The Challenge of Medical Integration

Although many doctors speak about the many advantages of medical integration, it would be naïve to think that there are no negative issues associated with such a complex business model. Having spent over 26 years as a consultant, I have had the privilege to help thousands of doctors realize their dream practice. Yet, being the longest practicing consultant for medically integrated centers, I have had ample opportunities to see how this innovative idea has developed and become so popular today. So, what are some of the negative drawbacks with medical integration?

Basically, there are three major areas to be concerned with:

• Legalities
• Billing and Coding
• Medical supervision and communications.

1. Legalities

Given the very intricate detailed laws associated with medical integration, the best way to create a safe and sound integrated medical center, is to retain the services of a qualified health care attorney with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Chiropractic and medical scopes of practice. Before opening the doors of a newly created medical center, it is critical that the infrastructure falls well within legal parameters both at the state and federal level. One only need to look at the current active legal investigations to realize that medical integration is a serious business model which must be properly set up and operated with unadulterated honesty and integrity. Unfortunately, throughout my 26 years as America’s longest practicing consultant for integrated medical centers, I have seen many doctors pay a very heavy price for not wanting to follow “the rules”. What is even more ludicrous, is that many doctors as well as unscrupulous consultants believe that they can do whatever they wish or whatever they consider is right and think they can get away with it. This alarming and risky reasoning can only lead to disastrous results. 

2. Billing and Coding

Another issue which requires close attention is the convoluted billing and coding system. 

Certainly, one must realize that billing and coding for an integrated medical center is quite complex. Not having a great understanding of how to combine billing codes for services rendered, will create confusion and therefore hinder the ability for any clinic to collect what is truly due. These errors will undoubtedly cause a cash flow shortage and therefore limit the clinic to keep its doors open. Hence, having a qualified and well-trained billing team is not a “luxury” option but an absolute obligation. Unfortunately, today, many consultants have very limited knowledge of the billing reimbursement exceptions which vary from state to state. Therefore, many unscrupulous consultants simply avoid these billing variations issues leaving their clients in the dark. Regardless, the clinic owner should make sure that the staff is well trained in the medical integration billing model before taking such a leap of faith and causing unnecessary added stress to an already complex operation. 

3. Medical supervision and communications.

It is well known that medical integrated centers treat larger volume of patients. To ensure proper case management, doctors in these multidiscipline centers will need to learn how to efficiently communicate and internally refer to one another. Hence, it is critical that proper protocols are established from the beginning. Just as important is the supervisory role of the medical director. Indeed, due to the wider scope of practice, integrated medical centers offer a wide variety of treatments. As is well known, the treatment of many of these newly added conditions will often require direct medical supervision to ensure compliance and to ensure that none of the doctors are practicing outside the scope of their license. This obviously, could also negatively affect any possible malpractice issue. I am pleased to report that most of our clients nationally have indeed been very fortunate and hardly ever had any issue in this area.    

To end on a positive note, one must know that while there are definite explicit requirements to successfully operate an integrated medical center, with professional guidance, experienced advice and genuine intend, one can set up an amazingly beneficial and lucrative center representing the wave of the future. 

COA’s Medical Integration is USA’s most trusted and reputable program. Dr. Dahan, America’s most recognized leading expert authority on Medical Integration has guided thousands of doctors reach their ultimate potentials. Dr. Dahan owned and managed his two clinics for twelve years in Southern California before he became a consultant. His direct and simple approach as well as his ability to take very complex business and life issues and translate them into real life lessons, has been the hallmark of his success. In the fall of 2019, Dr. Dahan was exclusively chosen to host the Doctors Daily Live Radio Show, addressing physicians’ issues while influencing doctors to reach higher potentials. With brilliant marketing strategies, unmatched healthcare consulting experience and clinic integration expertise, Dr. Dahan has so much to offer. A gifted speaker and accomplished writer, Dr. Dahan shares his advice in his unique, informative manner. His Wisdom Podcasts are downloaded by 52,000 global listeners daily. Dr. Dahan also writes blogs for the VJ Posts and has appeared on the Charlie Harary Radio Show.