Another entry in our Hypocrites with Double Standards (HWDS) files?
I’ve been reading about the importance of Section 2706 of the Affordable Care Act for our profession. It wouldn’t be right for insurance companies to cover acupuncture only if performed by an MD, right? The concerns within our community, according to the press, are that the section might be undermined by the actions of the AMA (this makes us angry!) or not strongly enforced.
Okay, non-discrimination good.
Wait a second — AOMSM, the Massachusetts acupuncture association, is pushing legislation that discriminates. Section 7 of S1107 and H2021 reads “The use of needles on trigger points, Ashi points, and/or for intramuscular needling for the treatment of myofascial pain will be considered the practice of acupuncture” (does it matter what type of needles?) and Section 8 reads “Only licensed acupuncturists or medical doctors shall be reimbursed for acupuncture services.” Is anyone surprised that “political agents for PTs in MA have taken measures to prevent “An Act Relative to the Practice of Acupuncture” from advancing”?
So — discrimination is good if it works in my favor, bad if it works against me? How does this reflect on our profession and the future of integrated health? Not well, in my opinion. What do you think?