B. Doctors of medicine and osteopathy

The requirement that a doctor of medicine must be legally authorized to practice medicine and surgery by the State in which the individual performs services is met where a physician is licensed by the State to practice medicine and surgery.

A doctor of osteopathy who is legally authorized to practice medicine and surgery by the State in which the individuals performs services qualifies as a physician. In addition, a licensed osteopath or osteopathic practitioner qualifies as a “physician” to the extent that the individual performs services within the scope of the practice as defined by State law. For example, in some States osteopaths and osteopathic practitioners are limited in their practice to the manipulation of bones and muscles; such legally authorized services are covered.