Reminder: Physical medicine treatment plans developed by chiropractors

Medical doctors (M.D.s and D.O.s) may be asked to agree to and sign a physical medicine treatment plan developed by chiropractors. The physical medicine treatment plan must be kept on file by the chiropractor.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will pay for the first physical medicine service per patient, not per visit. A prescription isn’t required for a member to receive covered physical medicine services from a chiropractor.

Also, as a reminder, we no longer use the term “physical therapy” when referring to certain types of treatment provided by chiropractors. We use the term “physical medicine.” We’re currently in the process of updating benefit information on Availity and Benefit Explainer, as well as our certificates and riders, to reflect this verbiage change.

Note: No physician agreement or signature is required on a treatment plan for MESSA members.

For more details on chiropractic services, see the “Chiropractic Services” chapter of the Blue Cross Commercial Provider Manual.