News – The American Chiropractor

How to make the financial future brighter.

CLIVE, Iowa — We’re all hoping 2021 brings better things — and that includes financially! In the latest episode of Chiropractical, we talk with financial planning expert Trent Burley about your finances in the coming year. What can you do right now to make your financial future brighter? What are the three most important things to focus on as you think ahead? What impact will the new presidential administration have? And what’s the magic of 20-60-20?

In our Ask NCMIC segment, we learn the difference between Par and Non-Par when it comes to Medicare. We also talk to Amanda Westerhold about disability insurance, what it covers, what to look for, and who needs it.

Find the show transcript, handouts provided by the guests, and guest and host bios, at ncmic.com/Chiropractical.

About Chiropractical

In June 2020, NCMIC, the nation’s largest chiropractic malpractice insurance company, launched Chiropractical, a podcast designed to give DCs the tools, knowledge and resources they need to build and grow a practice that empowers them to create a life they love. It is hosted by NCMIC team members Chick Herbert and Melissa Knutson with special guest appearances by Mike Whitmer.

Released monthly, the Chiropractical podcast is available wherever you find your podcasts.

Media Contact

Gayle Welter

515-313-4646

[email protected]

American Academy of Family (Medical) Physicians and the University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic Hold a Historic Meeting on Patient Collaboration

:dropcap_open:O:dropcap_close:n May 15, 2013, the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, under the direction of adjunct professors Dr. Mark Studin and Dr. Bill Owens, and a group of highly credentialed chiropractors presented an overview of chiropractic and chiropractic evidence-based research to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) New York Chapter in Buffalo, New York. The focus of the presentation was to show family practice MDs when, how, and why to refer for chiropractic care as a “first-line” referral choice based upon the evidence for musculoskeletal issues. They discussed chiropractic’s role in diagnosis and advanced imaging, pain management, and disability prevention. The primary care medical doctors in attendance were inquisitive, supportive of the process, and welcomed a collaborative arrangement with doctors of chiropractic.

The meeting ended with a formal request for names of the chiropractors present and their locations to spur referrals and collaboration. The meeting was so well received that a subsequent invitation was discussed among three different chapters of the organization meeting in Syracuse, New York. The highlight of the evening was when the vice president of the AAFP said, “I wonder why chiropractors and family physicians don’t work more together. We are both focused on the conservative treatment of our patients without the use of drugs or surgery unless absolutely necessary.” According to Dr. Owens, “In the end, we were all more alike than we were different and we discovered that we can work together in the best interests of patients without any of us changing our philosophy. We don’t have to become like each other to work together.”

This meeting was historic on many fronts and the physicians in the room were more than surprised to hear that this was the first such meeting in the country between chiropractors and an organization for family medicine primary care physicians. This meeting paved the way for a second seminar in New York and we will continue with the third, fourth, fifth, etc., until we meet with every chapter of this organization and educate every family medical practitioner on how to collaborate and refer to chiropractors in his or her community. We are already setting the groundwork for the same type of collaborative environment in multiple states, as our goal is to engage with every primary care provider in the world. This might sound “Pollyannaish.” However, as difficult as it was to create the first meeting, which took five years, the second meeting took five minutes to create.

When we consider chiropractic education, we realize the importance at the doctoral level to train potential chiropractors and at the post-doctoral level to help keep our treating doctors on the cutting edge of new technology and applications. In addition, an incredible amount of positive research is being published at this time on the efficacy of chiropractic care. As a result, we are seeing an organizational shift from the top down, starting with chiropractic educational institutions, with a focus on both furthering chiropractic research and increasing the utilization of chiropractic based upon the research outcomes. In support of continuing this collaborative process between medicine and chiropractic, Dr. David Wickes, dean of the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, has committed the resources of the college to further this process and to help ensure the future success of this collaboration.

:quoteright_open:For the first time, medical academia is spurring the research to prove chiropractic works and this paradigm shift in chiropractic research will potentially open doors to future research dollars previously unavailable to the chiropractic profession.:quoteright_close:

Chiropractic is part of the solution to the opioid epidemic in the United States, and organized medicine, starting with the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Family Practice Program has already realized that we are a “first line option/referral” for the solution. As a result, two things have occurred.

First, Dr. Bill Owens has been conferred as an adjunct assistant professor of clinical sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine, Family Medical Practice Department and has been training family medical practice residents on how to integrate (refer) chiropractic care within a primary care setting. Second, as a result of the success of the program, Dr. Owens, Dr. Studin, and the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic have been invited by the medical school to collaborate in research to help verify what the chiropractic profession already knows: chiropractic care helps people get well without the use of opiates. For the first time, medical academia is spurring the research to prove chiropractic works and this paradigm shift in chiropractic research will potentially open doors to future research dollars previously unavailable to the chiropractic profession.

According to Dr. Studin, “The future holds much promise including the continuation of family practice medical residents rotating through Dr. Owens’s office to see firsthand the benefits of chiropractic care, and after our first successful meeting with medical primary care providers, we are accelerating the program. The next step is to escalate the process to teach chiropractors across the country to create these types of relationships and present chiropractic to the medical community as a ‘first line option for referral’ for conservative spine care and take a huge step in eradicating the opioid epidemic.”

ACA House of Delegates Approves 10-Year Vision Statement

Arlington, Va.–The American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) House of Delegates (HOD) approved a new statement outlining what the association hopes to achieve over the next 10 years on behalf of the chiropractic profession and its patients. With an eye toward the future, delegates, who met March 8-9 in Washington, D.C., also passed resolutions to advance education and leadership development in their ranks.

“As ACA members, we commit ourselves to the highest clinical and ethical standards, freedom of choice of health care provider and the pursuit of optimal health for the health care consumer,” ACA’s new 10-year vision statement begins. What follows are five specific outcomes the association hopes to achieve by the year 2023:

Collaboration with other healthcare disciplines and integration into all health care delivery models that enhance individual health, public health, wellness and safety

Change in public policy, legislative, and regulatory arenas, which result in a more effective U.S. healthcare system

Improved health care access and freedom of choice of health care providers for the American people, without discriminatory obstacles

Increased value of healthcare for patients, policymakers, and the public through the high professional and educational standards of the chiropractic profession

Healthier and more productive lives for the American people

Among the important policies approved by the HOD, most support ACA’s efforts to enhance patient care by bolstering education of chiropractic physicians. They include:

“Integrated Practice Council,” which establishes the American Chiropractic Association Council of Integrated Practices to improve patient health and patient care by advancing the quality and availability of chiropractic physicians and their services through full integration into mainstream, evidence-based health care systems.

“Delegate Apprentice Program,”which authorizes the Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) to develop a program that would allow new practitioners to become Delegate Apprentices and learn leadership skills and ACA policy from HOD members.

“Both the chiropractic profession, and the American health care system are at important crossroads. Chiropractic physicians who continue to grow their skill sets and work with other health care providers can play an important role in improving the health of ailing Americans and an ailing health delivery system,” said ACA President Keith Overland, DC. “The important work done by the HOD in Washington helped set the stage for progress toward those goals in the year ahead.”

Nevada and California Taking a Closer Look at Professional Boundaries for the Use of Adjusting and Manipulation

Nevada and California are considering professional boundaries associated with the use of manipulation, or adjusting of the spine or extremities this year, and it looks like there is a basis for further investigation.

Earlier this year, David Rovetti, D.C., president of the Chiropractic Physicians Board of Nevada requested an opinion on behalf of the office of the Attorney General of Nevada, concerning whether a licensed physical therapist may lawfully perform manipulation or adjusting of the spine, or any articulation.

After a summary of the laws, and the various chapters, the answer, dated February 7, 2013, which The American Chiropractor Magazine has received a copy of summarizes, that by the interpretation of the Attorney General licensed physical therapists, in the state of Nevada may not manually adjust the articulations of the spine or other joints of the human body.

With this in the mind, the California Chiropractic Association is now sponsoring a Manipulation Protection bill this legislative session. The bill, SB 381, authored by Senator Leland Yee would prohibit a health care practitioner from performing joint manipulation or joint adjustments unless he or she is a licensed chiropractor, physician/surgeon or osteopathic physician/surgeon. Consult the California Chiropractic Association at www.calchiro.org for more information on how you may support Senator Yee in this important bill.

Professional boundaries have been an important issue over the last couple of years across the various healthcare fields. Manipulation, or chiropractic adjustments, have not been the source of aggressive action accross the various news agencies, however considering these two developments one can expect more discussion on the topic in the future.

Logan College of Chiropractic/University: Programs Names Dr. Clay McDonald as President

Logan College of Chiropractic/University Programs today announced the selection of Dr. Clay McDonald as the college’s next President. McDonald, a Logan alumnus, brings extensive experience in chiropractic education, university administration and clinical practice. He presently serves as the Provost for Texas Chiropractic College, where he leads the institution’s academic, business and administrative operations.

“We are delighted Dr. McDonald has accepted our invitation to join Logan College as President,” said Steven Roberts, Chair of the Logan Board of Trustees. “Our board, with input from students, faculty, administrators and alumni, conducted a thorough search and reviewed many outstanding candidates for the position. Dr. McDonald is uniquely suited to continue Logan’s outstanding leadership position in the field of chiropractic education.”

Prior to his current role, Dr. McDonald served as Dean of Academic Affairs and Executive Vice President at New York Chiropractic College and in multiple leadership roles at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa. Dr. McDonald also brings Logan nearly a decade of clinical experience, having founded and managed a Montana-based private practice and rehabilitation clinic for eight years. Dr. McDonald holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic, a master’s degree in business administration from St. Ambrose University and a law degree from Valparaiso University.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Logan’s past leaders,” said Dr. McDonald. “As an educator and Logan alumnus, I look forward to returning to the University as it prepares new generations of chiropractors to serve the communities and build on Logan’s outstanding legacy.”

McDonald will replace Dr. George Goodman, who is retiring after serving as Logan’s President for more than 20 years. During his tenure, Dr. Goodman played a significant role in increasing university enrollment and program offerings, as well as establishing an endowment of more than $25 million.

“We are deeply thankful for Dr. Goodman’s exceptional service and contributions to the University,” said Roberts. “He successfully led Logan for two decades as it has grown into the leading chiropractic institution in the United States.”

Dr. Carl W. Saubert, Vice President of Academic Affairs, will serve as interim President until McDonald formally joins the university on March 1, 2013.

Source: Logan College of Chiropractic/University Programs

Chiropractic Trip to India

Dr. Clint Dorn, D.C., is planning on promoting chiropractic in a big way next year. Dr. Dorn is leading a delegation of chiropractors to India next summer. The group will tour medical facilities in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, India, from August 25-September 2, 2013. Dorn became involved in a citizen ambassador program in 2009, through a government agency called People to People. He traveled to China as part of a mixed medical delegation to meet medical professionals of that country, exchange information and take some time to enjoy the country’s rich cultural history.

“My first trip as a delegate made me think more globally. I started thinking about the benefit chiropractic can have worldwide,” Dorn said. In 2009 China had already begun to integrate chiropractic into its healthcare, but the physicians he met were still seeking information.

“The medical doctors I met in Beijing had many questions, and were asking me to send chiropractic journals for them to read.” After his trip to China, Dorn continued thinking about how exciting it was discussing healthcare and chiropractic with international counterparts. He began making contacts at People to People to see if forming a chiropractic delegation would be possible in the future.

“The response I received in 2009 as the delegation’s only chiropractor was pretty exciting. I remember thinking what a bigger impact we could make if we had more chiropractors on the trip,” Dorn said.

This past September, the government contacted Dr. Dorn and asked if he would be willing to lead a delegation of chiropractors to India in the summer of 2013.

“I immediately started looking for ways to get the word out. Having been a part of a previous delegation, I know how life changing this trip will be.” Dorn said.

Dorn is looking for 20 delegates to fill the program. Currently the delegation is open to all chiropractors. Qualified delegates are accepted first come, first serve. A number of unique opportunities are planned, including meetings with chiropractic and Ayurvedic (Indian holistic healing) medicine professionals in India, and the opportunity to share techniques, training and chiropractic principles. Delegates will enjoy insider views of the chiropractic profession in India and experience the culture in ways that most travelers never do, from exploring small, local neighborhoods and the Taj Mahal, to observing professional counterparts in their element. Cultural activities will highlight the sights and sounds of the country.

You can find more information on the trip cost, itinerary details, and enroll online at www.peopletopeople.com/clintdorn or contact Dr. Dorn at: [email protected]

March 6-10: ACA’s 2013 Legislative Conference to Focus on the Big Picture for Chiropractic

Educational Symposium offers more than 40 hours of Educational Programing during NCLC

:dropcap_open:I:dropcap_close:n March, after new and returning members of the 113th Congress settle into their offices on Capitol Hill, chiropractic physicians and students from around the country will come to Washington, D.C. to provide the profession’s perspective on the important health care issues facing our nation.

This face time with legislators will take place March 6-10 as part of the 2013 National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC) and Education Symposium, hosted by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), with the Chiropractic Summit serving as a partnering organization for the event.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Framing the Future of Chiropractic,” will focus on a big picture view of the future for the chiropractic profession, and on setting the stage for its advancement during this pivotal time for health care in the United States.

NCLC is the profession’s chance to weigh in on, among other issues, the ongoing implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), further expansion of chiropractic services in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), federal student loan relief for chiropractic students and getting doctors of chiropractic (DCs) commissioned in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps.

“The month of March after an election year is the perfect time for this kind of advocacy work with legislators,” said ACA President Keith Overland, DC. “The Congressional season is young, and the newly elected lawmakers will be excited about their new jobs. We need to strike while the iron is hot, so I urge every chiropractic ally that can to come to NCLC on behalf of the profession and our patients.”

NCLC is the chiropractic profession’s most important public policy and educational event. For more than 30 years, chiropractic physicians and chiropractic students from across the country have gathered in Washington, D.C. annually to meet with members of Congress and discuss the issues that matter most to DCs and their patients. In addition to the advocacy on Capitol Hill, NCLC offers education opportunities and information about important federal initiatives.

Over the years, a list of political dignitaries and pundits have appeared at NCLC, including political strategist and CNN contributor Paul Begala; political pundit and Daily Caller owner Tucker Carlson; political strategist and media personality James Carville; Ret. Brig. Gen. Becky Halstead, spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress; Howard Wasdin, DC, author of Seal Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy Seal Sniper; and perennial chiropractic supporters such as Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa); and Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Alaska) and James Clyburn (D-South Carolina).

Key Issues for Chiropractic on the Hill

Following a much-anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling that found the health care reform law to be constitutional, full implementation of PPACA is underway. NCLC attendees will be talking with legislators about how the services provided by doctors of chiropractic are cost effective and about how DCs can help fill the primary care workforce gap. Many lawmakers are still unaware that the chiropractic health care model has always been heavily focused on providing essential services and promoting healthy lifestyles for the prevention of disease and injury.

Aside from health care reform, at NCLC doctors and lawmakers will talk about other pressing legislative issues, such as:

Expanding access to the services provided by doctors of chiropractic for members of the military and military veterans. With ACA’s support, key bills related to this issue have been introduced in Congress in order to require the VA to have a DC on staff at all major medical facilities and to extend the services provided by doctors of chiropractic to U.S. military retirees, dependents and survivors as part of TRICARE, the DoD health care delivery system.

Legislation that would include DCs in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps—a team of health professionals that promote public health and provide disease prevention programs and health care services across the country.

A bill that would provide opportunities for DCs to work in exchange for student loan relief while ensuring that medically underserved communities across America have access to a wide array of health care services and an expanded range of providers.

“Introducing pro-chiropractic legislation is only a part of the battle,” said John Falardeau, ACA’s senior vice president of government relations. “The next step in getting these bills passed is to generate support for the legislation among members of Congress; and the best way to do that is to come to Washington for NCLC and tell your lawmakers in person why these issues matter to you and your patients.”

Chiropractic Summit and ABCA to Meet

The Chiropractic Summit—an initiative to unite the profession that includes 41 organizations, including ACA, the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations and the International Chiropractors Association—will meet during the first day of NCLC-related activity, on Wednesday, March 6. Additionally, for the first time, the American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) will host a meeting in conjunction with the event.

Network with Colleagues, Lawmakers and Attend Hours of Educational Programming

As always, opportunities to network with colleagues—and elected officials—will be abundant during NCLC. The annual congressional reception (an attendee favorite) will be held again this year. Previous congressional representatives in attendance include: Rep. Howard Coble (R-North Carolina), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Rep. Walter Jones (R-North Carolina) and Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-California).

Finally, ACA’s Second Annual Educational Symposium will take place March 8-10. Participants can attend more than 40 hours of educational programming. Featured topics include:

Chiropractic Integration into Health Care
Balance Disorders
DOT Marketing
Chiropractic Management of Otitis Media
Managing Sports Injuries of the Shoulder
Practice Management
Acupuncture and Chiropractic Practice
Laser Spine Institute
Upper Cervical Oddities
Recognizing and Managing Osteoporosis
Chiropractic: Changing the Face of Sports Performance
Marketing through Internet & Social Media
Ankle Gait and Station
Managing the Geriatric Patient
How to Maximize Your ACA Partnership
Nutraceutical and Lifestyle Management of Hypertension
Rehabilitation of the Knee
Understanding Low Level Laser Therapy
Endocrine Disruptors
Advanced Extremity Adjusting
Preparing Your Office for Medicare Audits
Failure to Recognize the Presence & Implications of Vascular Conditions in Clinical Practice

It can’t be stated often or strongly enough. This is a pivotal time for chiropractic physicians and health care in general in this country. So now, more than ever, Congress needs to hear the message from DCs in their districts and states. The chiropractic profession has been on the path of prevention and wellness for more than a century, and it’s time for the rest of the country to follow suit. NCLC is the chiropractic profession’s opportunity to tell its story to elected officials and to make them aware of just how much it has to offer.

For more information on NCLC, including how to register, visit www.acatoday.org/NCLC.

Melissa Lee is the American Chiropractic Association’s public and media relations manager. She has spent her entire career working with media on behalf of professional associations. Melissa promotes chiropractic services to patients in need by coordinating media interviews with chiropractic spokespeople—providing a voice for the profession in consumer media.

Parker University Announces the Appointment of a New President

DALLAS, December 11, 2012 – The Board of Trustees of Parker University and Parker Seminars is pleased to announce the appointment of their new president, Brian J. McAulay, DC, PhD. This appointment comes after an intensive three month search conducted by a board-appointed presidential search committee of nine members, headed by Wright L. Lassiter, Jr., PhD, chair of the Board of Trustees.

“The presidential search committee and Board of Trustees felt that Dr. McAulay was the best choice to lead Parker into the future,” said Dr. Lassiter. “In the search for a new president, the search committee was mindful of the expansion in the role and mission of the institution as a university. In that regard, Dr. McAulay has a PhD in business and management, the doctor of chiropractic degree, and further professional education at the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management, and was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship in educational administration by the American Council on Education. In addition, a noteworthy aspect of his professional experience is service as a chiropractic department chair and teaching experience in business and management at Philadelphia University and Temple University.”

Dr. McAulay replaces Fabrizio Mancini, DC, who has retired after serving as president for just under fourteen years. During his tenure with Parker, Dr. Mancini had a significant impact on both Parker and the chiropractic profession, raising the visibility of the profession by participating in media efforts that reached millions of people never exposed to the chiropractic message. In addition, he oversaw the renaming of the institution to Parker University in April 2011 and guided the institution through a successful SACS reaffirmation in 2012. From a global perspective, Dr. Mancini oversaw the development of internship programs in foreign cities such as Bogota, Colombia and Mexico City, Mexico and instituted Parker Seminars events in countries including Japan, Greece and Australia.

Dr. McAulay brings experience in both the chiropractic profession and higher education to Parker University and Parker Seminars. Dr. McAulay’s education is extensive with a PhD from Temple University, a doctor of chiropractic degree from Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic and a bachelor’s of commerce from the University of Toronto. In addition, Dr. McAulay participated in the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows program and the Institute for Educational Management (IEM) program through the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Over the past thirteen years, Dr. McAulay has served as executive vice president/provost and interim president for Sherman College, vice-president for academic affairs at Palmer College, and provost and executive vice president/provost for Life University. Each of these institutions experienced growth and success under Dr. McAulay’s leadership.

“I am very proud to become a part of the Parker family and I look forward to helping the institution maintain its reputation as one of the premier schools in chiropractic education.” said Dr. McAulay. “While Parker’s history is rich with tradition and success, it’s the future that is so intriguing to me. This is an exciting time for Parker as the institution looks to expand into new degree programs that complement and support chiropractic. I believe my experience in balancing program expansion and foundational chiropractic programs will certainly be a benefit to Parker in the coming years.”

Last year, Parker University developed a strategic plan that called for the introduction of twelve new allied health programs by 2017. The first three degree programs, slated for introduction in January 2013, include an associate’s degree in Radiological Technology, a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management and a master’s degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Health Care. All three degrees were carefully selected for introduction based on criteria including how well they support and complement chiropractic, the job forecasts for each degree program and the higher than average expected salaries for each profession these degrees serve.

“Program expansion calls for a president with a unique set of skills and talents.” said Dr. Gery Hochanadel, PhD, provost of Parker University. “I am very pleased with the board’s decision to hire Dr. McAulay as the next president of Parker. His experience in maintaining chiropractic as the foundational program while expanding degree offerings will be critical to the future of Parker University and the students we serve.”

In addition to his role with Parker University, Dr. McAulay will also serve as president of Parker Seminars. With over sixty years supporting the chiropractic profession, Parker Seminars continues to serve the profession as the premier professional seminar dedicated to helping chiropractors and chiropractic assistants build successful practices. Parker Seminars has four North American seminars planned for 2013, with the largest gathering taking place in Las Vegas January 10-12, 2013.

“I am very aware of the impact Parker Seminars and Dr. Parker had on the chiropractic profession and I consider it a great honor to oversee this effort. Parker Seminars is the meeting place for the profession and I intend to continue positioning Parker Seminars as a global resource for the chiropractic profession,” said Dr. McAulay.

Source: Parker University

Logan College President George Goodman to Retire in 2013

Dr. Goodman’s leadership resulted in significant accomplishments

(ST. LOUIS) – Logan College of Chiropractic/University Programs President George Goodman, D.C. announced today that he will retire as President by March 31, 2013. Dr. Goodman has led Logan for two decades and is responsible for growing enrollment, expanding programs and establishing an endowment and investment base of more than $25 million.

“I am honored to have been a part of Logan during such a dynamic period in this institution’s history,” said Dr. Goodman. “When we started two decades ago, the institution had significant debt and operating challenges. I was able to work with many talented people to deal with those issues, developing and growing Logan in ways that benefit our students, faculty and the surrounding community.”

Two years ago Dr. Goodman agreed to extend his stay as President from 2012 until 2014 in large part because a reaccreditation review was scheduled to occur in late 2014. It was important to both Dr. Goodman and Logan’s Board of Trustees to have an established leadership team in place when that evaluation and site visit took place. Recently, the reaccreditation process site visit was delayed until 2015. Because of that delay, Dr. Goodman shifted his retirement date to 2013. This transition plan ensures that a new President will be in place well before the reaccreditation process begins.

“President Goodman’s leadership has been invaluable to Logan, and his passion and commitment to our mission have been steadfast,” said Steven Roberts, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the board and Logan, I want to express our deep gratitude for his service and outstanding leadership. Logan and the field of chiropractic are better off because of Dr. Goodman.”

Under Dr. Goodman’s guidance as President since 1993, Logan College has achieved several significant milestones, including reaching debt-free status; enrolling 1,000 students for the first time in the school’s history; and winning federal grants for infrastructure, technology and research.

Before being appointed President, Dr. Goodman served for 10 years as Logan’s Vice President of Chiropractic Affairs and also held the posts of Clinic Director and Dean of the School of Postgraduate Education at Logan. A tenured professor, Dr. Goodman has been a member of the Logan faculty for 44 years and spent 20 years in private chiropractic practice.

Source: Logan College of Chiropractic

ACA Reaffirms Fight Against Provider Discrimination Following AMA Vote

Arlington, Va. —The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reaffirmed its commitment to fighting provider discrimination following a decision by the American Medical Association’s (AMA) House of Delegates which initiated a lobbying effort against Section 2706, the provider non-discrimination provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Section 2706 prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against health care providers relative to their participation and coverage in health plans. It is applicable to all Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) health care plans, including self-insured, multi-state plans that are not subject to provider-friendly state laws.

“As the voice of the chiropractic profession on Capitol Hill, ACA will not yield in its efforts to fight any threat to our patients’ access to the services of DCs and for our doctors’ right to practice to the full extent of their education and training,” said ACA President Keith Overland, DC. “AMA’s decision is outdated, and it demonstrates a desire, by some, to cling to the ‘old guard,’ but it is not in patients’ or our country’s best interests. Section 2706 will extend new health care services to millions, and it will help address the primary care shortage threatening our nation.”

In its ongoing advocacy work, ACA highlights the value that DCs add to the health care system, particularly in respect to challenges faced by to today’s health care consumer:

The primary care shortage—According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, by 2015 the U.S. will face a shortage of more than 60,000 physicians across primary care, surgical and medical specialties. Every health care provider will have to practice to the fullest extent of his or her scope of practice. ACA believes that since DCs are already in the local physician supply pool and have legislative recognition as a “portal of entry” to the health care system, they should be among the first providers utilized to help relieve this shortage.

Runaway health care costs—PPACA was designed to address the need to control unbridled health care costs. Section 2706 was included to encourage full utilization of health care providers and reduce the cost of patient care. Studies have repeatedly shown that the services provided by doctors of chiropractic are effective and cost less than medical care.

Lack of treatment options—Patients are becoming more aware of the downsides of over reliance on prescription drugs and the premature use of surgical care for common health conditions such as low-back pain. DCs offer care that is not dependent on drugs or surgery, but is highly effective for many health conditions.

“It is important to recognize Section 2706—an act of Congress to end provider discrimination based on one’s license—as historic for the chiropractic profession,” said Mike Schroeder vice president of the National Association of Chiropractic Attorneys (NACA). “However, as significant the provision is, it is possible to lose ground during the implementation of PPACA, so NACA strongly encourages DCs to support ACA in its efforts to ensure the patient protections intended in the provision.”