20 CFR 10.311 : Employees' Benefits (§ 1.1 To Parts 1011-1099) — (§ 1.1 To Parts 376-399) — Office Of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department Of Labor (§ 1.1 To Parts 72-199) — Federal Employees' Compensation Act (§ 10.0 To § 25.203) — Claims For Compensation Under The Federal Employees' Compensation Act, As Amended (§ 10.0 To § 10.916) — Medical And Related Benefits (§ 10.300 To § 10.337) — Medical Treatment And Related Issues (§ 10.310 To § 10.316) — What are the special rules for the services of chiropractors?

4 Aug 2016

(a) The services of chiropractors that may be reimbursed are limited by the FECA to treatment to correct a spinal subluxation. The costs of physical and related laboratory tests performed by or required by a chiropractor to diagnose such a subluxation are also payable.

(b) In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 8101(3), a diagnosis of spinal “subluxation as demonstrated by X-ray to exist” must appear in the chiropractor's report before OWCP can consider payment of a chiropractor's bill.

(c) A chiropractor may interpret his or her x-rays to the same extent as any other physician. To be given any weight, the medical report must state that x-rays support the finding of spinal subluxation. OWCP will not necessarily require submittal of the x-ray, or a report of the x-ray, but the report must be available for submittal on request.

(d) A chiropractor may also provide services in the nature of physical therapy under the direction of, and as prescribed by, a qualified physician.

20 CFR 10.311