Sign Up For Oklahaven's Have-A-Heart Fundraiser 2019

by: DrTirpak posted: November 09, 2018

Each year, Valentine’s Week, the non-profit “Oklahaven” Children’s Chiropractic Center asks chiropractors and chiropractic students to join forces to help severely injured children by participating in the Oklahaven’s Have-A-Heart Campaign. Hundreds of chiropractors and students in the US and around the world have raised the much-needed funds for “Oklahaven” Children’s Chiropractic Center as part of their annual Have-A-Heart Campaign.

The Have-A-Heart Campaign, not only benefits “Oklahaven,” it brings awareness to chiropractic patients and the general public about the benefits of chiropractic for the children. Signing up to participate is free; it includes a fundraising kit and instructions on how to implement. Joining the campaign is simple and easy. Many chiropractic practices show the Children’s Journeys to Health video (included in the fundraising kit) in their lobby and offer fundraising hearts to purchase. Others have used the promotional materials provided to host educational events, raffles and open houses to showcase the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care.

“Oklahaven” Children’s Chiropractic Center has quietly served the children for 57 years. Pediatric patients with neurologically disorganization, nursing difficulties, developmental delays, autistic spectrum, cerebral palsy, failure to thrive and many other conditions have been successfully treated at the Center with chiropractic.

When asked why he participated in “Oklahaven’s” Have-A-Heart Campaign five-time Golden Heart Winner, Dr. Howard Berg, said, “It allows the community to see that you do contribute to something greater and that chiropractic makes a difference in children’s lives. That’s huge.”

Chiropractors that have participated in the program have stated that the Have-A-Heart Campaign creates a positive perception of chiropractic in their community and most importantly the satisfaction of helping the tiniest of patients that are most in need. Stepping up to the challenge requires interested chiropractors to fill out an online form and free fundraising packets are mailed in January. Every year “Oklahaven” strives to promote the Have-A-Heart Campaign to a larger audience through word of mouth, Chiropractic publications, organizations, digital and social media with the ultimate goal of helping more children with chiropractic.

Sign Up Here

Have A Heart Campaign Starts Soon For Oklahaven

by: DrTirpak posted: January 12, 2018

CE Cruncher is excited to announce our participation in the 2018 Oklahaven Children's Chiropractic Center's Have A Heart Campaign. During Valentine’s Week, February 7-14, 2018 chiropractic colleges, hundreds of chiropractic clinics, and many other advocacy groups around the world are planning fundraisers for the non-profit Oklahaven Children’s Chiropractic Center by conducting a national “Have-A-Heart” Campaign.

Participating Chiropractic practices can sign up at Oklahaven's website to receive a free packet of flyers, donation hearts, press release and an explanatory video. During the week of Feb 7-14, 2018 Chiropractic clinics are encouraged to create fun and informative events for the event raising awareness about Oklahaven and the benefits of Chiropractic for children. A great way to promote healthy children, your practice and Chiropractic. 

Oklahaven Children's Chiropractic Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was founded in 1962. The Center specializes in the very sick and neurologically-damaged children who suffer from a multitude of neurological problems including: birth trauma, nursing difficulties, colic, intestinal problems, allergies, asthma, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, developmental delays, ADHD through the Autism spectrum, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and a general failure to thrive, just to name a few. Children coming to Oklahaven from around the world experience dramatic results and an improved quality of life.

The children Oklahaven serves range from newborn infants to teens. Most who come to the Center have run the gamut of traditional medicine. Their parents have lost hope and they have often been told their children will not recover. Yet Oklahaven has helped thousands regain their health and live productive lives through the practice of Chiropractic and by teaching their families how to support their children through natural health.

The “Have-A-Heart” week brings awareness of the power of Chiropractic for children while helping very sick and neurologically hurt children receive the care that they need.

“Our dream of healthy children is alive and attainable as more parents embrace the Chiropractic way of life”, said Dr. Bobby Doscher Chiropractic Director of Oklahaven . “It is more important now than ever to ensure true health and well being for our children - both this generation and generations to come.”

Those who have benefitted from chiropractic are encouraged to make a contribution at participating chiropractic clinics. The Annual “Have-A-Heart” Campaign enables Oklahaven to continue its 56-year history of hope and healing to the children, without state, federal or United Way funding, only relying on the generosity of people and organizations that believe in a natural way of life.

CE Cruncher is donating advertising opportunities, social media marketing and email campaigns to help generate greater awareness of this amazing campaign benefiting Oklahaven Children's Chiropractic Center and bringing greater awareness of chiropractic treatment for all children. 

Sign up your Chiropractic practice to participate in Have A Heart
Donate online or send a tax-deductible gift to:
Oklahaven Children’s Chiropractic Center
4500 N. Meridian
Oklahoma City, OK  73112

Ready for the 23rd Annual Sports and Fitness Symposium with Arnold?

by: DrTirpak posted: February 16, 2015

Amazingly the ICA Council on Fitness and Sports Health Science has packed one symposium with Chiropractic Continuing Education, celebrity athletes, fitness experts, renowned Chiropractic speakers, post event marketing packet, photo opportunities and a keynote speech from Arnold Schwarzenegger. The health, fitness and chiropractic extravaganza starts March 5^th and continues through the 7^th at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel in in Columbus Ohio.

The ICA Symposium on Natural Fitness and Sports offers insights on fitness and sports case-management, practical applications of training strategies, injury prevention, empowering women in sports and natural performance enhancement. Scheduled speakers include: Drs. Terry Yochum, John Downes, Pete Gratale, Jack Barnathan, Ruth Cohen, Jay Lipoff, and Chris Zaino, Life University Championship Coach Dan Payne.

Chiropractic imaging expert Terry Yochum, DC, DACBR will offer a presentation on Imaging Priorities and Clinical Implications for Lower Back and Lower Extremities. His seminar course will offer imaging and case management insights, highlighting interactive clinical concerns with sports activities and stresses on the lower back and lower extremities.

One of the goals of the ICA SNFS includes special patient-population strategies with sports and injury management. To achieve this objective Ruth Cohen DC, CFT, CKTP, FMS and Daniella Abruzzo, MA, CFT, MFD are scheduled to present: Empowering Female Patients/Fitness Clients: Integrating Key Components with Athletic Training and Competition. This course encompasses injuries issues for women and deconditioned patients, supportive and rehabilitative resources, along with clinical case reviews involving care coordination with other health care providers.

Sports minded Chiropractors can participate in integrated events including courses featuring health and fitness icons: Espn’s host and fitness expert Kiana Tom, champion bodybuilder Rick Valente, Master Chef Don Doward, and master of fitness design Daniella Abruzzo. The weekend also incorporates exhibitors each morning during the free continental breakfast, lunch and sponsored refreshment breaks.

Beyond the Chiropractic lectures the ICA SNFS offers unprecedented opportunities for sporting events and social events with celebrity athletes and fitness professionals. This Chiropractic symposium is held in tandem with the Arnold Sports Festival Weekend. Registation to the ICA SNFS includes entry to the Arnold Champions & Legends Sunday Morning Showcase, Arnold Sports Festival Weekend Expo and much more.

Deluxe and Premium packages provide exclusive events, premium seating, increased celebrity encounters and enhanced marketing pieces. Special pricing for ICA, Council on Fitness and Sports Health Science members, Chiropractic students, fitness trainers and family member are available. Chiropractic Continuing Education sponsored by Life West. The ICA Council on Fitness and Sports Health Science has an unforgettable weekend of action packed Chiropractic and Sports planned. Are you ready?

Follow #ICASport2015 and CE Cruncher for updates, pictures and the latest details about the ICA Sport Symposium.

Chiropractic Franchise The Joint Corp's Initial Public Offering Raised $20 Million

by: DrTirpak posted: December 09, 2014

The Joint (NASDAQ: JYNT), cash-based chiropractic franchises with 225 offices, raised $20 million during the IPO by offering 3 million shares on Nov 11, 2014. The initial price to the public was $6.50 per share with trading opening at $6.62. Also the underwriters of the Joint's IPO exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 450,000 shares on top of the IPO's 3,000,000. This resulted in aggregate net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses, of approximately $20,000,000. 

JYNT is up today, trading at $6.45. Since entering the market the price rallied initially to $7.20 and dropped as low as $6.00 almost 2 weeks later. Excitement showed in the early trade volume averaging 50,000 trades a day, although since Nov 26^th the share volume has not exceeded 10,000.

The Joint Corp discussed their future plans after their IPO in the initial filings. The infusion of cash is marked for purchasing back regional developing rights and existing franchises from partner chiropractors and non-doctor owners. Next they plan to expand their own network of clinics and developing additional franchises in target markets. The Joint believes they can run more efficient and profitable clinics by concentrated marketing and reduced operating costs with corporate offices.

What are your opinions of this new model in Chiropractic? What will be the short and long term impact of this business model?  Chiropractors give us your opinion in the Comments below.

Related Stories: A Chiropractic Company is Going Public, The Joint has applied for an IPO

 

 

 

 

Put Down Your Pencils the NBCE starts Computer Based Testing Soon

by: DrTirpak posted: June 07, 2014

How many Chiropractors and Chiropractic Students remember filling in with a pencil hundreds of bubbles on their Nation Board of Chiropractic Exams? How many DCs still have a dent in the lateral aspect of their 3^rd digit from all of those tiny scribbles they tried to precisely fill within the lines? These days may soon be over, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) is stepping into the 21^st century and initiating computer-based Chiropractic Board exams.

The first attempt of the new proposed system will take place at Life University on September 2014 for Part  I first-time takers that attend the university. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) chose Life University since they agreed to serve as the beta-test site for the project and designed a portion of their academic assessment center as a computer-based testing lab.

The first test will be a bit of an experiment. Students taking part I will be assigned to 1 of 4 groups, 3 taking the computer based exam and 1 group with a number 2. The experiment will last 3 weeks, so the earliest randomly assigned test takers miss out on a little extra cramming.

Worst-case scenarios plans are in place, the NBCE tried to think of everything. Incase of a power failure, they have back ups, it that fails then the test can be taken on paper with the aid of a pencil. If the entire system fails chiropractic students can finish the exam with their papered cohorts.

Questions arose about checking for missing answers and skipping questions. The NBCE thought this through. Every student can mark any question they want to come back to and at the end of the exam there will be a list of the questions. Plus if you accidently skip a question a list of skipped questions will be available at the end to answer.

The NCBE revealed on their website that waiting to take the board exams on scheduled dates may be a thing of the past soon. “One of the long term goals of the conversion to computer-based testing is to be able to offer the student on-demand testing opportunities with the NBCE. This situation does NOT exist at this moment, but the outcome of the current efforts will pave the way for this to happen.” NBCE

CE Cruncher would like to wish all chiropractic students good luck on their board exams and are excited about the upcoming computerized changes to the exam.

Pregnant During Chiropractic College?

Complaint Filed Against Logan College of Chiropractic / University Programs

by: DrTirpak posted: October 11, 2013

Many Chiropractic students are faced with the challenges of the rigorous educational demands of Chiropractic College and those of a new or addition to their family. My rough estimate based on interviews with chiropractors in 5 to 10% of Chiropractic students will have children while attending Chiropractic College. This spring, Brandi Kostal was one of those students. She also had pregnancy complications and was in need of an emergency caesarian in the midst of her second year as a Doctorate of Chiropractic and a Master’s of Nutrition student at Logan College of Chiropractic / University Programs.

The Administration and all of Brandi’s professors were aware that she would deliver during the 10^th to 12^th week of the 14 week spring semester and she made arrangements to complete her courses. No one could have foreseen the complications that required her to have an emergency caesarian.  So, hours before the emergency surgery, in her hospital bed, Brandi emailed the Dean of Student Services at Logan, Dr. James Paine, about her upcoming absences. She contacted all of her professors on how she would make up missed assignments to maintain her graduation date of spring 2014 for both degrees.

Logan College of Chiropractic / University Programs informed her that that she would have to withdraw from her Master’s classes, be penalized for missing classes or return to classes immediately.

Brandi returned to class 11 days after her delivery (against her doctor’s recommendations), stopped taking her pain medication in order to drive, and had to stop breastfeeding her daughter. Brandi completed most of her classes, and requested an incomplete in her online Nutrition courses. An incomplete would allow the Chiropractic student to finish to complete the courses requirements in a short period of time after she recovered. She was under the impression that the professor was amenable to the incomplete.

It came as a surprise when her grades for the trimester arrived and she received F's in the Nutrition course. The Director of the Masters in Human Nutrition (in an e-mail) stated that it would not be in her best interest to receive an “incomplete” for two online Nutrition classes. Prior to her caesarian she had grades of an A and B. When she questioned Logan’s administration, Dr. Paine responded by email with the attendance policy from the Logan College of Chiropractic / University Programs student handbook: “Excessive absences, more than 15% of scheduled classes, constitute the basis for assigning the grade of Attendance Failure (AF) for a course. With proper documentation, a student may be excused from an absence for the following reasons: Military service, Jury duty, National Licensure Examinations (examination dates only), Off-site Sanctioned Events.”

Failing grades in the 2 courses requires Brandi Kostal to pay for and take the classes over, postpone her graduation for another semester, and delay enrollment in a PhD program.

The real problem is that Logan’s policy violates federal Civil Rights laws. Understanding that women will have children while expanding their education, the US Federal Government in 1972 passed Title XI: the Equal Opportunity in Education Act, which prohibits discrimination of women on the basis of sex, including pregnancy. Title XI is most widely known for creating athletic opportunities, but also specifies that pregnant students have to be allowed to return to their classes, allowed to make up missed work after childbirth and not penalized for those absences.

Brandi contacted Lawyer B Lane Hasler and he sent a letter to the University. Logan responded with han offer to allow Brandi to withdraw from the 2 courses and take them from the beginning and requiring her to pay tuition and fees again, even though she had requested a chance to make up the work. Without a satisfactory response from Logan University, Brandi, with the help of the National Women’s Law Center and Mr. Hasler filed a complaint with the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

The complaint requests, not just a resolution of Brandi's situation, but a solution for all other Logan students.

The filing to the Department of Education office of Civil Rights asks that Logan College of Chiropractic / University Programs also abide by Title XI provisions: that schools must appoint an employee trained in Title XI to handle complaints and grievances, adopt and publish grievance procedures for students to file complaints, and publish a notice that the institution does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs.

The Department of Education office of Civil Rights started an investigation on this case. Logan College and their General Counsel, Laura McLaughlin, are not responding to requests for comments and the University has obtained outside Counsel for representation in this matter.

Brandi’s lawyers have attempted to negotiate with the University on behalf of Brandi to simply adhere to Title XI guidelines. A prompt resolution is needed since her graduation is two semesters away. According to Brandi lawyer, B Lane Hasler “Brandi Kostal and Logan University have not reached a settlement. The investigation by the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights is proceeding.”

The ramifications of this complaint extend way beyond Brandi Kostal and other pregnant Chiropractic students at Logan. Even though Logan College of Chiropractic and University Programs is a private institution (since they accept federal financial assistance) they are bound by Title XI regulations. The Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, after their investigation, can impose sanctions and demands of the University and even impede Federal Student Loan funds.

For more details read the Administrative Complaint.

if you similar problems with Logan during your pregnancy or had any other family-related issues with Logan, or you know someone who did, please tell CE Cruncher in the Comments box below of by private email to Amy@BrainChildBranding.com.

 

 

Did You Love "Doctored"?

Help fund Jeff Hays’ Next Movie Bought, about Big Pharma, Vaccines and GMOs

by: DrTirpak posted: June 30, 2013

Doctored made a huge impact on the Chiropractic profession last year. Numerous Chiropractic Colleges, Chiropractic State Associations and individual Chiropractors offered screenings of the movie to help promote the message of undue influence of the pharmaceutical industry, the AMA and the corruption in the medical model. It is difficult to find a Chiropractor that was not directly impacted by this movie.

Now the producer of Doctored, Jeff Hayes, has a new movie titled Bought. This amazing documentary offers a look in to the corruption of society by GMO producers, pharmaceutical companies and the vaccine industry. These multinational corporations are negatively impacting the health and well-being of the world with high priced ad campaigns and paying for governmental influence.

Bought exposes the problems in the vaccine court, the untold stories of the victims of vaccines, along with interviews from Chiropractor Patrick Gentempo & medical researcher and surgeon Andrew Wakefield. The billions of dollars drug companies and medical device manufactures pay for advertising, financial incentives to physicians and the resulting interests hidden from the public are addressed. This movie covers the Monsanto Protection Act that rallied many Chiropractors and concerned citizens to stand up to the government’s blatant disregard to the impact of GMOs on public health and safety.

Bought is almost completed and you can help. Jeff Hays films created an opportunity for Chiropractors to support the movie in exchange for early release DVDs, signed books, tickets to the world premier and even the opportunity to create your own viewing event to market your Chiropractic practice.  Contribute to Bought

Bought teamed up with Indiegogo, a well respected crowdfunding platform. Not familiar with crowdfunding? Let us explain. Crowdfunding is an old concept redeveloped for the digital age. It offers an opportunity for many people to invest online for varying amounts to help fund a project. Bought the Movies's campaign strives to help cover the production and distribution costs of the movie in exchange for early release copies of the movie and screening events. The opportunity ends Wednesday July 10^th at midnight, so sign up to pledge right now and tell your friends.

Chiropractors for generations have strived to convey the message of health living and wellness, but also educating the public about vaccines, pharmaceuticals and more recently GMOs. Bought offers an opportunity for this message to reach millions in a well researched, concise documentary.

Watch the Trailer of Bought.

Story about Doctored on CE Cruncher

ACA President Speaks at Life University Amidst Protesters

by: DrTirpak posted: November 27, 2012

Thursday November 15^th marked an interesting day on the campus of Life University and it just may be an historical day for the Chiropractic profession.  The guest speaker for the student assembly was Dr. Keith Overland President of the ACA.

Why is this possibly historic? For Chiropractors educated at institutions outside of Life or a principled chiropractic college having the speaker of the American Chiropractic Association is unheard of. Dr. Overland has spoken at many Chiropractic Colleges. In October he made a presentation at National University of Health Sciences, but never Life. According to the ACA Dr. Keith Overland was the first American Chiropractic Association President to publicly speak at Life University.

Ask a Chiropractor that graduated from Life about going to assemblies and they will recollect a memorable story. The entire campus comes together throughout each semester for these assemblies. As part of the Doctorate of Chiropractic educational curriculum these attendance required gatherings date back to the beginning of Life and the founder Dr. Sid Williams. Legendary Principled Chiropractors Reggie Gold and Fred Barge have previously graced the Life assembly stage motivating and inspiring the future of chiropractic, but never arousing this much attention.

Campus was a buzz for a week before the assembly according to students at Life. The University even sent an email to students from President Dr. Guy Riekeman personally reminding them to be "respectful and open to discussion".  Philosophy Club and student ICA members started a public discussion on Facebook, calling for a protest before the assembly.

According to campus reports around 40 students held signs and were adorned with t-shirts pronouncing their ’straight values’. Signs included: Remove subluxation from people not Chiropractic, Drugs and Surgery are not the Future, Keep Chiropractic in our Hands. Walking past the crowd before entering the assembly the ACA President conversed with the protesters professing his commitment to the Chiropractic profession.

Dr. Overland’s lecture covered numerous topics from healthcare reform to the personal discrimination he has faced as a Doctor of Chiropractic. He also mentioned the recent Chiro Summit meeting, discriminatory language of the Family and Medical Leave Act, chiropractic in the VA hospitals and the future of the Chiropractic profession. The American Chiropractic Association President concluded his speech with a quote by hockey great Wayne Gretzky "Skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been."

Following the lecture a five students were chosen by the administration to ask a few questions of Dr. Overland. Most of the questions asked pertained to the ACA’s stance on chiropractors acquiring prescribing rights and American Chiropractic Associatin’s support of the changes with the CCE (Council for Chiropractic Education). He stated that the ACA fully supports the CCE considering there role as the federally approved agency that accredits chiropractic education, even though they might disagree on certain issues.  He also maintains the ACA  has a drug-free position.

Rumbling on campus after the assembly rang even loader, louder than Sid’s key hitting the floor. (Inside joke to Life Grads). Life University the following day posted on Facebook:

ChiropracTIC looks like a cap locks problem to some, but for many DCs it symbolizes a philosophy and mentality very different from the principles of the American Chiropractic Association. Life University founded in the 1970 by Chiropractor Sid Williams boasts a vitalistic mission rooted in the original teachings of DD & BJ Palmer.

One assembly at one Chiropractic University has caused a stir within the profession and a rare glimpse of divergent viewpoints coming together to expand the education of future Chiropractors. In the lecture Dr. Keith Overland, DC poignantly said "Our profession is too small to remain divided, and that in fact there is high agreement on about 95 percent of issues confronting us.”

CE Cruncher strives to remain neutral in the politics of Chiropractic, serving the profession as a resource for Chiropractic Continuing Education, news and information. We strive to communicate both sides of issues impacting all Chiropractors from an unbiased viewpoint. Let us know what you think in the comments, but please remain respectful.

Special thanks to future Chiropractors Gabriel Busquets and Mike Moratto for their help with this story.

CMCC has Teamed Up with UOIT for Healthcare Research

by: DrTirpak posted: November 24, 2012

Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College has teamed up with University of Ontario Institute of Technology to create the Centre for the Study of Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation. The research-focused initiative will focus on evidence-informed approaches to health-care delivery in Canada.

The Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Honourable Deb Matthews, cut the ribbon for the inauguration for the new joint venture. She stated, “The new Centre will help Ontarians better manage their chronic conditions and disabilities.”

The UOIT-CMCC Centre for the Study of Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation will be under the direction of Pierre Côté, DC, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UOIT, who also holds appointments at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto and at CMCC. The Centre is supported by a $2.8 million grant awarded to Dr. Côté from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario to develop a Minor Injury Treatment Protocol.

 “I am delighted to be part of the UOIT and CMCC partnership,” said Dr. Côté. “I look forward to working with researchers from both institutions and collaborating with them on these innovative research projects that will benefit the lives of individuals affected by chronic conditions and disabilities.”

Canadian Memorial President Dr. Jean Moss said ”CMCC is delighted by this second collaborative project with UOIT, which stands to create lasting benefits by informing health policy and demonstrating the dynamism and potential created through inter-institutional collaboration.”

UOIT and CMCC signed an articulation agreement in February 2012 that enables qualified students to complete a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) in Kinesiology degree and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in seven years, instead of eight.

Watch "Doctored" at Mercola.com for Free- Limited Time Only

by: DrTirpak posted: November 16, 2012

Mercola.com and the Producers of Doctored are offering a free viewing of this documentary for a limited time. Doctored is also available for sale on the site.

Since being released in September of this year the movie has been screened in a varitey of places; Chiropractic Offices, Washington State Chiropractic Association, Logan University, Southern California University of Health Sciences, film festivals and a few theaters.

This documentary film produced by Jeff Hays' tracks the history of the quackery battle between the AMA and Chiropractic. Vintage footage from the Wilks Trial is edited into commentary from notable Chiropractors. The movie also details chiropractic patients telling their stories of battles with the medical establishment and their improvements in health through Chiropractic.

Originally titled Medical Inc. the movie reveals the power and control of the pharmaceutical industry and the AMA on public perception. It offers a pivotal view of the medical paradigm of disease and the chiropractic interpretation of health.

Producer Jeff Hays and Director Bobby Sheehan recently received certificates of appreciation from National University of Health Sciences for their extraordinary documentary. “Every health care practitioner should see this film,”  Statement from NUHS.

The Movie features:  Dr. Louis Sportelli, Author Dr.  J.C. Smith DC, Dr. Michael Flynn, Dr. Rod Sheely Attorney David Chapman Smith, Dr.  Patrick Gentempo, Olympic  Skier Picabo Street,  Utah jazz  Chiropractor Dr. Buhlr, Scott Halderman DC, PhD, MD, Dr. Gilles LaMarchel, Dr. Keth Overland President of the ACA, Ted Carrick DC, PhD The Carrick Institute, Daniel Amen MD,

The Canadian premiere of Doctored, presented by Dr. John Zielonka, is at the Empire Theatres in the World Exchange Plaza in Ottawa Canada  on Thursday Novwember 29^th 2012 at 7:00pm.

A Tale of 2 Chiropractors Faced with a Moral Decision About PIP Fraud

by: DrTirpak posted: November 08, 2012

This is a tale of 2 chiropractors practicing in Florida and the consequences of their actions. Both Chiropractors were approached with similar scenarios: A non-doctor asked them to register a chiropractic clinic in their name with the intention of  circumventing Florida law to treat personal injury patients. A clinic can obtain a certification of exemption if it is owned by a physician, some facilities have had an illegal “straw” physician registered as the owner to circumvent the rigorous certification process.

Chiropractor Dr. Lisa Adams agreed to put her name on corporate documents of Ovy Rehabilitation Medical Center Inc in West Palm Beach Florida and Chiropractic Office of South Florida LLC in Palm Springs Florida. Dr. Adams’s ownership was in name only. She received a paycheck from the corporations, but had no control of the finances or business dealings.

According to court documents Dr. Adams a 1998 Life University graduate, stated she was not aware of the staged accidents that were the source of her patients initially.  The scheme perpetuated by the true owners involved paying individuals to stage accidents, then report to the clinics with a list of symptoms that they were coached to provide. Various accusation were made in court documents including: having patients sign bills for numerous dates of service when treatment was not rendered, upcoding exams and billing for more services than provided.

A joint task force from the State of Florida, the FBI and the IRS arrested 10 other individuals including the clinic owners from Palm Beach County along with Dr. Adams in June. This week in Federal Court Chiropractic Physician Jennifer Adams pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

Dr. Adams  did profess in the court records that she was aware of the fraud, but not at first. As a result she may be required to pay restitution of up to $250,000 to the court and 1.9 million to the 10 insurance companies that she defrauded. 1.9 million is the amount billed under her name after she was aware of the fraud.

Dr. Jennifer Adams will be sentenced in the future in federal court. She faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison, to be followed by a term of supervised release of not more than three years.

The second Chiropractor’s name in this story has not been release so let’s call him Dr. B Dr. B contacted authorities right after he was approached with the same situation in Sarasota Florida. For  months he aided the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud by applying for a clinic exemption for Garden Relief Center, LLC on the behalf of Nerber A. Iglesias. 

The clinic submitted almost $40,000 in fraudulent insurance claims to 6 separate insurance companies. Also while working under the direction of law enforcement Dr. B was approached by Michael Borkowski, owner of a local collision repair shop, to provide patients for a fee. Both men were arrested last week and charged with personal injury protection fraud.

What is the moral of the story? Know the laws in the state where you practice, it is your responsibility. If someone approaches you with a business proposal make sure it is legal, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney. Most states require chiropractor to report illegal activity, so do it.

As a physician you have an ethical and legal obligation for the services/care that you provide. Dr. B is left looking for a new job and Dr. Jennifer Adams is looking at prison. Not just prison, but  restitution for possibly millions of dollars for funds that she never controlled.

What are You Doing For Chiropractic Health Awareness Month?

by: DrTirpak posted: October 17, 2012

Put on your ribbons, dig out the shirts, grab a few bracelets, Chiropractic now has an awareness month. October has been labeled National Spinal Health Awareness Month and/or Chiropractic Health Awareness Month. Either way October is going to be full of press releases, promotions, festivities and of course awareness for Chiropractic.

Chiropractic Awareness Activities that we found:

The Michigan Association of Chiropractors (MAC) asked and they received an executive declaration naming October “Spinal Healthcare Month” in Michigan from Governor Rick Snyder.

Henderson North Carolina Mayor Mayor O’Geary and the city council approved proclamation 12-23 honoring National Chiropractic Health Month in October.

The Indiana State Chiropractic Association (ISCA) wants Hoosiers (a term of endearment to Indianans) to increase their Chiropractic Health awareness, so Governor Mitch Daniels proclaimed October 14-20 as Chiropractic Health Week.

The American Chiropractic Association with sponsorship from Foot Levelers and Standard Process created a theme for this year’s campaign. Discover Chiropractic: Find Your Game, which will focus on improving optimal health, wellness and functioning.

National University of Health Sciences ran with the ACA theme to cultivate more patients to their clinics with an athletic twist.  Their press releases dated Oct 5^th stated “So while your clinician at an NUHS Whole Health Center may have actually worked at the Olympics, or an Olympic Training Center, or even at the 2012 Paralympics in London, when they come back to our clinics, they utilize that same expertise and care to get you back into the full, rich and rewarding life you deserve.”

Internationally ‘Straighten Up Ireland’ runs this week from the 15th to 21st of October. This an on-going community service initiative of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland, aiming to create an enjoyable everyday program to improve your health and the way your body functions.  It was constructed around World Spine Day October 16^th,   which was started by the Bone and Joint Decade, with a theme this year of “Straighten Up and Move”.

Weekly Chiropractic Seminar Highlight - Classical Clinic Acupuncture

Integrative Medicine for the New Millenium

by: DrTirpak posted: October 15, 2012

Wellspring Seminars is the latest provider to use CE Cruncher to attract more DCs searching for Chiropractic Continuing Education.

Wellspring Seminars provides seminars designed specifically for chiropractors. The 200 Hour Acupuncture Certification Program is a 14 month, 15 weekend medical acupuncture seminar series, which doctors of chiropractic will find thoroughly prepares them to begin practicing acupuncture in states requiring 200 hours or less. If your state requires less than 200 hours, we will structure the course to suit your needs. In designing this program we have included significant hands-on practice (with all supplies included), as well as didactic instruction to accelerate learning and improve clinical results.

Instructor Bonnie L. Walker, DC, Dipl Ac earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National College of Chiropractic in 1989, after attending University of Bridgeport as one of the first graduates of their pre chiropractic program. She received her Diplomate certification in acupuncture (Dipl Ac) from the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in 1999 and became a NC state licensed acupuncturist in 2005. She is currently an active member of the Acupuncture Council of the North Carolina State Chiropractic Association (NCCA).

Dr. Walker is a founding faculty member of Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine.  She served as biomedical dean and clinical skills instructor from 1997-2007. She was also a student of Jung Tao School from 1993-98, where she graduated from the intensive apprenticeship program in 1997. In 2004 she was awarded her master’s diploma in acupuncture.

Wellspring Seminars Dates and Locations

Continuing Education Credits are provided by National University of Health Sciences

Looking for other Chiropractic Acupuncture Seminars:
East West Acupuncture Seminars
Iowa Chiropractic Society 100 Hour Advanced Acupuncture

Spinal Manipulation and Stroke - Discuss the Facts

Response to the Huffington Post Article: "Neck Cracking, Dangerous? Spinal Manipulation May Increase

by: DrTirpak posted: October 04, 2012

Chiropractors should take exception to an article posted yesterday by Meredith Melnick in the Huffington Post’s Healthy Living Section entitled. "Neck Cracking, Dangerous? Spinal Manipulation May Increase Risk Of Stroke".

The article uses ambiguous quotes from Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Michael R. Marks (spokesperson for the American Association of Orthopedic Surgery) in order to publish inflammatory, inaccurate and misleading information about Chiropractic care and cervical manipulation. Apparently Dr. Marks sees no need to back up his statements with hard data and research statistics.

Dr. Marks makes a statement in the article, “When we talk about medical complications, they can be really small, say one percent." This statement is not supported by any research and is inaccurate and inflammatory.

He goes on to say, "because of the Chiropractic manipulation, you run the risk of artery eruption,” and, "A quick, forceful motion is more likely to cause fracture in old bones more than younger bones."

No research exists to support any of these attacks on Chiropractic manipulation. What research does support is this:

Various studies have looked into the cervical spine manipulations and the association of cervical artery dissections shows statistics ranging from 1 in 400,000 strokes to 1 in 5.85 million. ^1,2

If Dr. Marks used statistics to make his claim of "1 in 100," he missed the facts that conservatively make that statistic more like .0000025%. That is nowhere near 1%. Plus a Cadaver study has shown that the magnitude from spinal manipulative therapy in not strong enough to disrupt the vertebral artery. ³

This debate should be over. The issue is not causation, but the correlation of patients visiting their Chiropractor from symptoms of a vertebrobasilar artery stroke. Symptoms for vertebrobasilar artery stroke are headaches and neck pain: reasons why many patients visit the Chiropractor. In the Feb 2009 Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics a study describes the same relevance of stroke after a Chiropractic visit as compared to primary care visits. ⁴ This study was co-authored by Dr. David Cassidy DC DrMedSc, PhD, who was interviewed in the article. The article also cites Chiropractic researcher Dr. Stephen Perle DC, MS, FICC. Both are distinguished experts in the profession on cervical manipulation and stroke.

The article tried to formulate a debate where one does not exist. I have yet to find an article quoting a Chiropractor on the risks and morbidity rate of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Research and outcomes should be discussed by researchers rather than spokespersons wanting to undermine.

The Chiropractic community should not only be concerned about this article, but also the four others published in the last two months in local newspapers attempting to draw a a correlation between Chiropractic cervical adjustments and stroke. As a profession we need to respond to the attacks internationally in Britain and Australia.

Chiropractors need to stand together for the sake of our collective futures. We live in a society that responds to headlines and misconstrued / misleading / unsubstantiated blurbs about research.

Let's give an educated response.

You might be thinking what does this have to do with Chiropractic Continuing Education? The answer is everything.

CE Cruncher was created to make it easier for Chiropractors to find seminars and to make life easier for all of us. As you may have noticed from our news posts, we want to keep the Chiropractic profession informed about what's happening legislatively, socially and educationally. For our profession to thrive we need to put forward a factual, positive, educational and research-based message for our patients and the general public.

When patients come in and mention they heard that they should drink red wine, eat chocolate, drink coffee, or any other myth not science-based, we need to be informed of the true nature of the research and rely on our education.

How long before do you think it will be before you hear someone say, "So and so told me a Chiropractor could cause me to have a stroke."

Be informed and unafraid to back up your statement with research. Comment on the Huffington Post Article, write a letter to the Editor, and share this on Facebook for your patients.

The ACA offers a resource page with links to publications and talking points

NCMIC provides this link of an article explaining the current research.

Leave CE Cruncher a blog comment (below) and let us know how you approach the topic of Chiropractic Care and debunking the assertion that it may cause strokes.

1. Haldeman S, Carey P, Townsend M, Papadopoulos C. Arterial dissections following cervical manipulation: the chiropractic experience. CMAJ 2001 Oct 2;165(7):905-906
2. Dvorak J, Orelli FV. How dangerous is manipulation to the cervical spine? Manual Med 1985;2(1):1-4
3. Bruce P. Symons, DC,a Tim Leonard,b and Walter Herzog, PhDc INTERNAL FORCES SUSTAINED BY THE VERTEBRAL ARTERY DURING SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPY. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2002;25:504-10
4. J. David Cassidy, DC, PhD, DrMedSc, Eleanor Boyle, PhD, Pierre Coˆte ´, DC, PhD, Yaohua He, MD, PhD, Sheilah Hogg-Johnson, PhD, Frank L. Silver, MD, FRCPC, and Susan J. Bondy, PhD Risk of Vertebrobasilar Stroke and Chiropractic Care: Results of a Population-Based Case-Control and Case-Crossover Study J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2009;32: S201-08 Available from jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(08)00347-3/abstract

Happy Birthday Chiropractic!

by: DrTirpak posted: September 11, 2012

Today marks the 117th anniversary of the day D.D. Palmer put his hands on Harvey Lillard for the first chiropractic adjust. Frank M. Painter, D.C.has an interesting blog post on Chiro.org with a detailed account of the day.

An interesting video of the history of chiropractic:

Video Created by  Dr. Michelle Nielsen

California Bill Could Push Chiropractors out of Workers' Compensation

by: DrTirpak posted: August 27, 2012

California’s Workers compensation program is about to face an overhaul bill in the last days of the legislative session. The SB 863 bill, still unavailable for public viewing, is the mastermind of a small group of labor unions and large employers including grocery store chain including Safeway Inc. and the Walt Disney Co. The top of the list for attack - Injured Workers  and Chiroprators.

Since spring big busineess and labor unioiins have been working on language for bills that would cut the costs of the $16-billion-a-year workers' compensation system. The proposed changes would increase benefits for disabled workers by about $700 million, save employers twice that amount, while cutting benefits for Chiropractors and medical treatment.

Attorneys, Doctors and Injured Workers groups have not been allowed in on the discussion of the overhaul. The only published information about SB 863 includes 45 points of proposed amendments. The most striking to chiropractors includes eliminating the Qualified Medical Examination (QME) Evaluators exam for Chiropractors, requiring DCs to pass the medical QME exam. Currently besides the exam California Chiropractors are required to have 300 hours of post grad education to even qualify. Chiropractors that have treated a patient for 24 visits cannot serve as the treating primary physician. It will establish a Independent Medical Review system for resolving health insurance disputes, and eliminate the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board authority over those claims. Reimbursements currently under Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) will be replaced by lower paying Medicare RBRVS.

The California Chiropractic Association, CCA, in a press release dated August 21, 2012: Doctors of Chiropractic provide effective cost- efficient care without the use of drugs or invasive surgeries and should be in any health care system focused on prevention and wellness. Some patients, such as firefighters and police officers need ongoing chiropractic care to stay on the job, but the cost for those visits is among the lowest charged by most health care providers. In fact, data from recent Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) economic reports show cost increases in California’s workers’ compensation system actually stem from increased diagnostic testing and use of prescription drugs and addictive pain killers; which are not, in any way, part of the doctor of chiropractic scope of practice.

To be heard and take a stand for Injured Workers and their right to access Chiropractic treatment write a email or make a call provided by the CCA.

Last Suit from Life University's Accrediation Battle is Over

by: DrTirpak posted: August 21, 2012

It has been over 10 years since Life University had their accreditation temporally suspended by the Council on Chiropractic Education. After a federal court lawsuit, a year of questioning and transferring students, and the resignation of founder Dr. Sid Williams, the CCE and Life University reached a settlement out of court. Under the compromise Life University retroactively had their accreditation restored, unfortunately Life’s chiropractic students were caught in the middle.

Some of those students that transferred to other institutions or had their licensure postponed sought restitution through the legal system. On August 13 Fulton County State Court Judge Wesley Tailor dismissed the last suit against Life University from students disgruntled over accreditation. He tossed out claims from a 2010 lawsuit including almost 150 former chiropractic students alleging breach of contract, fraudulent concealment and racketeering. Judge Tailor said that Life University had no contractual obligation to retain its accreditation, and could not disclose the issues with accreditation under confidentiality rules with CCE. He then granted summary judgment to Life University and its trustees at the time.

The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) is the agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education for accreditation of programs and institutions offering the doctor of chiropractic degree.

Life  University founded in Marietta, Georgia in 1974, is a health  sciences institution most known for its chiropractic program, the largest in the world. Life University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to  award four year undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of health care, science, business and general studies fields, and also has programmatic accreditation through the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The mission of Life University is to empower students with the education, skills and values necessary for career success and life fulfillment, based on a vitalistic philosophy.

Chiropractors, Kinesiology Tape and the Olympics - A Colorful Combination

by: DrTirpak posted: August 01, 2012

The London Olympics have started and the focus on international elite athletes will dominate the media. Every year the amount of colorful tape adorning the bodies of these athletes seems to grow exponentially, almost as if it is alive. The tape may not be alive but the enthusiasm in chiropractic for kinesiology taping sure is.

Kinesiology taping has progressed from a soccer player’s sprained ankle to a therapeutic resource with protocols for whiplash, shoulder strain, post-op and even torticolis. Many DCs are taking the time to learn techniques to aid their patients in sports as well as general practice.

According to the various manufacturers kinesiology taping offers: reduction in swelling and edema, improves joint mechanics and muscle function, impacts skin proprioception to reduce pain, reduces muscle spasm and fatigue, and aids reducing scar tissue and post surgical bruising.

Chiropractors at the London Olympics are covering athletes in various tapes and national colors. KT Tape Pro produced “JAM” Kinesiology Tape for the Jamaican Track and Field Team in the iconic colors of the Jamaican Flag.

 Keep an eye out at the London Olympics for SpiderTech on Canadian triathlete and Olympic gold medalist Simon Whitfield. When asked about kinesiology taping he stated "Aches, pains and more serious injuries are a part of the sport. SpiderTech tape helps me manage pain and greatly improve my recovery time." 

Kinesio Tape, founded by Japanese Chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1979, took center stage at the last Olympics covering many athletes, most notably American Beach Volleyball Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh.

Dr. Kevin Jardine, Developer of Neuro-Structural Taping Technique and original creator of SpiderTech products, explains "Kinesiology tape is a crucial part of providing top level care to both world class Olympic athletes as well as your general patient base. The ability to extend the benefits of your treatment beyond the office can often make the difference in an athlete's recovery. The tape can even be worn during competition allowing the athletes to perform at their best.”

 Chiropractors that are interested in expanding their practice can learn more about kinesiology taping and receive Chiropractic Continuing Education Hours with these seminars:

 

Foot Levelers is offering Chiropractic Continuing Education and a Chance to Give back

by: DrTirpak posted: July 06, 2012

Seminars have been scheduled to celebrate Foot Levelers’ 60th Anniversary. Registration for this seminar is only $160 for Chiropractors and $60 for Chiropractic Students and CAs. Proceeds will be split between the Chiropractic College of your choice and the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP).

The two-day “Dynamic Spine Stabilization” seminar has something for everyone. It will offer presentations on elite training programs designed to enhance every patients’ potential. Presented by two of chiropractic’s most dynamic speakers, Dr. Terry Yochum DC, DACBR, Fellow, ACCR and Dr. Kim Christensen, DC, CCSP, DACRB . The seminars offer 12 Chiropractic Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for license renewal in most states. Check with the sponsoring Chiropractic College for the specifics of each state.

Seminars will be held:

• September 22-23 in Minneapolis MN

• November 17-18 in Chicago IL

• December 1-2 in Newark NJ