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Join ICS / Join Advantage

The Advantage Chiropractic Network is a not-for-profit Independent Practice Association (IPA) of chiropractic physicians. Advantage provides representation for its members with insurers, self-insured employers, and third-party administrators.

Advantage is a special benefit to members of the Iowa Chiropractic Society in that it provides a consistent and effective way for them to reach the managed care marketplace. Many insurers, PPO, and HMO organizations contract through Advantage to utilize the highly qualified panel of chiropractic physicians who are members of Advantage.

Mission
The mission of the Advantage Chiropractic Network is to provide its member chiropractic physicians with a highly effective way to reach the managed care market place. Advantage provides its members with:

• The strength of one voice speaking for chiropractic with payors to mediate contract language, communicate your individual payment requirements, and explore risk and reward arrangements.

• Expert advice on payment contract including the evaluation of payor contracts and payment comparisons among various payors.

• Reduction in the hassle of payor contracts by providing a one-time credentialing process for many payors and Advantage support when you have a problem with a payor.

• Free continuing education via the annual Advantage Seminar and continuous information through Advantage News, Advantage Reports, and the Advantage website.

Vision
The Advantage Chiropractic Network will be the premier IPA serving chiropractic physicians by offering payors and employers the most convenient and effective way to offer access to high quality chiropractic care to their enrollees.

 Frequently Asked Questions About Advantage Membership

Q: Why should I be a member of Advantage as opposed to other IPA's in Iowa?
A: Advantage is a not-for-profit run by member doctors who are looking out for your best interest.

Q: What contracts do you have?
A: CCN, First Choice of the Midwest, First Health, Galaxy Health Network,
Iowa Health Solutions for the hawk-i program, Midlands Choice, North
Iowa PHO, Select Benefits Administrators, Sioux Valley Health Plan and
Sioux Valley Health Plan Medicare Addendum. Advantage gives you the
opportunity to review each contract summary and accept or reject the contract, it's up to you.

Q: What do I have to do to become a member?
A: If you are not a member of the Iowa Chiropractic Society, you must join. You next complete an application and send all the supporting documents indicated. We will then verify your credentials, which takes about 45 working days. Once your credentials are verified, we will hold a Credentials Committee meeting. Once the Credentials Committee has approved your credentials you are a full-fledged member of Advantage.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: There are currently 2 membership options. Both options include a one-time $100 credentialing fee.

1). Pay an annual assessment fee of currently $350.00 plus a 5%
administrative fee on the billed or allowed amount, whichever is less, on any payments you receive from the contracts you accept through Advantage.
2). Pay an annual assessment fee of $100.00 for one contract only plus a 5% administrative fee on the billed or allowed amount, whichever is less, on any payments you receive from the contracts you accept through Advantage.

Q: How long does the application process take?
A: Anywhere from 50-60 days. Once your application is received it is reviewed for accuracy and completion and sent to Advantage's contracted Credentialing Verification Organization (CVO). The CVO contacts your chiropractic college, Board of Examiners, insurance agency, and others to verify the information in your file is correct. This generally takes about 45 days. When Advantage receives your verified credentials, they are reviewed by staff and copies are forwarded to the Advantage Credentials Committee. The Committee reviews your file and meets via conference call to accept your credentials. Once your credentials are accepted, you are an Advantage Member. Staff will then send you contract summaries to review. You may accept or reject individual contracts according to your preference, not ours.

Q: Can I expedite the application process?
A: Yes, for an additional $50.00 your credentials verification may be completed in 30 days.

Q: What exactly does Advantage have to offer me?
A: Better fee schedules, better payor contracts, a liaison between you and the payor provided by Advantage, expert advice from our contracted insurance consultant and retained legal counsel, and much more.

© 2005 Iowa Chiropractic Society  |  800/475-6178  |   ICS@iowadcs.org