Viva Chiropractic

Since my introduction to the chiropractic profession, I have attended many seminars and conventions. These meetings provide opportunities for me to learn about the latest chiropractic developments and research; meet the speakers, who are the leading authorities in various subjects, to discuss contributing articles; become acquainted with the newest products and services for our On the Market section; and, my favorite, have lunch with my editorial advisory board members, contributors, and Practice Profile cover story subjects.

Although I communicate frequently with these individuals , there is nothing better than sitting down face-to-face and partaking of a meal to further develop relationships. What is it about food that creates a convivial atmosphere? Not only do I engage in lively discussions, but I also deepen and enrich my working relationships by adding a personal facet.

The Parker Seminars in Las Vegas on January 30–February 2, was no different. In fact, the conference exceeded all my expectations. My guests for lunch included Wayne Zemelka, DC, and his wife and office manager Carolyn Lane; Jeffrey E. Ptak, DC; Bobby Doscher, DC; Dennis R. Buckley, DC; and Ptak Chiropractic Life Center new patient advocates Brigitte Garret, CA (coding analyst and financial manager), and Juli Henson, CA (front desk). Anything related to chiropractic was discussed, including the state of the profession, the importance of state and national association involvement, Medicare and insurance reimbursement, the significance of patient education, and more. I posited how I, as a journalist, can be a voice and source of information for the chiropractic community—and then soaked it all in as my authoritative sources, on whom I rely for their expertise, peppered me with ideas and topics.

My next stop at the Parker conference was getting an extremity adjustment from Mark N. Charrette, DC. As a result, there was a spring in my step as I rushed to meet with James Edwards, DC, chairman of the American Chiropractic Association.

Edwards informed me that $500,000 was raised that day and more than 800 doctors pledged to contribute $100 per month for the ongoing lawsuit against Trigon/Blue Cross Blue Shield. He was enthusiastic about the success. “I can’t tell you how it warms my heart as I was collecting pledge forms. I was choked up by it because it made me proud of my profession. Unless reversed, CMS will allow medical doctors and osteopaths to be reimbursed for correcting a subluxation. What is wrong with that picture? Trigon pays doctors of chiropractic 40% less than the medical physicians for the same services because they consider us less educated. And that is the reason for the lawsuit,” Edwards says.

“We have this profession today because the DC pioneers in the early 1900s were willing to go be jailed to protect and defend our profession. The only reason this healing art is available today is because they were willing to pay the price. I consider the lawsuit this generation’s challenge. How we respond to these challenges is going to define chiropractic for decades—it is our watch.”

It is the dedication and passion of these individuals that inspire me to do more for this profession of which I am honored to be a part.

Miwon Seo
mseo@medpubs.com