Category: Other Articles

In my last article, I covered a general introduction and description of decompressive traction (spinal decompression) and its move into the chiropractic market.  In this article, I’m going to discuss the research literature and our clinical experience as it relates to both proper patient selection and reasonable outcome expectation.  The elimination of pain is typically the main priority in a chiropractic practice. It is how we, collectively, have built our reputation.  However, like all things in life, there is no 100% successful procedure, and it is simply dogmatic to believe that we are now doing all that ever needs to be done.  If we are rational in our approach, we regularly search for new or expanded means of offering an improved, cost effective outcome.  That is exactly what spinal decompressive traction can offer your practice.  Like all procedures, though, choosing the right equipment and understanding proper patient selection are the first steps.

The traction literature offers us numerous and varied protocols and procedures and that, perhaps more than anything else, contributes to its subsequent inconsistent performance and poor reputation.  Add to that the antiquated equipment of the past and enthusiasm for this modality diminishes.  We need to separate mechanized traction as just another mobilizing technique, whose outcomes are often more amenable to hands-on procedures, and focus on the specific job of decompression of the disc, whose outcome is improbable without mechanical means.  Decompression of the disc aims to create an enhanced diffusion, fibroblast activity and blood supply contact.  It is these phasic effects that are consistently mentioned as a source of healing. 

Ultimately, the inherent systemic health and healing ability of the individual is what is revealed with therapeutic intervention, and time.  As Byron said, “Circumstances don’t make the man, they reveal the man.”  This is an important, yet paradoxical, point to chiropractic and health care in general.  If a patient fails to improve, is it an inherent property of their constitution or the misapplication (or lack of application) of the proper therapy?  I have discovered that it is more a misapplication of the appropriate therapy and, in many cases, misapplication goes hand in hand with adequate product design.  Fortunately, today the research and subsequent product design has raised decompressive traction to a previously unseen efficiency and ease of application.  Not to mention that it doesn’t require a second mortgage to deliver it.
Decompressive Traction Systems are available to any chiropractor today for a fraction of the cost of previous devices.  By implementing and incorporating a specific, limited number of parameters, outcomes have been improved dramatically with a relatively short learning curve and modest equipment costs.

 

Specific parameters of Decompressive Traction Therapy include:

1)  a non-slipping, circumferential harness allowing the best possible focus of force application, as opposed to side-to-side harnesses, wrap-overs or ankle straps.

2)  The pull vector needs to be adjustable in angle and pull pattern must be graduated and stepped to elicit no an-ticipatory muscle guarding.

 

The pull pattern cannot be taken lightly. We are basically sneaking up on the body, with the intention of creating segmental separation without awakening the muscle-guarding giant that stands ready to limit our every move.  The equipment must be designed to incorporate all of the utilitarian functions that increase the probability of separating the spinal segments.  It appears, from numerous studies and reviews, that sufficient vertebral distraction is a key to creating decompression.  Thus, a focused restraint and specific positioning with slow, graduated force application limiting muscle guarding are key factors.

Chen, et al., showed that a decrease in disc pressure was related to distraction distance.  Paradoxically, in their study of forty-seven prolapsed discs, prior to therapeutic traction application, 62% had negative pressure and only 19% had positive pressure.  64% showed a further reduction with traction.  Ramos and Martin showed initial pressures in three surgical candidates to be +60 to +70 mmHg,, which reduced to negative ranges when a threshold traction tension was reached (about 60 lbs.).

Proper patient selection is paramount.  A patient’s poor fitness/posture, loss of local muscle control, and past trauma added to pain sensitization deep into the disc ultimately spell a clinical nightmare!  Certainly, these patients warrant a multifaceted approach.  And, obviously, we must know when our intervention will be of limited value and referral is necessary.  Improving signs and symptoms from a reasonable trial of the two most potent mechanical spinal treatments, manipulation and decompression, can help us determine this. 

We are basically sneaking up on the body, with the intention of creating segmental separation. Sufficient vertebral distraction is a key to creating decompression.

The so-called sub-ligamentous, single level protrusion/ hernia, with limited degeneration, will show the best outcome.  The greater the annular damage or extrusion of the nucleus, the more nebulous the outcome.  Additionally, extensive degenerative changes and diffuse, central bulges—especially multiple levels—tend to reduce success.  Of course, the safety (first do no harm), ease of use and comfort to the patient make decompressive traction a viable passive therapy to try even in difficult cases.  As a chiropractor, I am convinced (as were Cyriax, Farfan, and Mathews, among others) decompressive traction should be seen as an obvious companion to manipulation and, in cases of sciatica, often the more reasonable approach. 

Henrik Weber, MD, writing on the natural history of disc herniation (Spine (19) 1994) points out the lack of concise answers for back and leg pain.  However, he points to research that suggests the evolution of a hernia (compressed disc) is associated with clinical symptoms, and the decrease in size is seen in many of the successfully treated patients.  Over 90% of patients have satisfactory outcomes from herniation at one-year follow-up with conservative treatment including traction.  Deyo, et al., suggest, from their review, traditional type traction is of limited value except that sciatic patients treated with it had a greater chance of avoiding surgery.  (Not an inconsequential outcome!)  Could you imagine what the outcomes could have been if they had access to the much improved products that are now available.  Minimize the misapplication and your results will improve exponentially.

As stated earlier the literature tends to paint a poor picture of traction methods.  We’re attempting to change that.  I contend that when done in a codified manner, with clear intent and indications, decompressive traction is a vital addition to a chiropractor interested in that multi-faceted approach.  Few therapies can lay claim to the direct, phasic effects of axial decompression, both physiologically and neurologically.  I have used it for years as a diagnostic tool to judge potential outcomes.  Leg pain patients typically “centralize”; patients intolerant, or unresponsive to manipulation can still be offered a viable treatment option, prone or supine; and, of course, much of this relates to the cervical spine as well.  Today there is no excuse why decompressive traction shouldn’t be part of your chiropractic artillery.  With dramatic product improvements and a price within reason, the most powerful adjunct in your arsenal is often available for the price of a good adjusting table.

Dr. Jay Kennedy has been practicing Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) in Western Pennsylvania since graduating Palmer College in 1987.  In the last eight years, he has owned and operated several decompression systems treating over 2000 patients on them in his multi-disciplinary clinics.  He lectures extensively and has authored various articles on axial decompression. You may contact him by e-mail at [email protected]

American Chiropractic Association
Dr. Harris Makes Major Contribution to National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund
Chiropractic philanthropist Dr. Bill Harris contributed $10,000 to the National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF) through his Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Education.  Dr. Harris has, through the years, made numerous and substantial contributions to worthwhile chiropractic causes.  Dr. Harris viewed ACA’s “Simple Justice” film, featuring Dr. Carl S. Cleveland, III, at the Parker Seminar in January.  You too can view the film on ACA’s Web site at http://www.acatoday.com/hot_topics/simplejustice.shtml.
NCLAF contributions may be sent to National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund, PO Box 75359, Baltimore, MD 21275.

Chiropractic in the Media
The much-anticipated June 2003 issue of Prevention magazine has arrived.  ACA arranged an interview this year between Prevention magazine and a chiropractic patient who was given her life back, thanks to chiropractic care.  Her story appears on page 85.  The article also provides ACA’s toll free number and tells readers to call the ACA to find a doctor of chiropractic near them.  Prospective patients have already begun calling us to locate ACA members in their communities.
An article in the July 2003 issue of Muscle & Fitness: Hers magazine titled, “Turn Your Back on Pain,” contains an informative quote from ACA national spokesperson Jerome McAndrews, DC, and offers a nice plug for chiropractic from the author of article.
Over the past month, ACA has also secured positive coverage for chiropractic in Natural Health magazine, Detroit News, and San Antonio Express-News.

International Chiropractors Association
ICA members elect new leadership team
The voting members of the International Chiropractors Association have chosen Dr. C. J. Mertz as the Association’s President for the next two years.  Dr. Mertz, from Dripping Springs, TX, becomes the 14th President of the ICA, an organization founded in 1926 by Dr. B.J. Palmer.  Dr. Fred H. Barge, was elected Vice President, and Dr. Christopher Quigley of Boston, MA, was elected ICA’s Secretary Treasurer.  The newly elected officers and Board members took office immediately upon the conclusion of the 2003 Annual Meeting.

Dr. Fred Barge passes on
The International Chiropractors Association was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of one of their very dear leaders, Dr. Fred H. Barge, who passed away on Wednesday, July 2nd, of a sudden heart attack at his home in Onalaska, WI.  Dr. Barge was ICA’s president from 1988-91, served on the ICA Board of Directors for several years and, in May of this year, was reelected as Vice President by an overwhelming majority.
A legend in his own time, Dr. Barge was internationally recognized as a speaker, teacher, mentor, clinician and author.  One of chiropractic’s greatest philosophers, he is as often quoted as D.D. Palmer, B.J. Palmer and R.W. Stephenson.  A man of immense integrity, Fred will be remembered as much for his outspokenness as for his written words.  He was never afraid to speak his mind and he did so with courage and conviction.  He had a passion for chiropractic and believed implicitly in the power of the adjustment.
Taking his volunteer responsibilities seriously, Dr. Barge served on several of ICA’s Committees and played a key role in many of ICA’s successful programs.  The ICA’s very successful pediatrics program was started with his guidance and support; he helped launch ICA’s profession-wide newspaper, The Chiropractic Choice, serving as the Editorial Chair; he played a primary role in the success of both of ICA’s International Symposiums and, most recently, he was responsible for laying the groundwork for ICA’s newest Council on Chiropractic Philosophy, developing the syllabus for the Diplomate in Philosophical Standards of Chiropractic and putting together the profession’s landmark Conference on Chiropractic Philosophy held this past May in Kansas City, MO.
The ICA would like to hear from anyone who has any “thots” they want to share     about Fred.  Send your “thots” to [email protected].  There can never be “enuf said” about Fred Barge.  Wherever he is, we are sure he is smiling.  We love you Fred and we will miss you.
 
World Chiropractic Alliance
WCA joins Coalition in support of HR 2560
The World Chiropractic Alliance has joined forces with other members of the Chiropractic Coalition—including  the ICA and FSCO—in support of “Chiropractic Medicare Freedom and Benefit Protection Act,” recently introduced in the House by Congressman Don Manzullo.
The bill, HR 2560, establishes chiropractic as a separate health profession under the Social Security Act, and clarifies the scope of chiropractic services that may be furnished under the Medicare program.  It states that chiropractors are the ONLY health care professionals qualified under that program to furnish those services.  This would prevent MD’s, DO’s, and physical therapists from providing, and being compensated for, chiropractic care.
For more information about the bill and how to help ensure its passage (including a sample letter of support to send to your Representatives),  visit the WCA website, www.worldchiropracticalliance.org, or the Coalition website, www.chiropracticcoalition.org.

WCA Board passes resolution on intra-professional cooperation
The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) International Board of Governors (IBG), meeting during the annual WCA Summit in Washington, DC, re-confirmed the organization’s goal of working cooperatively with other chiropractic organizations whenever possible.
In a formal resolution that was enthusiastically endorsed by the Governors, the WCA stressed that it is “committed to intra-professional cooperation in advocating for the needs of the profession, and works with and encourages an open door toward all other chiropractic organizations.”

The following list has been designed to be your Seminar Planning Handbook, so be sure to hold onto this information as a tool for selecting and planning your seminar experiences.

Associations

American Chiropractic Association
2003 ACA House of Delegates Meeting, September 16-20, 2003, Albuquerque, NM.  Call 800-986-4636 for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.amerchiro.org.

Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO)
The FSCO provides The Foundation Seminars throughout the year at different locations coast to coast.  Continuing education programs in cooperation with Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic.  Call 800-521-9856 for dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.straightchiropractic.com.

Florida Chiropractic Association
FCA National Convention & Expo 2003, August 15-17, 2003, Orlando, FL.  Attendance 2,000+ and a 400 exhibit expo.  License renewal credits for DC’s, CA’s, CCPA’s, LMT’s and X-ray Techs.  Call 407-290-5883 for additional information,      email [email protected] or see www.fcachiro.org.

International Chiropractors Association
International Conference on Chiropractic and Pediatrics. November 7-9, 2003, Lake Tahoe, CA. Call 800-423-4690 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.chiropractic.org.

New York State Chiropractic Association
2003 Fall Convention. With Joseph Keating. September 19-21, 2003, Rye Brook, NY.  Call 518-785-6346 for additional information or see www.nysca.com.

Texas Chiropractic Association/TCCO
Designated Doctor Impairment Rating Training,, October 10-11, 2003, Austin, TX. 16 CEU.  Call 512-477-9292 for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.chirotexas.com.

Wisconsin Chiropractic Association
2003 Fall Convention, October 2-5, 2003, Wisconsin Dells, WI.  Call 608-256-7023 for additional information or see www.wisconsinchiropractic.com.

World Chiropractic Alliance
International Summit. April 29-May 1, 2004, Pennsylvania. Three days of exciting presentations and activities for subluxation-based doctors. CE Credit available. Call 1-800-347-1011 for additional information or see www.worldchiropracticalliance.org.

ACA Rehab Council
Annual Educational Program, with Dr. Dave Juehring, Dr. Jeffrey Tucker and Dr. Terry Shaw, March 6-7, 2004. Dallas, TX.  CEU for all states applied through University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic.  Call Dr. Donald Fedoryk at 908-722-9075 or email [email protected] for additional dates and locations or see www.ccptr.org.

Access Workshop
With Dr. Robert Wiegand.  The Access Workshop teaches practitioners how to rapidly develop exceptional levels of perception.  The Access Workshop has been providing enhanced awareness training for somatic practitioners since 1983.  The workshop presents a cutting edge, neuro-physiological approach for rapidly developing exceptional perception skills. Call 215-674-9108 or email [email protected] for  dates and locations or see www.accessworkshop.com.

Acu-POWER Emotional Technique
Dr. James V. Durlacher, DC, DIBAK.  Acu-POWER is an alternative technique, which eliminates fears, phobias, anxieties, addictions, etc.  A minimum of 50% of all people seeing doctors have a significant emotional component to their physical problem.  You will have a 95-97% effectiveness rate with your patients.  Call 480-827-2044 or email [email protected] for dates and locations, or see www.freedomfromfearforever.com.

Activator Methods International, Ltd.
Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique classes are approved for 12 CE hours for each seminar.  Call 1-800-598-0224 for dates and locations or see www.activator.com.

Active Release Techniques (ART)
With instructor Michael P. Leahy, DC.  Each month ART trains 100 doctors to be the best in the world at the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue disorders.  Don’t be left behind!  Call 888-396-2727 for dates and locations or see www.activerelease.com.

Advanced Muscle Palpation
Dr. Nicholas Spano is a regular speaker for the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association.  The seminars are approved for CE credits through Life University.  Call 570- 265-2225 for dates and locations or see http://home.flash.net/~unsublx8/.

Applied Kinesiology
For more information contact The International College of Applied Kinesiology-USA by calling 913-384-5336.

Bio-Geometric Integration Seminars
Dr. Sue Brown and BGI seminars will empower you with this integrative approach to the philosophy, science, & art of chiropractic, building bridges between osseous, tonal and postural approaches.  BGI I and BGI Osseous are approved for CE Credit in most states.  Call 630-690-6080 or email [email protected]  for dates and locations or see www.bgiseminars.com.

Chiropractic Leadership Alliance
“Journey into Healing,” with Deepak Chopra, MD; David Simon, MD; Patrick Gentempo, JR., DC.  On October 9-12, 2003, in The Chopra Center in Carlsbad, CA.  Together, we will explore such topics as: Mind Body Immunity, Nature´s Codes of Intelligence, Healing the Heart and Imbalance to Disease.  Applied for 22 hours of CE credit in all states.  Approval Pending.  Call 800-285-2001 or see www.subluxation.com.

Directional Non-Force Techniquetm
Taught by Christopher F. John, DC.  August 15-17, Toronto, Full Spine; September 20-21, Los Angeles, Low Back/Thoracic; October 17-19, Philadelphia, Full Spine.  Call 310-657-2338 for additional dates and locations or see www.nonforce.com.

DMX-Works, Inc.

DMX Innovator, Fall 2003, in Cayman Islands.  Call 800-839-6757, email [email protected] for dates and locations or see www.dmxworks.com.

Dr. Alan Creed Seminars
Boost Your Practice—Bridging Techniques, Styles and Technologies, October 25- 26, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Nov. 15-16, in Dallas, TX.  Eligible for 12 hours CE Credits from Texas Chiropractic College. Call 305-365-3818, email [email protected] for additional dates and locations or see www.dralancreed.com.

Dr. Mally’s Extremity Adjusting Techniques
International Conference on Carpal Tunnel.  September 13-14 in Dallas, TX; September 20-21 in Orlando, FL.  Each 12-hour course includes hands-on technique instruction in addition to examination, diagnosis, biomechanics, X-ray and
research abstracts of the related injuries and syndromes.  Call 800-779-HAND (4263) for additional dates and locations or email [email protected].

Foot Levelers, Inc. 
2003 Fall Mega Conferences has a panel of nationally distinguished presenters.  This series consists of 33 seminars throughout 24 states, from Boston to San Francisco, presenting practical information you can put to immediate use on topics such as injuries, rehab, clinical application, and adjusting techniques.  20 hours of CEU´s are available for each three-day event.  September 26-28, in Los Angeles, CA; Oct. 17-19, in Newark, NJ; Nov. 14-16, in Chicago, IL.  Call 800-553-4860 for additional dates and locations or see www.footlevelers.com.

The Gonstead Seminar
Call 800-842-6852 for information or see www.gonsteadseminar.com.

Graston Technique
Graston Technique Basic & Module II, September 6-7, in Newark, NJ; September 13-14, in Lombard, IL; September 20-21, in Las Vegas, NV.  Approved for CE credit.  Call 866-926-2828 for additional dates and locations or see www.grastontechnique.com.

Harrison Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) Seminars
CBP Annual Convention with Dr. Dan Murphy, Dr. Don Harrison, Dr. Deed Harrison and Dr. Chris Colloca, September 26-28, 2003, in Jackson Hole, WY.  Scientific methods in subluxation evaluation and correction.  14 hours of CE, spon-u sored by National University.  Call 1-800-346-5146 or see www.idealspine.com.

Holder Research Institute
Torque Release Technique with Dr. Jay M. Holder is CE approved.  Call 800-490-7714/305-535-8803, email [email protected]  for dates and locations or see www.torquerelease.com.

IMPAC Synergistic Seminars
Application of the ArthroStim adjusting instrument and VibraCussor soft tissue instrument with Dr. Alan Creed and Dr. Jeff Rockwell. January 15-18, 2004, in Las Vegas.  Call 800-569-8624 for seminar dates, topics and locations, email [email protected] or see www.ImpacInc.net.

ITM-Vivatek
Call 1-877-VIVATEK (848-2835) for dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.vivatek.com.

Jtech by Zevex
Become a Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator, October 18-19, in Dallas, TX, and December 6-7, in Miami, FL.  Expand your practice with this functional capacity evaluations training & certification seminar.  CE approved through SCUHS for 14 credits. Call 800-985-8324, Ext. 296; email [email protected] or see www.zevex.com/physicalevaluation/education.

Leader International/Leander Health Technologies
Bridging the Interdisciplinary Gulf and Making MD’s Your Advocate, with John J. Triano, DC, PhD. in Orlando, FL, FCA National Convention, August 15-17.  Dr. Triano will teach attendees how technique practice allows the average practitioners to position themselves as the “experts” to other providers.  CE approved 4 hrs in most states.  Call 800-635-8188 for additional dates and locations or see www.chiropractictables.com.

Mastering Chiropractic with Certainty
MC2, A Tonal Model for Upper Cervical Toggle Recoil, with Dr. Steve Hoffman, on October 25-26, in Tampa/Clearwater, FL.  Experience a practice without contradiction by combining the most important elements of Philosophy, Science and Art of Chiropractic.  Call 760.943.7040, email [email protected] for additional dates and locations or see: www.masteringchiropractic.com.

The Morter B.E.S.T. Technique
Basic. September 6, 2003, Harrisburg, PA. Call 800-874-1478 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see  www.morter.com.

NMT:  The Feinberg Technique
Neuro Modulation Technique Seminars, with Leslie S. Feinberg, DC, September 19-21, 2003, in San Diego, CA.  See your licensing board to see if NMT Seminars meet CE criteria.  Call 541-720-1383, email [email protected] for additional dates and locations or see www.nmtseminars.com.

Network Spinal Analysis (NSA)
Dr. Donald Epstein teaches NSA.  Call 303-678-8086 or email [email protected] for more information or see www.innateintelligence.com.

Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) Seminars
Seminar locations throughout the US.  CEU’s are cosponsored by University of Bridgeport Chiropractic College for several states.  Call 800-888-4638 to have a schedule mailed to you or visit www.netmindbody.com.

Neuromuscular Reeducationsm Seminars
The soft tissue injury solution taught by Peter J. Levy, DC, September 13-14, in New York, NY.  Approved for CEU credits in all states but Oklahoma.  Call 805-687-2111, email [email protected] for additional dates and locations or see www.neuromuscularreeducation.com.

Noromed, Inc.
Outcome Assessment of the VSC, with Dr. Mark van Hemert, and Surface EMG and Dynamic ROM Applications in Clinical Practice, with Dr. Jeffery Cram presenting on various dates & locations.  Approved for 12 CEU´s by the National University of Health Sciences.  Call 800-426-0316, email [email protected] for dates and locations or see www.noromed.com.

Pro-Solutions for Chiropractic
Advanced Chiropractic Symposium, with Dr. Maurice A. Pisciottano and a panel of nationally distinguished presenters, November 8-9, 2003, in Atlanta, GA.  Approved for CE credits through Logan College.  Call 877-942-4284, email [email protected] for additional dates and locations or see www.pro-adjuster.us.

Quantum Energy, LLC
Dr. Paul Yanick. December 15, 2003, Vail, CO.  Call/fax 845-340-8606 for additional dates and locations or see www.quantumenergy.com.

The Roth Institute (Division of Wellness Systems, Inc.)
Matrix Repatterning seminars, Toronto, September 19-21, 2003; Cozumel, February 18-20, 2004.  Approved for CE credit through Logan College of Chiropractic.  Call 877-905-ROTH (7684), email [email protected] for additional dates and locations or see www.MatrixRepatterning.com.

Sacro Occipital Technique Organization (SOTO)–USA
SOTO-USA Clinical Symposium, with John Upledger, DO, October 9-12, in Washington, DC.  CE Credit available through New York Chiropractic College.  Call 336-760-1618, email [email protected]    for additional dates and locations or see www.SOTO-USA.org.

Segmental Drop Adjusting
Featuring The Thompson Technique, with Dr. Wayne Henry Zemelka, sponsored by Footlevelers,  August 23-24, Baltimore, MD; September 27-28, Pittsburgh, PA; October 18-19, Albuquerque, NM; November 22-23, Charleston, SC; Dec 6-7, Dallas TX.  Call 1-800-553-4860 to register, email [email protected] for additional dates and information or see www.drzemelka.com.

Toftness Post-Graduate School of Chiropractic
Toftness System of Chiropractic.  Call 715-268-7500, email [email protected] for dates and locations or see www.toftness.org.

The Trigenics Institute of Myoneurological Medicine
Module 1–Upper & Lower Extremities & Basic Clinical Applications, September 5-7, New York, NY; Module 2—Head & Spine Intermediate Clinical Applications Sport Applications, September 26-28, 2003.  Application for CE approval is underway.  Call 888-514-9355, email [email protected]  for additional dates and locations or see www.trigenicsinstitute.com.

Total Body Modification Technique
Dr. Victor L. Frank, founder, and a panel of nationally distinguished presenters.  CE approved for re-licensing credit for most states through the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic.  Call 801-571-2411 for dates and locations or see www.tbmseminars.com.

The Vickery Method (TVM)
Brice E. Vickery leads this ongoing website educational opportunity. Call 803-644-0607 or email [email protected] for additional information or see www.doctorvickery.com.

Myo-Logic Diagnostics
Bulletproof Seminars, with Dr. Gregg Friedman, DC, CCSP, FIACA.  Learn how to quickly and easily examine & document using HCFA & AMA guidelines.  Show them the evidence, “bulletproof” your claims & get paid!  6 hours CE credit approved by Lincoln College of Postprofessional, Graduate & Continuing Education.  Call 800-768-7253, Ext. 2, for additional information or see www.bulletproofseminars.com.

ACA Council on Nutrition
With Dr. Low Dog, Dr. Chi, Dr. David Brady, Dr. Jeanne D’Brant, Dr. Overton, Dr. Robert Marshall and Dr. Duterme.  24 hours of CE credit through Northwestern Chiropractic College.  April 22-25, 2004, in Dallas, TX.  Call 540-635-8844 for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.councilonnutrition.com.

Anabolic Laboratories
Chiropractic Nutritional Program. September 6-7, at National University of Health Sciences, Nashville, TN; September 13-14, Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, PA.  Call 1-800-445-6849/4032 for additional dates and locations or see www.anaboliclabs.com.

Bio Active Nutritional, Inc.
Call 800-288-9525 for dates and locations or see www.bioactive-us.com.
Biotics Research Corporation Contact Reflex Analysis-Extravaganza, with Dr. Dick Versendall.  October 31-November 2, 2003, Houston, TX.  20 hours CME through TCC.  Call 800-231-5777 for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.bioticsresearch.com.

Daniel Chapter One
The Founder of BioMolecular Nutrition.  Call 1-800-504-5511 for dates and locations or see www.danielchapterone.com.

King Bio Educational Services
King Bio Educational Services provide seminars in the contemporary applications of homeopathy for the chiropractor.
Certification is available through the Natural Medicine Institute.  CE credits approved by Logan, Texas and Connecticut.  Call 800-543-3245 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see  www.kingbiochiro.com.

Loomis Institute of Enzyme Nutrition
Howard F. Loomis, DC, FIACA. Approved by the State of Wisconsin Educational Approval Board.  Seminar attendees are eligible to receive 12 CEU’s from National University of Health Sciences.  Call 800-662-2630 for additional information, email [email protected] or see http://www.loomisinstitute.com.

 

Nutri-Spec
Call 800-736-4320 for dates and locations or see www.nutri-spec.net.

Standard Process
Mastering Natural Healing at Sea, with Michael Robbins, DC.  22 CEU’s sponsored by Texas Chiropractic College (applied for in all states–D.C. only).  May 9-18, 2004.  To book your cruise and register for the seminar, contact Tedd Washington at Cruises Only, 800-463-9708 or see www.standardprocess.com.

Future Perfect, Inc.
Chiropractic Pediatric Conference, u with  Drs. Teri & Stu Warner, plus 10 speakers.  October 10-12 in Los Angeles, CA.
Call 877-295-5437 for additional information or see www.ChiroPediatrics.com.

International Chiropractors Association
International Conference on Chiropractic and Pediatrics. November 7-9, 2003, Lake Tahoe, CA. Call 800-423-4690 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.chiropractic.org.

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
ICPA Extravaganza, April 30-May 2, 2004.  All seminars approved for CE’s by Cleveland Colleges, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Parker College, Life University.  Call 800-670-5437 for additional dates and locations or see www.icpa4kids.com.

The Baby Adjusters
With Drs. Jennifer & Palmer Peet.  CE approved through Life East & Life West.  Call 1-800-824-3031 for additional information or email [email protected].

Bodyblade/Hymanson, Inc.
National Athletic Trainer’s Association Annual Conference, June 15-19, 2004.  Call 800-772-5233 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.bodyblade.com.

Fernandez Consulting
Learn how to get all the new P.I. patients you want, how to streamline P.I. office procedures, and how to win in court, with Dr. Peter Fernandez.  October 24-26, 2003, in Atlanta, GA.  Call 800-882-4476 for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.DrFernandez.com.

National Board of Forensic Chiropractic
Individual Instruction in Forensic, Disability & Impairment Rating, in Manning, SC, with Dr. Preston Fitzgerald Sr. 120 CE hours.  Call 803-435-5078 for dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.forensicexaminers.org.

Cleveland Chiropractic College
Cleveland Conferences with Mark Victor Hansen.  Submitted for 20 hours CE by Cleveland Chiropractic College.  October 9-11, Los Angeles Expo 2003.  Kansas City Campus:  Call 816-501-0125 for additional dates and locations; Los Angeles Campus:  Call 323-906-2108, email [email protected] or see www.cleveland.edu.

Life Chiropractic College West
Homecoming, October 16-18, 2003.  Big plans are in the making for Life West’s 20th anniversary.  You can reach the Continuing Education and Postgraduate Department by calling 510-780-4508 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.lifewest.org.

Life University
Homecoming, October 9-12, 2003.  Call  770-426-2753 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.life.edu.

Logan College of Chiropractic
Homecoming. Jun 10-13, 2004. Contact the Alumni Office for Details 800-782-3344, email [email protected] or see www.logan.edu.

New York Chiropractic College
NYCC Alumni Day Fall 2003, November 1, 2003, Depew, NY.  Call 1-800-434-3955 for dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.nycc.edu/continuing_education.asp.

Northwestern Health Sciences University
Homecoming and Winter Gathering, February 5-7, 2004.  CE credits applied for in all states.  Call 952-885-5446 for additional dates and locations or see www.nwhealth.edu.

Palmer Colleges and The Palmer Institute for Professional Advancement
The Fountainhead Experience, October 10-12, 2003, Santa Clara, CA;  February 20-22, 2004, Port Orange, FL;

Palmer Chiropractic Lyceum, August 12-14, 2004, Davenport, IA.  26 hours of continuing education credits.  Call 866-592-3861 for additional information or see www.palmerlyceum.com  The Palmer Institute offers around 100 seminars per year for continuing education.  Call 1-800-452-5032 for dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.palmerinstitute.net.

Parker College of Chiropractic
Homecoming & License Renewal, September 18-21, 2003, Dallas,TX (Parker College Campus).  Call 1-800-266-4723 for additional dates and locations or see www.postgrad.parkercc.edu.

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic
Lyceum, May 27-30, 2004.  Approved for CE credit by various state boards.  Call 800-849-8771 or 864-578-8771, Ext. 1229, for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.sherman.edu.      

Southern California University of Health Sciences—Postgraduate Division
Radiographic QC, with John Bassano, DC, DACBR.  September 20, 2003, SCU Campus.  Seminars and courses in Rehabilitation, Sports, QME, MUA, Masters Degree in Musculoskeletal Management, license renewal for chiropractic and acupuncture.  Call 562-902-3379 for ad- ditional information, email [email protected] or see www.scuhs.edu.

Texas Chiropractic College
Low Tech/No Tech Rehab, October 4-5, 2003, Pasadena, TX.  Call 800-533-9822 for dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.txchiro.edu.

Western States Chiropractic College
Chiropractic Orthopedics #4, August 16-17, 2003, Portland, OR.  Call 800 215-3716 for dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.wschiro.edu.

American Board of Independent Medical Examiners
ABIME Certification Review and AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 4th and 5th Edition Training Course, October 18-19, 2003, Chicago, IL.  ABIME Certification Exam, October 19, 2003, Chicago, IL.  Call 800-234-3490 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.abime.org.

Back to Basic Golf Academy
With Dr. Raymond Trottier and Dr. John Danchik.  CE approved by NYCC.  Call 603-279-6348 for additional dates and locations or see www.backtobasicsgolfacademy.com.

Breakthrough Coaching
Live Your Vision!  Develop your Vision and Strengthen your Purpose.  October 25, 2003, Newark, NJ. All seminars approved for CE through UBCC.  Call 800-723-8423 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.mybreakthrough.com.

Bruce Parker Consulting
Practice Freedom System #1, with Dr. Bruce Parker, August 15-16, 2003. Chicago, IL.  How to Immediately Increase New Patients/How To Convert Pain Patients to Wellness.  Call 866-612-6224 for ad- ditional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.BruceParkerConsulting.com.

Chiro Advance Services
With Heidi Farrell, Dr. Reggie Gold, Dr. Ken Savage and Dr. Lou Corleto.  October 10-11, Minneapolis, MN.  Dedicated to teaching and inspiring chiropractors and their teams to lead a subluxation-based practice.  This means not dictating by what insurance “will” cover, but rather by what the people need for ultimate health.  Learn what it takes to simplify your communication, market your practice and attract more “families” for lifelong chiropractic care.  Call 715-635-5211 for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.chiroadvanceservices.com.

Chiropractic Cornerstones
Judy Campanale, DC, Dick Plummer, DC, September 13, Miami, FL; September 19-21, Chicago, IL.  Developing and building tomorrow’s practices today.  CE credit approved by Sherman College and also with individual state board approval.  Call 800-537-2607 for additional dates and locations or email [email protected]; [email protected].

Chiropractic Equity Offices Seminars
CEO-Neurologic Based Chiropractic, with Dr. Richard Barwell, DC.  CEO is the first and only chiropractic support company with procedures designed to bring the power of the adjustment and its direct effect on the CNS into daily practice.  Learn how EEG studies have changed today’s practice.  Tired of the pain based practice?  Find out how to move patients out of pain consciousness.  Don’t miss these NEW concepts.  November 21-23, 2003, Orlando, FL.  Call 321-868-5690 for additional information or email [email protected].

Dallas Humble, Inc.
Power Practice University, October 2-4, 2003, Las Vegas, NV.  It’s approved for 12
general CE hours through Logan College.  Call 800-282-1947, Ext. 100, for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.dallashumble.com.

David Singer Enterprises
Seminars are held every weekend at various cities throughout the country.  Call Sally at 1-800-326-1797 for dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.davidsingerenterprises.com.

EON Systems, Inc., Home of The Practice Solution 2000
TPS 2000 Training Seminars, for clients to learn all the aspects of TPS 2000.  Call 800-955-6448 for information, email [email protected] or see www.eonsystems.net.

The Family Practice, Inc.
Call 866-532-3327 for dates and locations or see www.thefamilypractice.net.

Fernandez Consulting
Learn how to get all the new P.I. patients you want, how to streamline P.I. office procedures, and how to win in court, with Dr. Peter Fernandez.  October 24-26, 2003, in Atlanta, GA.  Call 800-882-4476 for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.DrFernandez.com.

Karl Parker Seminars
Annual Show, September 25-28, Las Vegas.  CE approved by Texas Chiropractic College.  Call 888-4DR-KARL (437-5275) for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.karlparkerseminars.com.

Kats Management
Dr. David Kats and Keith Maule.  Kats u  Management seminars cover a wide variety of topics aimed toward growing the chiropractic office.  Topics include procedures, insurance, CA training, marketing, new patients, current health care issues, and more.  September 6-7, Columbus, OH; September. 13-14, Chicago, IL.  Call 800-843-9162 for additional information and locations, email [email protected] or see www.katsmanagement.com.

The Masters Circle, Inc.
Super Conference 2003:  Chiropractic in Action, with Dr. Guy Reikeman, Dr. Patrick Gentempo, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Carol Ann Malizia, Bill Esteb, and a special presentation by Jack Canfield.  CE credits given through Life Chiropractic College West.  November 6-8, 2003, Las Vegas, NV.  Call 1-800-451-4514 for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.themasterscircle.com.

Patient Media, Inc.
The Patient’s Point of View, with William Esteb.  September 18, Seattle, WA.  Call 800-486-2337 for additional information, email [email protected] or see www.patientmedia.com.

Personal Chiropractic Consultants
Volume Practice Seminar, with Dr. Tom Morgan, September 20, 2003, Atlanta, GA.  Call 770-748-6084 for additional dates and locations.

Practice Perfect, Inc.
Practice Perfect Extravaganza Seminar, with Daniel Dahan, DC, President; Rafath Quraishi, MD; Robert Lupo, DC; John Turner, DC; and a complete staff training modules by Judy Monroe.  November 13-15, 2003, Las Vegas, NV.  Contact 888-67-DAHAN, email [email protected] or see www.dahan.com.

Ultimate Practice Systems
Guidelines to an Ultimate Practice, with Dr. Timothy Gay.  Session III, September 6, Costa Mesa, CA; September 13, San Diego, CA; November 18, Sacramento, CA.  Call 866-797-8366 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or visit www.ultimatepracticesystems.com.

The Upledger Institute, Inc.
Call 800-233-5880 for information or see www.upledger.com.

Ward Success Systems
Ultimatecoaching, with Dr. Charles Ward.  September 5-6, Woodcliff Lake, NJ; September 12-13, Seattle, WA; September 19-20, St. Paul, MN.  Call 925-855-1635 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.ultimatecoaching.com.

American  College of Addictionology & Compulsive Disorders
Certified Addictionologist Program Seminars, approved for CE by some boards.  Call 800-490-7714/305-535-8803 or email [email protected] for dates and locations or see www.acacd.com.

Chiropractic Philosophy Roundtable
Dr. Ron Festa and Dr. Chris Lee.  Join for a night of fellowship and stimulating discussion on spreading the word of chiropractic family wellness care.  Seating is limited.  November 15, 2003, New Kensington, PA.  Call 724-335-5210 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.festachiropractic.com.

Realeyes Communications, Inc.
Wellness Cruise of Southern Caribbean, with Dr. Coren Lundquist and Parker Team members.  Seminars approved by Parker Chiropractic College for CEU’s.  February 28-March 6, 2004.  Call 1-888 737 3937 (1-888-RELEYES) for additional dates and locations or see www.realeyes.com.

Electromedical Products International, Inc.  (Manufacturer of Alpha-Stim® microcurrent and cranial electrotherapy stimulators)
American Academy of Pain Management. September 3-7, 2003.  Call 1-800-FOR-PAIN (367-7246) for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.alpha-stim.com.

Koren Publications, Tedd Koren Patient Newsletter
Dr. Tedd Koren Seminars.  CE approved by Palmer and Life.  Call 800-537-3001 for additional dates and locations or see www.korenpublications.com.

Lakeside Chiropractic Seminars
Winter:  The 10-Minute Ortho/Neuro Exam, with Dr. Jeffrey Miller, DC, DABCO, FACO, December 6-7, 2003.  Approved for CE through Logan College of Chiropractic.  Call 704-892-4966 for additional dates and locations, email [email protected] or see www.DCseminars.com.

In recent years, Candida (“yeast”) has become a household word among many health conscious people, producing over one hundred common and elusive symptoms prominent in our society.  The broad range of symptoms can include fatigue, allergies, immune weaknesses, difficulty thinking, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, constipation, digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, cravings, mold sensitivity, skin disorders, headaches and mental and emotional disorders such as sensitive emotions and mood changes.  Results, however, using both drug and nutritional therapies, have been varied, with a high percentage pattern of recurring symptoms after treatment.

Many patients with Candida problems wander around with chronic, elusive health problems, most of which are either undiagnosed or resistant to treatment. The savvy chiropractor, equipped with a few homeopathic formulas, a probiotic, and a basic Candida diet (low yeast, low sugar and low carbohydrate), can significantly influence this epidemic that has been affecting and confounding our society.

Through our twenty-five years of treating yeast disorders, we have discovered homeopathy to be of tremendous value in their successful correction.  Although homeopathy is not a cure-all, it is commonly the key to the actual cure!

Homeopathy works deep within the nervous system to activate our body’s natural, innate ability to heal.  Other treatments, whether conventional or nutritional, often fall short of true correction because they do not correct the malfunctions within the energetic control systems of our body.  Without this deeper homeopathic correction, Candida or any other condition may commonly recur—or simply not respond.  Homeopathy equips the chiropractor with the ability to correct nerve interferences deep in places where the hands cannot.

The following generic homeopathic formula names could be possible solutions for fully correcting all the possible causes to chronic candidacies.  They are listed to help you think like a homeopath and find the potential solutions homeopathically.

A constitutional enhancement formula—For the overall activation of our natural healthy functions.

Female discomforts—Specific for vaginal yeast infections.

Fatigue reliever—For general fatigue, burnout, and low blood sugar.

Allergy/food & chemical relief—For associated sensitivities.

Athletes foot formula—For associated skin fungus.

Skin irritations & itch—For associated symptoms.

Hair & nail formula—For nail fungus.

Allergies & hay fever—For associated symptoms.

Constipation—For associated symptoms.

Mental alertness—For associated symptoms

Stress control formula—For stress that causes elevated cortisol that can weaken the immune system, making it vulnerable to excess yeast growth.

Anxiety & nervousness—For associated symptoms.

Gonorrhea (Sycotic) Miasm formula—For inherited weaknesses which create susceptibility. TAC

For over fifty years, energy fields of the body have been measured through various instruments such as Kirlian photography.  Scientists have observed that imbalances and blocks within the energetic control patterns of the body occur long before organic disease may manifest.

Homeopathy provides us over two hundred years of time tested science for correcting the deeper causes of disease.  In fact, even inherited weakness passed down genetically for over a thousand years can be corrected with homeopathy.  There are Miasm formulas in homeopathy to help correct the genetic weaknesses that make us susceptible to certain diseases.

Homeopathic formulas have been developed over the past twenty years to correct the common causes underlying our susceptibility to yeast or fungal overgrowths in both females and males.  These overgrowths can cause Candida Albicans infections anywhere there are mucus membranes present, such as the reproductive system, intestinal tract, mouth, and respiratory tract.  Candida can go systemic or into blood and cells of our body, causing a broad spectrum of elusive symptoms. 

Homeopathy is a highly individualized healing art.  This distinctiveness is fundamental to its ability to correct the primary causes or malfunctions within us that allow manifestation of diseases.  The key to homeopathy’s great successes is finding all the formulas that correct the underlying malfunctions within us.  Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars; that is, whatever formulas sound similar should be considered as possible solutions to each individual’s symptom patterns.

Reflex response tests like Applied Kinesiology, leg length tests or acupuncture point testing devices are essential to discovering and discerning the formulas an individual could need—as well as not need.  These procedures are paramount to correcting the chronic recurring health problems plaguing our society.

Frank J. King, Jr., is a nationally recognized researcher, author and lecturer on homeopathy.  In addition, Dr. King is the founder and director of King Bio Pharmaceuticals, a registered homeopathic manufacturing company dedicated to completing chiropractic destiny with the marriage of homeopathy.  Dr. King offers, complimentary to all Doctors of Chiropractic, his turnkey procedural system for the high volume practice called, The Chiropractic Enhancer system^TM (CES).  It is so easy to use that you can successfully apply homeopathy in your practice using any company’s products in one day. Call King Bio Pharma-ceuticals, Asheville, N.C. 1-800-543-3245 or e-mail: [email protected].

Background

The Florida Chiropractic Association (FCA) began in 1931, and was established by Florida’s chiropractic pioneers, who attained state licensure for the profession.

As Florida’s largest professional chiropractic association, representing over 4,000 active members, the FCA enjoys the support of 80% of the practicing Florida-resident DC’s and several hundred out-of-state doctors who either hold Florida licenses or attend FCA conventions for license renewal in their home states.

Volunteer leaders in the profession representing all of the geographic areas of Florida are responsible for the mission, policy and direction of the organization, while a dedicated full-time staff headquartered in Orlando carries out the day-to-day operations. They, in turn, are aided by a variety of consultants who offer their specialized talents in areas ranging from government relations to association marketing. Together, they work to help educate, inform and assist FCA members in delivering only the highest quality of care to the citizens of Florida.

The primary function of the Florida Chiropractic Association is the protection and welfare of its individual members, regardless of philosophy, as well as education of the public concerning the chiropractic profession.

“The FCA wants nothing less than total parity—even the lead role—for chiropractic within the health care community, and complete and easy access to chiropractic for Floridians,” says Debra Brown, CEO. “As the FCA has grown in strength and effectiveness, so chiropractic has been elevated in the state of Florida.”

What this translates to is the achievement of many historic firsts in chiropractic, through FCA legislative victories in areas such as Medicaid funding for chiropractic, chiropractic insurance equality and the granting of $750,000 in state dollars to establish a Research Center in Chiropractic and Biomechanics at Florida State University, to name a few.

What’s New?

And, recently, in some late-breaking news, it looks like they’ve done it again! According to a FLASH report prepared by Paul Lambert, FCA General Counsel, and Jack Hebert, FCA Director of Government Relations, “The FCA and its coalition friends were victorious in completely reversing [some of] the onerous provisions that the insurance industry had placed on [Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) legislation]. Although the bill is not perfect, it represents a compromise greatly in our favor as providers.

“The Florida Senate gave its preliminary approval to SB 1202, a series of new proposals targeting fraud in PIP automobile insurance. Originally this bill was a hated ‘wish list’ of denying and delaying tactics desired by the insurance industry, disguised as anti-fraud measures. Now, a series of amendments have significantly changed the character of the originally hated bill. The amendments, supported by a coalition including the FCA, the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, the Florida Medical Association and other provider groups, dramatically changed the character of the legislation.”

The report went on to say that only the day prior, the Florida House of Representatives passed an amended version of their PIP anti-fraud legislation. And that the House version is substantially different than the Senate version, in that it is far less broad in scope and is limited primarily to anti-fraud provisions. That bill was to have been before the House the following day for final passage, after which it could have moved to the Senate for its consideration. At that time, though, it was uncertain whether the Senate would consider the House proposal.

Anyway, you get the idea…. Those Florida folks really know how to coordinate their efforts on behalf of chiropractic! Congratulations, and keep up the good work!

For more information on current developments in this latest coup by the FCA, or on related activities, be sure to check out

www.FCAChiro.org. TAC

Scheduling the New Patient
When scheduling a new patient, it is very important that you are conscientious to do the following three things in order to insure the new patient will not have to wait and that their first visit will be a successful one.
1. Select an appropriate time, allowing the doctor enough time to consult with, examine and X-ray the new patient.
2. Make sure the appointment time you communicate to the new patient is fifteen minutes earlier than the time actually scheduled in your appointment book.
3. Make sure you have properly recorded the new patient appointment in the book.

Allow Enough Time for the Doctor
Iorder to provide the doctor with adequate time to see a new patient, typically you will need to block out forty-five minutes to an hour.  However, this may vary depending on the individual doctor and whether or not your clinic has an examination doctor or a certified X-ray technician on staff.
The best way to insure that you have forty-five minutes to one-hour blocks of time available to see potential new patients is to “cluster book.”  The cluster booking technique is briefly described below for the purpose of understanding how to schedule a new patient.

Cluster Booking
Cluster booking is the primary method of patient control and provides increased efficiency in time management. It allows the doctor to keep his mind in a treatment, examination, or paperwork mode for a segment of time. It is extremely exhausting, both mentally and physically, for the doctor to do paperwork, treat a patient, examine a patient, sit down, treat a patient, etc. 
The cluster booking technique involves establishing four treatment modes, or clusters, per day in which you schedule patients for adjustments and therapy.  Each treatment mode has a start time, from which you begin scheduling patients continuously towards the next cluster,  lunch or closing time.  There are two morning clusters and two afternoon clusters.
By scheduling treatment in clusters, there will naturally be holes or blocks of time between the treatment modes.  These holes are used to schedule new patients and other special services, such as re-exams, report of findings, etc.  This way the doctor is able to devote the necessary time to the new patient, without making other patients wait.
Note:  If the patient is acute and needs emergency relief, work them into your schedule, even if you do not have enough time available for a new patient.  You can do a brief examination and give the patient relief care, scheduling the complete chiropractic, orthopedic, and neurological exam for the following day.  Remember, new patients are the lifeblood of your practice; you must be available when they need you.

The Appointment Time Communicated to the Patient Should Be 15 Minutes Earlier than the Actual Appointment Time
By having the patient come fifteen minutes early, you allow time for them to fill out the necessary paperwork, without throwing the doctor off schedule.  If the new patient arrives at the actual scheduled time, the doctor has to wait while the patient fills out the necessary forms and, consequently, is fifteen minutes behind schedule when other patients begin to arrive.

Make Sure You Properly Record Appointment in the Book
When scheduling a new patient appointment in your book, make sure you write NP in the services column to the left of their name.  (Personally, I like to color code my appointment book).  You must also be conscientious to write their phone number under their name so that you can call to remind them of their appointment, or call them to reschedule if they miss the appointment
Be sure to block out the necessary time below their name, so someone else cannot be scheduled in that time and cut the new patient appointment time in half.
Finally, make sure that you highlight the new patient appointment in yellow, so that it stands out in your appointment book.  This will help you to remember to do the necessary preparation prior to the new patient appointment.

New Patient Flow
Now that the patient has scheduled his first appointment, proper procedures must be followed.  There are three important procedures that must be performed in order to deliver the best quality care to each patient.  These procedures are comprised of three steps.

1. Consultation and preliminary examination;
2. Orthopedic, neurological, chiropractic and physical examinations, and X-rays, if indicated;
3. Report-of-Findings and treatment.

The consultation and preliminary examination are used to determine if a new patient is a chiropractic candidate.  The complete orthopedic, neurological, chiropractic and physical examinations are administered to provide the doctor with the necessary findings for diagnosis, prognosis and a recommended plan of treatment.  X-rays usually play an important role in the diagnosis of spinal problems, and are generally necessary to rule out conditions that would require the patient to be referred to another specialist.  However, some new patients may be transferring care from another physician who might be able to provide you with recent X-rays.  Finally, the Report-of-Findings allows the doctor to explain the documented findings and treatment plan to the new patient.
Once again, these procedures can be performed over one or two visits, depending upon individual circumstances; however, all three steps must be covered thoroughly.  It is also to be noted, a patient may require emergency (relief) care on the first visit.  In the new world of compliance, we must document what we do.  It begins with the first visit of any new patient. TAC

Dr. Eric Kaplan is the CEO of MBA, Inc., one of the nation’s largest multi-specialty consulting companies.  Dr. Kaplan ran and operated five  of his own clinics, seeing over 1000 patient visits per week.  He is the best-selling author of Dr. Kaplan’s Lifestyles of the Fit and Famous, endorsed by Donald Trump, Norman Vincent Peale and Mark Victor Hansen.  He was a recent commencement speaker at New York Chiropractic College and regularly speaks throughout the country.  For more information about Dr. Kaplan or MBA, call 561-626-3004.

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the Father of Homeopathy, used the term “miasm” to describe the transgenerational causes to disease.  The word miasm means an obstacle  to cure, and Hahnemann asserted that unless this “obstacle to cure” is dealt with, the cure of disease will always be incomplete.  In modern terminology, miasm means diathesis or constitutional susceptibility or predisposition to a particular disease.  The deeper roots to disease can be traced back generationally to five primary diseases Hahnemann referred to as miasms.  The good news is that these predispositions to disease can all be corrected and cleared using homeopathy.
The five miasms are cancer, gonorrhea (sycotic), syphilis, tubercular (TB), and psora.  Miasms alter the ideal genetic blueprint for our health and can affect our entire being, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Miasms can be either acquired or inherited.  One can acquire a miasm, for example, by contracting gonorrhea, say, at age eighteen.  When treated with antibiotics, this form of suppressive therapy can cause gonorrhea to go dormant and become active or show up later in life in the form of allergies, sinus, herpes, virginities, warts, tumors, suspiciousness, jealousy, selfishness or uncontrolled sexual desires.  Hence, acquired miasms are attained during our lifetime.
The far majority of miasms, however, are inherited.  The chance of inheriting miasms from thousands of years deep into our family tree is much greater than what we might acquire in our own lifetime.  Inherited miasms can be active or dormant.  A miasm that is active actually causes a present symptomatic picture or expression.  And, the best time to consider using a miasm formula is when the symptoms are present.  A dormant miasm is one hidden deep within the body, not expressing any of its possible symptoms.  It is recommended not to attempt treating dormant miasms unless other testing procedures, such as electro-diagnostic or reflex response tests, indicate the need for a specific miasm formula.
Homeopaths have experienced how miasms exist in various layers within the body, and understand that, as we work at correcting disease and building health, it is like pealing away the layers of an onion.  Regular homeopathic formulas work to strengthen and restore health to the body according to the symptomatic expressions the body is communicating.  When these conditions have a tendency to recur or be non-responsive, a deeper acting remedy, like a miasm, may be needed to more completely correct the condition.  As we continue to peal away the disease layers impairing our normal healthy expressions, we frequently discover various miasms along the way.
Miasm correction is essential to both the restoration of our health and the eradication of disease from our planet.  I have now used homeopathy long enough to see genetic disease patterns in people corrected and observe the liberation of those diseases later on in their own offspring conceived after miasm correction.  I have seen this remarkable healing phenomenon in cases such as childhood obesity, allergies, breathing disorders, skin disorders, and certain behavioral disorders, phobias and in anxiety-or nervous-prone people.  What a wonderful reward, not only to see both children and adults healed of devastating genetic or life-long health problems, but also to see their children born and grow up free of those inherited health problems and weaknesses in their families!

How do you treat miasms?

Miasms are matrixed—or integrated—into our inner most being from thousands of years deep into our family tree.  Although they are not difficult to correct with homeopathy, they are not always wiped out in a single blow.
Homeopaths have shown how disease patterns are trapped in and throughout the layers of our lives.  These layers are like clear overlays, as seen in global maps demonstrating how global shifts and changes in boundaries of countries have taken place over time and warfare.
Treating miasms can cause extreme changes in one’s health.  Commonly these changes can cause a wonderful enlightening euphoric experience, as well as times when a more intense cleansing crisis may occur, creating a temporary discomfort from the eliminative process.  Some of the commonly experienced cleansing symptoms may include emotional releases, skin breakouts, itching, fever, fatigue, bowel movement changes, breathing changes, and various forms of pain.  These symptoms, although temporary and non-damaging to the body, can be severe at times.  Remember, the body is orchestrating the healing crisis and will not harm or cause any permanent damage to it, even though it may feel like it at times.  Although the healing crisis is not always comfortable or convenient, it is essential to our optimal healing and restoration!
It is best to monitor patients closely when using the miasm formulas.  It is helpful to explain that there is a 60% chance of experiencing some form of cleansing response when taking a miasm formula.  This way, when they do experience these symptoms, they will understand the good purposes of eradicating the miasms.  Eradicating miasms not only helps us to better correct our present disease(s); it can also help prevent diseases in the future, both in our future offspring and ourselves.  Explaining ahead of time makes a big difference in the attitude of your patients when they go through a cleansing crisis.  When your patients are going through these uncomfortable times, it is much better to be praised for your wisdom than to be cussed in distrust.
Starting out a new patient who has not had experience with natural healing or detoxification with miasm treatment is not recommended.  They may not be strong enough to handle the elimination of the miasms in the most graceful of ways, especially if the patient is in a weakened state of health.  I recommend addressing the primary symptoms with symptom specific formulas first, along with detox and drainage formulas.  These products will help strengthen and restore the natural healing and eliminative functions, so that they can better deal with the deeper issues of the miasms later.

Miasms are great to use when patients:

• Don’t respond to homeopathic treatment;
• Don’t respond to other natural treatment;
• Reach plateaus where they seem to level off in their health enhancement;
• Continue to have reoccurrences with the same problem.

Miasms have a tendency to show up periodically throughout the healing processes over years.  Even miasms that didn’t show up previously in testing may show up later on in the treatment program, as more of the layers of disease have been pealed away.  Either the same miasm treatment or different miasm treatments will commonly be needed periodically over our lives.  It’s likely that almost everyone has at least one miasm; many people have more than one; and basket cases can have many miasms. TAC

 

Frank J. King Jr., N.D., D.C., is a nationally recognized researcher, author and lecturer on homeopathy.  In addition, Dr. King is the founder and director of King Bio Pharmaceuticals, a registered homeopathic manufacturing company dedicated to completing chiropractic destiny with the marriage of homeopathy.  Dr. King offers, complimentary to all Doctors of Chiropractic, his turnkey procedural system for the high volume practice called, The Chiropractic Enhancer systemÔ (CES).  It is so easy to use that you can successfully apply homeopathy in your practice using any company’s products in one day. Call King Bio Pharma-ceuticals, Asheville, N.C. 1-800-543-3245 or e-mail: [email protected].

Mechanical traction has been judged as a reasonable and logical treatment method for spinal pain for centuries.  Since compressed discs are often a source of chronic back and leg pain, stretching the spine is an intuitive remedy.1,2  However, it has never gained widespread popularity in the chiropractic profession, nor have its results been consistent in clinical trials.3  Cumbersome equipment, time consuming and uncomfortable procedures and its historical connection to physical therapy have kept it out-of-favor with perhaps the one profession best suited to its unique capabilities.

Within the last decade, however, traction has been making a reemergence in our profession.  It has taken on a new name and a new efficient profile.  It is now called decompression.4

Decompression or decompressive traction refers to a decrease in intradiscal pressure (and the resultant circulatory improvement and phasic healing concomitant with it).5  Specific protocols and systematic procedures reduce misapplication and the haphazard nature of previous methods.  In effect, decompression is best thought of as a hybrid traction method.

Several decompression units have entered the chiropractic market in the last ten years, most with a plethora of bells and whistles and extremely high price tags.  In the era of managed health care, lower equipment costs and lower overhead are the key to profitability, yet many DC’s have opted to purchase these units on the promise of dramatic outcomes and huge reimbursements.
Excellent results and patient satisfaction have always been the fuel that has powered the successful practice.  The promise of extraordinary results and reimbursements of $150 per treatment can be very persuasive in our competitive marketplace. 

Many chiropractors looking for a niche have discovered that, very often, patients unresponsive to manipulation or flexion do respond to the proper application of axial decompressive traction (that these units work is not really at issue).  They have discovered, additionally, that offering “…non-surgical decompression for disc problems” is an excellent means to attract new patients.6  This is due to its safety and comfort vs. traditional methods, not to mention the reduced strain on the busy doctor’s body!

However, the extremely high costs have often created undo financial stress on many practices.  The per-treatment reimbursement must be very high to validate the cost of equipment that leases for $1500+ a month for sixty months, or a charge of $50 each time you turn it on!

Many insurance companies are now enacting post-payment audits of DC’s billing decompression.  Any billing code other than traction (97012) can result in repayment, fines and penalties.  There is actually no decompression code, and rarely is an insurance company willing to pay $150 per treatment simply because the doctor paid  $50-125,000 for the equipment.7  I’ve owned several of these expensive decompression units over the last eight years and have been subjected to two audits u u resulting in six-figure reimbursements.  Of course, having the ability to up-sell a cash patient (or doing several additional modalities to generate $150 per session) begs the question, why not simply utilize an equally effective device costing one-tenth the price and watch your profits rise exponentially?

Recently, such equipment has become available.  One system which I particularly favor includes not only the unit, but also supportive diagnostic, and low-tech therapeutic devices.  Moving from passive to active procedures is a vital step in outcome-based care.  The included low-tech rehab device allows monitored exercise in the vital segmental stabilizers (the so-called local muscle system).8  Additionally, there are two methods of cervical traction and carpal distraction quickly and efficiently accommodated, all at a price around $10,000.  It becomes apparent to the experienced user that it’s the necessary utilitarian features, not the price, that allows for effective treatment.

An honest and objective analysis of the phenomenon of decompression brings us to the realization that it is an outcome that can be consistently produced by the adherence to several utilitarian characteristics and protocols.  It is probably not an overstatement to say, they are absolutely necessary for the most consistent, effective therapy. We contrast decompressive traction (i.e., decompression) from traditional mobilization traction methods by these characteristics.9   See Table 1.
These characteristics work in synergy to enhance the efficacy of Y-axis traction.  The synergistic effect of these characteristics is patient comfort and relaxation.  They reduce conscious and sub-conscious anticipatory guarding.  It has been suggested that muscle guarding reduces the ability of traction to distract the vertebrae sufficiently to decrease the internal pressure of the disk for a pre-determined time so healing can occur.  Thus, a slow, graduated application of tension and exact, reproducible forces make up a substantial aspect of decompression.12  It should be obvious that roller type tables and automated axial elongation on a flexion table have no ability to deliver real decompression.  Continued use of a traction code for that type of treatment can also lead to post-payment insurance troubles.

I can tell you from personal experience, it is unnecessary to spend extraordinary amounts of money in order to offer this beneficial therapy in your clinic.  Decompression therapy is now available for the cost of a quality adjusting table.  Look around!

 

Dr. Jay Kennedy has been practicing Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) in Western Pennsylvania since graduating Palmer College in 1987.  In the last eight years, he has owned and operated several decompression systems treating over 2000 patients on them in his multi-disciplinary clinics.  He lectures extensively and has authored various articles on axial decompression.

American Chiropractic Association
Wal-Mart, ACA Meet to Discuss
Value of Chiropractic

The ACA and Wal-Mart forged a new working relationship after meeting in December 2002, to discuss the company’s decision to drop chiropractic services from its employee benefits in 2003.  Wal-Mart indicated a willingness to look at new data regarding the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care.
The ACA was represented at the meeting by ACA President Dr. Daryl Wills, ACA Chairman Dr. James Edwards, ACA Executive Committee Member Dr. George McClelland and ACA Vice President Patricia Jackson.  Wal-Mart representatives included the Senior Vice President for Benefits and Claims, and the Vice President for Benefits.  Dr. Ted Morter, III, a local DC whom Wal-Mart officials know and respect also attended.  
ACA presented Wal-Mart with research showing how chiropractic can reduce costs by deterring the need for drugs.  “We want Wal-Mart employees to have a choice in health care, and allowing employees to choose chiropractic will benefit not only their health, but also their productivity,” explained Dr. Wills.
The benefit that Wal-Mart is cutting in 2003 impacts approximately 85% of associates enrolled in the PPO plan.  The remaining 15% of associates with HMO coverage, and those with Workers Compensation claims, have chiropractic benefits intact.  Although only 15% of Wal-Mart employees choose to enroll in an HMO, over a third of Wal-Mart employees have access to an HMO.
“Losing chiropractic as a core benefit will be a deterrent for employee utilization,” said Dr. Edwards.  “ACA will work with Wal-Mart to ensure paid health care options for employees who choose non-surgical and drug-free care.”

International Chiropractors Association
New Coalition Organized to Defend Chiropractic Independence

According to a newly formed coalition, chiropractic is in danger of being taken over by a group of medically oriented chiropractors and organizations who are trying to change the very nature of the profession, and in the process minimizing the profession’s unique role in health care and possibly placing the public at risk.
The Chiropractic Coalition—founded in November 2002 by three major chiropractic organizations, the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA), the Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO)—cautions that several rogue groups are trying to position chiropractors as quasi-medical doctors, unnecessarily and irresponsibly blurring the boundary lines between the professions and confusing the public.
The Coalition specifically referred to the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) as two of the groups, which were overstepping their authority in an attempt to control the direction of the profession.
“These groups, which are by no means representative of the tens of thousands of doctors of chiropractic active in the United States, are trying to change educational requirements and state licensing statutes to allow, and even require, chiropractors to diagnose and treat diseases and medical conditions, at the expense of the focus on chiropractic’s unique procedures,” noted ICA President Dr. D.D. Humber. “Public interest in and demand for subluxation care is growing, and their needs and concerns must be chiropractic’s first priority.”
The real danger, warns the Coalition, is that chiropractors will be forced to provide services that aren’t within the scope of chiropractic. Expecting chiropractors to act as medical doctors will not only destroy the unique character of chiropractic, but most importantly will put the public at risk, the Coalition says.

World Chiropractic Alliance

Kristina M. Collins, D.C., a member of the WCA International Board of Governors, is one of six new members appointed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to its National Advisory Council on Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  The Council is the principal advisory group to NCCAM, a component of the National Institutes of Health.  Dr. Collins is a subluxation-based doctor who enjoys educating the public about the role of chiropractic in health and wellness, and about the benefits of chiropractic for children.
The WCA has issued a position paper on the duty of chiropractors to diagnose, inform patients of unusual findings, and make referrals to other health care practitioners.  The lack of a standard definition of chiropractic diagnosis has resulted in numerous malpractice lawsuits and confusion among the public.  “The health care landscape is dotted with malpractice land mines. The World Chiropractic Alliance’s position paper is intended to provide guidance in these matters, and support in court and before boards,” the WCA announced.  The paper is posted on the WCA website, www.worldchiropracticalliance.org.
A new WCA Chiropractic Advocacy Council, headed by Matthew McCoy, D.C., has been formed to help doctors locate resources to defend themselves in court or before a board, respond to media attacks, and combat discrimination by regulator agencies, HMO’s, insurance companies, state chiropractic organizations, and other groups.  The Council provides information, resources, and support on issues such as diagnosis, stroke, caring for asymptomatic patients, record keeping and chiropractic for children. For more information, visit www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/councils/advocacy.htm. TAC

I was recently interviewing a “chiropractor of the month” for our On Purpose tape series.  She is also a Total Solution graduate and runs a very successful practice in Georgia.  We got on the topic of what it had taken to build her practice, and she communicated to me that she had gone from zero to 250 patient visits per week in her first week.  After I picked my jaw back up, my reflex interrogation was, “What did you do?  How did you make that happen?”  I knew that these were the wrong questions as they were leaving my mouth.  My experience, after consulting with thousands of chiropractors, tells me that success is a consciousness and not a procedure.  Give me a room with one hundred chiropractors in it.  Let me teach them all the same procedure.  Have them all execute it the same way.  They will get one hundred different results. 

Don’t get me wrong, extraordinary procedures are vital to a successful practice.  Without them, a practice has no staying power and the practitioner burns out.  But, extraordinary procedures void of a consciousness of success and purpose will not build a dream practice.  Incidentally, when I asked the chiropractor above who saw 250 visits her first week how she had done it, she replied, “ I worked as an associate for years in a practice that saw over 1,000 patient visits per week.  When I started my own practice, I didn’t expect it to be any other way”.  It wasn’t her procedures as much as it was her consciousness, which created her expectations, which created her reality.  It is procedures that will continue to bring her consistent, rewarding, low stress results.  It is consciousness that creates the practice in which the procedures can be used.

Chiropractic is a consciousness before it is anything else.  It entails a critical philosophy that creates a mindset that directs thinking and actions and provides purpose—purpose being defined as the object for which something exists.  This consciousness, which provides purpose, is the very foundation on which a human life is built.  Mediocrity and failure come from an undefined, contradictory philosophy, which leads to a muddy consciousness (mudhead), which leads to a lack of purpose, which leads to a constant state of survival, no matter how good your procedures are.  Success, wealth, and reward come from a well defined, non-contradictory philosophy, which leads to clear consciousness, which leads to a powerful sense of purpose, which leads to a constant state of success and perpetual, never ending improvement. 

For the past several years, success consciousness has been a serious cultural trend.  Companies like Nightengale-Conant, Successories, and so on, are testaments to this.  Unfortunately, many self help gurus have their followers try to create a success consciousness through hype and psychological means.  This leads to short term benefit and, indeed, the person applying such techniques may end up in a less desirable self-circumstance due to the roller coaster effect.  When you try to improve yourself based on psychological hype, you typically end up with an “adrenalin high” which is short lived and drops you hard.  This creates a phenomenon I refer to as the “self help junkie”.  It is kind of like people who spend their whole lives going from diet to diet, always losing weight when they start the new diet, gaining it back, and then going to the new diet, hoping for a better result, and ending up having the same experience.  In chiropractic terms, these types become seminar junkies.  The signs and symptoms demonstrate that the afflicted go to seminar after seminar, get pumped after each, the practice goes up for a short while, and then drops, until the next program.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love seminars and lecture at over fifty a year.  An appropriate experience, though, would be a continual qualitative and quantitative change in your practice and personal experience as a result of attending these programs.  If you are not improving or, worse yet, if you’re burning out, you are working from the wrong model and wrong consciousness. 

If you are trying to deal with issues on a psychological, rather than philosophical, level, you are dealing with effect, rather than cause.  This creates the “junkie’s” dependency.  Psychological emotions are secondary to interpreted perceptions, which are the primaries.  In other words, it is your perceptions, filtered through your philosophical constructs, which result in your emotional responses.  Many people share a common experience, yet may end up with very different emotional responses.  A certain event may occur, and one person may be thrilled, another horrified, and a third indifferent.  The event is the same.  The perception of it, based on individual philosophies, may be different, thus, leading to different psychological experiences.  Therefore, if we start developing ourselves on the psychological level, without first addressing the philosophical level, we may end up in a rat’s maze.  I’ve consulted with a lot of chiropractors who find themselves there.  Each new technique that gets them to “change their emotional state” just sends them down another blind alley.

In summary, in order to develop a success consciousness, one must start by clearly identifying ones philosophical premises without contradiction, develop a long-range conceptual purpose (which only humans can do), and then experience the psychological and spiritual results.  The cleaner your philosophy, the greater your experience and rewards.  There is a great trend toward self-improvement and expanded consciousness.  Without philosophy, it’s all smoke!

A 1983 graduate of Life College, Patrick Gentempo, Jr., D.C., is co-founder and CEO of the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance, in Maywood, NJ, and co-creator of the Total Solution program.  An internationally renowned chiropractor, lecturer, and consultant, he has helped thousands of chiropractors achieve success and balance in their lives.  For information about CLA seminars, products, and services, call 800-285-2001, or visit www.subluxation.com.