Hi,

I have run across an interesting opportunity to promote homeopathy in the US. Alternative Link (Note the LARGE reference for more information right below here.. :) )

ALTERNATIVE LINK
YOUR CODING COMPANY FOR INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE
6121 Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 131
Albuquerque, NM 87110 USA
Tel: 505-875-0001 x 212 Fax: 505-875-0002

Web Site: http://www.alternativelink.com/

is a company that is creating an insurance code for alternative practioners. It originally started (I believe) to be able to track research being done. They are creating codes that cross walk with the CPT codes that insurance companies in the US reimburse for. They have made significant steps in gaining US federal recognition for their coding system, which is something that insurance companies value.

They are interested in creating practioner codes for homeopaths. They already have one in place for Dht certification, which is the AIH recognition for MD's who practice homeopathy. They are interested in creating a code for professional homeopaths who have the RSHom designation and one that indicates self-training, non certified.

I want to work with a few other homeopaths who either have worked politically or just want to work on this project. I personally think that to have the 3 designations would further the cause of professional homeopathy- I am open to hear to hear other opinions.

The job that needs to be done is to go thru 12,000 codes that they have created and see which ones apply to which apply to the homeopathic scope of practice. They have created codes for massage, reike, aroma therapy, midwifery, therapeutic touch, chiropractic and so forth. That is why there are so many codes.

I see this as a manageable thing- obviously all the surgical/physical exam codes will be eliminated so we should be able to figure out quickly what coding areas we need to focus on. However, I think that 3 or 4 heads should do it together. The time frame is that it needs to be done by late May, and the codes will be in place by Jan 2006 for us to use.

Of course, this does not mean that insurance will reimburse our clients. This means that some insurance companies may, and that we are paving the way for more to do so.

Anybody want to do this with me? Anyone know anyone nationally that is interested in a project like this?

Beth Knudtsen-Spears