Too many times chiropractic managed care organizations were willing to compromise and sell the providers short in order to get the contract. The profession needed an organization that would negotiate in their best interest, and insurance companies needed a network that would provide care that was cost effective and valuable to their insureds. The CAO also provides full service membership services expected of a state chiropractic association. The IPA is an extension of the CAO's efforts, a truly separate association to answer issues specific to managed health care and its role in the chiropractic profession. Doctors are not restricted based on numbers per zip code or minimum years in practice.
Care is based on standards of practice that the members agree to abide by.
The Individual Practice Association was developed as an unlimited panel, restricted only by a thorough credentialing process. This leaves more revenue for the participating providers. Dr. Larry Lubcke, quality assurance director for the IPA, has been part of the organization virtually since it began. Other networks try to limit their panels to control costs. The IPA promotes large panels limited only by the doctor's willingness to abide by ethical standards of practice.