We ran into this too. I called Provider Relations and was told that the Chiropractor on their advisory board said that "a Chiropractor would never need to bill a 99203 or 99213 as Chiropractors don't deal with cases with that level of complexity". So it's only ok to bill 99202 (new patient) or 99212 (re-exam existing patient).
B.S. right? But that's what they're doing. Never mind that MANY things present as back pain and it takes a thorough exam and case management to weed through the symptoms.
We've sent people to the ER for DVT's, heart attacks, gall bladder attacks, labor. I think that qualifies for the higher complexity and medical decision making! And what about the patient with 3 prior surgeries and a laundry list of medications and past history?
I'm as frustrated by this as you are, and told Provider Relations. But their "advisor" holds the power. And over his own fellows too!