Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in Integrated Practice

Integration can elevate your practice—but it can also expose you to risk if compliance is overlooked. The most common pitfalls stem from ownership, supervision, and billing errors that violate federal and state laws.

In CPOM states, chiropractors cannot directly own a medical practice or pay a “ghost” medical director who doesn’t provide real clinical oversight. Such arrangements may be viewed as kickbacks or fee-splitting—both major red flags under the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law.

Equally critical is billing compliance. Chiropractic services must always be billed under the DC’s NPI, and medical services under the medical provider’s. Never “blend” billing by running all claims under one provider number to increase reimbursement. Each clinician must bill for their own scope of care.

Finally, avoid “standing orders” where medical services are pre-scheduled before a physician evaluates the patient. Every order must originate from a legitimate clinical encounter and diagnosis.

Integration isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about elevating standards. Protect your team and your license by ensuring your practice is compliant, ethical, and transparent from day one.

Learn more at MyBreakthrough.com.