IAF Takes Another Look At the Future of Chiropractic After issuing a report on the future of chiropractic care in the United States in 1998, the Institute for Alternative Futures (IAF) has analyzed its research and has developed a recent report, called “The Future of Chiropractic Revisited: 2005 to 2015.” The report includes opportunities for IAF, such as the inclusion of chiropractic in the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs; research possibilities; and consumer-directed health care; as well as challenges, such as rising competition; divisions within the profession; and pressure from outside sources. With regard to the next 10 years in chiropractic medicine, IAF has set forth a list of scenarios, both positive and negative, which range from a slow and steady growth of chiropractic, to a darker future where internal conflicts and outside pressure cause a downward spiral in chiropractic. IAF has forecasted that the chiropractic profession will grow from 74,000 DCs in 2005 to 87,000 DCs in 2015. IAF has also recommended that chiropractors develop a greater integration with mainstream health care, accelerate research, create greater unity within the profession, and continue to strive for high standards of practice.

Sherman Granted Reaffirmation of Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education has notified Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Spartanburg, SC, that it has reaffirmed

accreditation of the doctor of chiropractic degree program.

The accreditation comes in response to Sherman College’s mission of excellence and the effectiveness in relation to its objectives and goals.

“Reaffirmation is the result of much hard work and dedication by faculty, staff, administrators, students, and the many supporters of Sherman College,” says Sherman President, Jerry L. Hardee, EdD. “We are pleased that our efforts have been acknowledged through the reaffirmation of accreditation.”

Florida Board of Governors Vote Against FSU Chiropractic School
The Florida Board of Governors has voted against the establishment of a chiropractic school at Florida State University (FSU).

The 10–3 vote comes in response to questions over the need and legitimacy of a chiropractic school, one that—if approved—would have been the first chiropractic school at an American public university. Though the chiropractic profession has garnered more respect, and has become more established in the medical community, it is only a recent development in the profession’s 110 years of existence.     

With the establishment of a new chiropractic program would have come an addition of 100 faculty members. It would also have made FSU the nation’s premier chiropractic school, attracting many federal grants in alternative medicine.

On the other hand, many critics, especially physicians, believe that establishing a chiropractic school would hurt the university’s academic reputation, as it is not, they argue, a true medical profession.

“I am not convinced the school fits the FSU mission,” says Rolland Heiser, board member. “I think there are more pressing needs in the state university system, considering our limited resources.”

American Specialty Health Offers Annual Scholarship
American Specialty Health (ASH), the nation’s leading complementary health benefits organization—which provides annual scholarships for students in the fields of chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, dietetics, and naturopathy—has announced that its 2005 annual scholarships will total $41,000.

“The ASH Scholarship Program was developed to reward students who have a unique foresight in the US health care system,” says George DeVries, president, chairman, and chief executive officer of ASH. “Their roles as chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, registered dietitians, and naturopathic physicians will continue to grow in importance in the provision of health care.”

The awards are based on a combination of factors, including grade point average, financial need, a personal statement, and a 2,500- to 3,500-word essay explaining how the student believes his or her profession or specialty can help resolve the health care crisis.

Deadlines for the 2005 scholarship applications are: March 5, chiropractic; May 2, acupuncture; July 5, dietetics; Sept 6, massage therapy; and Nov 7, naturopothy.

Applications can be downloaded from the Providers section of ASH’s Web site, www.ashcompanies.com.

Chiropractic Helps Treat Ankle Sprains A study conducted at the Department of Emergency Medicine at St Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, NY, has found that chiropractic treatment of an ankle sprain, in addition to rest, ice, support, and elevation, can greatly reduce swelling, bruising, and overall healing time. “This treatment or adjustment of the ankle can be very effective, especially when performed early, as soon after the sprain as possible,” says David L. Phillips, DC. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for patients with acute ankle injuries. Patients 18 years and older with unilateral ankle sprains were assigned to either an OMT study group or a control group. Both groups received the same current standard of care for ankle sprains. However, in addition to standard care, patients from the OMT group received one session of OMT from an osteopathic physician. Statistics revealed that patients in the OMT group had a significant improvement in edema, pain, and range of motion compared to those in the control group who received no such treatment.

Parker Seminars Kicks Off Healthy Living Campaign 2005
Parker Seminars’ “Get on Board with Healthy Living” campaign, which started in Las Vegas, attracted more than 6,000 chiropractic professionals and brought together outstanding leaders and lecturers in the fields of chiropractic, nutrition, personal motivation, and development.

“Our Las Vegas seminar served as the catalyst of our year-long campaign for healthy living,” says Fabrizio Mancini, DC, president of Parker College of Chiropractic and Parker Seminars. “Throughout 2005, Parker Seminars is challenging the chiropractic community to be responsible for their own healthy lifestyles and to lead their patients by example.”

The seminar began with a patient education and appreciation night, which was followed by 3 days of courses that outlined Parker procedures, personal development, chiropractic philosophy, nutrition, and building a successful practice. In addition, an expo featuring more than 250 companies gave attendees the opportunity to see the latest products and services for chiropractic offices.

“It is absolutely thrilling to be among thousands of chiropractic colleagues and work together for the common good of our patients,” says Mancini.

Parker Seminars continues its Healthy Living campaign in Dallas from March 31 to April 2.

Discounts Offered on Alternative Health Care
In response to the escalating popularity of alternative medicine, HealthSaver, an emerging health care discount program, helps alleviate the increasing costs of health care by complementing an existing program.

“As a more health-conscious society explores innovative paths to better well-being, complementary and alternative medicine is paving the way to an

improved quality of life,” says HealthSaver Senior Vice President Kristen Van Dusen. “HealthSaver can put you on track toward achieving your health goals through a comprehensive selection of alternative medicines and procedures that won’t break the budget.”

According to a recently released 2002 survey from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, more than one third of US adults have used alternative and complementary medicine.

The survey revealed that 55% of respondents used alternative medicine because they believed it would help when combined with conventional treatments. In addition, 26% of respondents said they used it because it was suggested from a health care professional, and 13% because conventional medicine was too expensive.

HealthSaver not only offers discounts, ranging from 10% to 50% off prescriptions and vision care, but it also provides savings of up to 15% to 30% off complementary and alternative health care treatments. Members can also save 5% to 50% off mail-order vitamins and supplements.

Chiropractic Expansion in Russia
In an attempt to expand chiropractic to the Russian people, a small group of chiropractic business professionals, headed by Sherry Durrett, DC, founder of the Foundation for Chiropractic Worldwide (a non-profit organization) traveled to Moscow.

“Overall, our trip was very successful as well as an incredible experience,” says Jill Howe, DC, from Chicago. “We opened new roads for the expansion of chiropractic in Russia and made many valuable contacts along the way.”

Not only was this small band of chiropractors and chiropractic professionals graciously welcomed, but they observed that there was a very strong interest for chiropractic in Russia.

After arriving in St Petersburg, Durrett met with Youry Petrov, DC, head of the Department for Cooperation with Domestic and International Medical Institutions at the city of St Petersburg Government Public Health Committee. Durrett’s main purpose for the meeting was to discuss the possibility of coordinating and bringing an overseas chiropractic program or “chiropractic mission” to the area. Petrov suggested a possible shipboard symposia on the Neva River as early as May.   

Durrett is currently working to coordinate the proposals for the requested symposia, which include presentations on the art, science, and philosophy of chiropractic.

ACA Releases Chiropractic Documentation Manual
To help doctors of chiropractic limit overhead costs associated with billing and reimbursement and provide the best patient care, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has released the Clinical Documentation Manual.

“The ACA Clinical Documentation Manual was written specifically to assist doctors of chiropractic in improving documentation of patient care,” says Rick McMichael, DC, ACA’s Clinical Documentation Committee chairman. “Improved documentation will help reduce claim delays and denial; and DCs, patients, and insurers will benefit from the improved communications that better documentation will foster.”

The manual, which was reviewed by approximately 150 outside groups and individuals, including chiropractic colleges, licensing boards, and the Foundation for Chiropractic Education & Research (FCER), covers topics ranging from patient health record setup to patient-discharge documentation.