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From: jmi@ihuxo.UUCP (j. irving)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: Health Insurance and Non-M.D.s
Message-ID: <449@ihuxo.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 26-Mar-85 22:05:38 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxo.449
Posted: Tue Mar 26 22:05:38 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 28-Mar-85 00:10:55 EST
References: <457@cadovax.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 34

> Does anybody know if services provided by holistic or "alternative" 
> healers (i.e., non-M.D.s) are covered by health insurance carriers?
> 
> My carrier specifies that the services must be performed by a "legally
> qualified physician."  It's unclear to me whether or not this includes
> homeopaths, iridologists, herbalists, etc.
> 
> If anyone has dealt with this situation, I'd be interested in hearing 
> about it.
> -- 
> Bob Kaplan
> 
> "Where is it written that we must destroy ourselves?"

The first item to check is the definitions section of any available booklet
from your employer and see what a "qualified physician" is.  There should be
a clarification of what this is.  If you don't have a booklet, your employer
is required to provide one for you.  Get it and read it!  
  Most major insurance companies define a physician as a physician who is
legally licensed to practice medicine in the state of their practice.  In
California, an MD, DO (osteopathic physician) and a DC (Chiropractor) are
all legally licensed to practice medicine.  
  While there are states that will allow other physicians (ie homeopaths)
they are not actually licensed and can be excluded from coverage.  The 
only states I can find that currently license a holistic provider are 
Utah which licenses Oriental Medical Providers (ie accupuncturists, herbal
ists) and there are two different types of licenses they can obtain.

The only state currently licensing naprapaths is Nevada (effective 1/1/74)
The best way to be sure is to send a written inquiry to your insurance
company and request a written response - be sure to include your account
and identification numbers with your inquiry.  
If you want the law changed, contact your congressman!
GOOD LUCK!!