February 2005

IME opponent reviews possible CCGPP conflict of financial interest

Alan Immerman, DC, who often serves as a consultant to dispute the claims of chiropractic IMEs, is investigating possible conflicts of financial interest involving members of the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP).       

The CCGPP was formed in 1995 to examine and update the widely rejected Mercy Practice Guidelines. Its main proponent is the American Chiropractic Association, whose members have a disproportionately large representation on the CCGPP panel.

According to Dr. Immerman, Eugene Lewis, DC, CCGPP chairman has claimed that all committee members signed statements of non‑conflict of interest. However, many DCs are concerned that one or more of the members of each chapter committee may have been or still are IMEs for various insurance companies.

For example, Immerman points out, John J. Triano, DC, listed as Commission Chair on the CCGPP website, has performed IMEs for State Farm Insurance Company, as reported in the April 1996 issue of The Chiropractic Journal.

"To insure that these new CCGPP guidelines will not be devised by persons with a conflict of financial interest," Immerman stated, "we ask all DCs to review the list of doctors involved in the CCGPP process, and notify us if anyone on the list has submitted insurance IME reports on them."

He asked that documentation be sent to him via e‑mail at amimmerman@direcpc.com.

Doctors wishing more information on the investigation should contact Immerman at 928‑522‑0600.

Individuals involved in CCGPP include: