:21 Wrap-Up + Call to Action: Align Policy With Reality and Get Organized

Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act H.R. 539 / S. 106 (118th Congress) Amends Section 1861(r) of the Social Security Act to recognize Doctors of Chiropractic as physicians within Medicare for covered services within their state scope of practice.

Congress.gov: https://www.congress.gov

Research and Economic Data

1. Whedon JM et al. Association Between Chiropractic Use and Opioid Receipt Among Older Medicare Beneficiaries. Spine. 2020.
2. Whedon JM et al. Association Between Chiropractic Care and Use of Prescription Opioids Among Older Adults with Spinal Pain. JAMA Network Open. 2018.
3. Kazis LE et al. Increased Health Care Expenditures Associated with Opioid Initiation for Low Back Pain. Health Services Research.
4. Davis MA et al. Association Between Early Physical Therapy or Chiropractic Care and Reduced Risk of Subsequent Spine Surgery. BMJ Open.
5. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain: Comparative Effectiveness Review.
6. CDC Opioid Prescribing and Risk Data https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose

PCA Contact information:

PCA Website:https://pennchiro.org/

PCA Email:pca@pennchiro.org