For years, State Farm has targeted healthcare professionals in Florida, including chiropractors, with its clawback scheme. This scheme followed the same playbook: filing lawsuits against the healthcare professionals based on accusations that they provided their patients with unnecessary and fraudulent treatment, and refusing to process the claims the healthcare professionals submitted while the lawsuit was pending. This maximized the financial pressure the healthcare professionals faced, as they not only had to pay legal fees to defend themselves in court, but also lost a valuable revenue stream because State Farm refused to process the claims.

On October 21, 2025, the Honorable Judge Paul L. Huey of the Hillsborough County Circuit Court entered a scathing order that took State Farm to task for refusing to process the claims of a healthcare professional simply because State Farm accused that healthcare professional of engaging in “insurance fraud.” “State Farm admits that on April 3, 2025, without the assistance of any court, it essentially enjoined Complete Care from filing any PIP claims for services rendered to State Farm’s insureds,” Judge Huey wrote. Judge Huey described State Farm’s self-help injunction as “brazen action” that cost “Complete Care over $600,000 monthly, plus other untold and immeasurable damages.” 

And what was the actual “fraud” that Complete Care was engaged in? “Did they double or triple bill? No. Did they charge the wrong rates? No. Did they bill for services never rendered? No. Did they bill for services provided by unlicensed professionals? No. Oh my gosh, the reader must be wondering by now: ‘What could be more terrible in the PIP world than those things?’ The answer: ‘The delayed collecting of deductibles and co-insurance from their patients.’ Do scenes of people screaming and running from Godzilla flood your mind at this point? Really, you ask, ‘That’s all?’ ‘Truly, that’s all.’”

Judge Huey also chided State Farm’s “shenanigans” when he noted that it sent a letter to every one of its policyholders who were treated at Complete Care “advising him or her that State Farm will not abide by its contract with them to pay the policyholders’ claims because it has sued Complete Care to determine if it needs to pay,” and insinuated to its policy holders that they did not have to pay copayments and deductibles from Complete Care until the lawsuit was resolved. As Judge Huey noted, this placed Complete Care in an impossible position, since “State Farm is demanding with its right hand in repeated litigation that Complete Care must collect copays and deductibles ASAP from its patients while, at the same time, its left hand is telling patients not to pay those charges.”

At the end of the 12-page order, Judge Huey ordered State Farm to immediately process the claims that Complete Care submitted for reimbursement. It also required State Farm to send letters to every State Farm insured advising them that they were retracting the letters previously sent, and would pay the claims the patients submitted for reimbursement.

The fight against State Farm and other health insurers' overreach in these private enforcement actions is not done. State Farm will likely appeal this order and will undoubtedly continue its efforts to target medical providers in Florida. But this decisive victory is a step in the right direction, and can be used as persuasive authority in fights in the future. 

If you or anyone you know receives a letter from State Farm, Geico, or Allstate, asking to sit down to discuss concerns regarding your billing, or is sued by the insurance carrier in federal court, contact Kim Driggers at the FCA immediately. She will be able to put you in touch with an attorney who is qualified to represent you in this area. 

Patrick is a Shareholder in Trenam’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, with a concentration on business and healthcare litigation. Patrick has significant experience defending doctors, chiropractors, and other healthcare providers against fraud and RICO claims brought by health insurance companies in federal court. Patrick also represents healthcare providers in pre-suit negotiations with insurance companies and has successfully resolved claims before a lawsuit is filed. Patrick leverages this experience to advise clients on proactive changes they can make to their practice to limit their exposure to insurance fraud investigations and lawsuits.

Attorney Patrick Causey and his team at Trenam Law took one of these cases to trial in support of Dr. Michael Thomas LaRocca, DC, and others in his clinic, LaRocca Chiropractic, in October 2023, which resulted in a favorable jury verdict for Dr. LaRocca after three long weeks. State Farm appealed this decision, which now rests in front of the Florida Supreme Court on a certified question from the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals as to the requirements of a health care clinic owner:  Under Florida law, what does it mean to be “legally responsible” within the meaning of Fla. Stat. § 400.9905(4)(g)?  A negative outcome of this decision could be tragic for the profession, namely, those owners of health care clinics treating auto accident patients.  The FCA filed its 25-page Amicus brief in support of Dr. LaRocca’s interpretation of Florida Statutes, which can be found here.

As it has for the last 90-plus years, the FCA continues in its fight for the profession on a daily basis. This latest Amicus brief is yet another example of how the Association is dedicated to protecting the profession and your scope of practice. The FCA will provide you with notice of the decision upon a ruling by the Florida Supreme Court.

Unusually contentious, this year’s budgeting and lawmaking efforts are finally over. Here’s a closer look at how the chiropractic profession fared.

Tallahassee – Failing to complete their work within in their normally prescribed 60-day session timeframe set to end May 2nd, Florida’s Senators and Representatives needed over another month to finally wrap-up their negotiations, and on the evening of June 16th giving their final approval to a $115.1-billion state government spending plan for FY 2025-26. Acrimony ruled much of their deliberations for the previous months as House and Senate leaders found it difficult to agree on major policy and funding decisions, forcing them into overtime. At the same time, from the sidelines, Gov. DeSantis contributed to the rancor as his recommendations were largely ignored. Nevertheless, cooler heads ultimately prevailed and lawmakers passed their product on to the Governor, who ultimately signed on the eve of the day the new budget was to take effect, July 1st.

Here's a look at some of the major issues addressed during this year’s annual lawmaking sojourn of particular interest to the profession.

What Passed…

Electrocardiograms for Student Athletes - Under this new law, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) is required to adopt a schedule for students to receive at least one electrocardiogram along with a sports physical before competing. A DC’s ability under Florida Statutes to currently perform these student medical exams remains unchanged.  The EKG will be performed by standards established by the FHSAA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

Student athletes who receive an abnormal electrocardiogram will be precluded from participating in tryouts, practice, or competition until the student submits a written medical clearance to participate. Medical clearance must be authorized by an MD, DO, or DC “who is trained in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of electrocardiograms.”

The new law will allow for three exceptions: (1) the parent objects in writing based on religious tenets or practices; (2) the parent secures a certificate of medical exception by an MD or DO; (3) the school district is unable to obtain a public or private partnership for the provision of an electrocardiogram.  Approved by the Governor on June 25th, this new law will go into effect beginning in the 2026-2027 school year and thereafter for a first-time student who is in grades nine through 12 participating in an interscholastic athletic competition. (SB 1070 by Simon and HB 1135 by Shoaf)

Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Research at USF Funding - Florida’s state government’s budget for 2025-26 once again included a $300,000 appropriation backed by the FCA supplementing the research efforts of the eminent scholar leading this center within USF Health at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The chair was created in 2005 by a million-dollar joint gift from the FCA and the Lincoln College Education and Research Foundation. Dr. Nathan Schilaty, DC, PhD, currently holds the chair and the title of Associate Professor at USF’s Department of Neurosurgery, Brain and Spine. He is a researcher and clinician specializing in the neuromechanics of human movement, focused on better understanding the complex mechanisms behind injury and recovery.

Employment Agreements - Intended to strengthen Florida employers' ability to use non-compete and Garden Leave agreements with workers to protect trade secrets and other sensitive information, this new law spells out types of restrictive covenants between employers and workers that would be presumed to be legal if they meet certain criteria, including non-compete agreements under certain circumstances. However, in the interest of opening Florida’s doors to healthcare physicians, this bill does not apply to healthcare providers. Therefore, you will rely on current statute and common law regarding non-compete agreements. This law was allowed to become effective on July 7, 2025, without the Governor’s signature. (HB 1219 by Koster and SB 922 by Leek)  

Department of Health / MOBILE Act - This new law will more readily allow out-of-state healthcare providers applying for licensure under the MOBILE Act to obtain licensure in Florida. The bill changes the work requirement for out-of-state doctors applying for Florida licensure from 3 years in practice to 2 years in practice during the four years immediately preceding application. The bill also makes an exception for those who have been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank to allow licensure if “the reported adverse action was a result of conduct that would not constitute a violation of any law or rule in this state.” The provision allows the board to approve, deny, restrict, or impose requirements on the licensure provided under the MOBILE Act.  The new law was signed by the Governor on June 2nd and took effect on July 1st. (SB 1270 by Collins and HB 1299 by Yarkosky) 

Refund of Overpayments Made By Patients - This bill requires health care providers including DCs, who file a claim for reimbursement with any government-sponsored program or private health insurer or health maintenance organization for services rendered to the patient, to refund to the patient the amount of any overpayment made by the patient to the provider no later than 30 days after the date that the provider determines that such overpayment was made. This new law does not apply to an overpayment subject to s. 627.6131 (Florida’s Payment of Claims law) when the provider contests a health insurer’s claim for overpayment or any portion of a claim. The law creates a new statute, Section 408.12, Florida Statutes. This new law was signed by the Governor on May 20th and takes effect on January 1, 2026. (SB 1808 by Burton and HB 1513 by Greco)

And What Failed…

Motor Vehicle Insurance / PIP Repeal - This bill was another attempt to scrap Florida’s PIP law, allowing for reimbursement of medical bills within thirty days.  As with the majority of other states in the US, the bill proposed to mandate $25,000/$50,000 in bodily injury coverage, requiring physicians to be paid either through health insurance or to be paid after the patient settles their claim for personal injuries, and requiring the at-fault driver to be responsible for the care. (SB 1256 by Grall and HB 1481 by Alvarez)  

Attorney Fees in Insurance Matters and Medical Damages - Several bills this Session addressed first-party attorneys’ fees that would allow the prevailing party in a PIP or homeowner’s claim to obtain attorney’s fees and costs if prevailing in an action for denial of insurance benefits. These efforts were aimed at the 2023 Tort Reform Law, which removed an insured’s ability to obtain reimbursement for attorney’s fees and costs when contesting an insurance denial. The insurers in this Session maintained little to no guardrails for denying legitimate insurance claims. 
 
The legislation also intended to roll back a portion of the tort reform law that limited the amount of medical bills submitted to a jury in a personal injury action to health insurance rates, or if no health insurance, 120% of Medicare, or if no Medicare, 170% of Medicaid. The bill would have allowed healthcare providers to submit all evidence of reasonable and customary rates rather than be limited to a government fee schedule to prove the medical damages. (SB 426 by Martin; HB 1551 by Cassel; HB 947 by Blanco; SB 832 by Burgess; and HB 585 by Albert)

Health Care Practitioner Specialty Titles and Designations - This bill was brought for the third year in a row as an attempt to restrict physicians not under Ch. 458 (MDs) or 459 (DOs) from holding themself out as a specialist under another licensing chapter through the use of any specialist titles. As in prior years’ efforts, D.C. titles including “chiropractic medicine,’ “chiropractic physician,” “doctor of chiropractic,” or “chiropractor” were protected, as was the use of D.C. titles obtained through recognized diplomate programs. (SB 172 by Burton and HB 1341 by Gonzalez Pittman)

Patient Access to Records - This bill would have required all healthcare providers, including DCs, to respond to a medical records request from a patient or lawyer within 14 days, and 10 days if an in-person records review is requested. A lawyer’s request is included. The bill provided for an extension for another 14 days under certain provisions, for a total of a 28-day timeframe to respond. (SB 1606 by Grall and HB 1083 by Booth)

Chiropractic Medicine - This bill would have rendered a full expansion of the scope of practice of Chapter 460 to include the ordering, storing, possessing, prescribing, and administration through injection or IV, all “articles of natural origin” following a 36-hour course. This would have included opiates and marijuana, stem cells, platelet injection therapies, and intravenous ozone therapy, of which only New Mexico has a similar law after a 90-hour course. The bill also allowed Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and cosmetic injections of hyaluronic acid and included numerous changes to continuing education, reducing the requirements of instructors in statute, making it easier to obtain course approval, and potentially changing requirements for certifications in dry needling and acupuncture to occur online rather than in-person. The controversial bill and scope expansion did not receive a committee hearing. (SB 564 by Gruters and HB 849 by Tramont)  

Health Care Provider Referrals / Out-of-Network Providers - These bills would have required all healthcare providers under Ch. 456, including DCs, to notify patients upon referring them out for nonemergency services as to whether the referral provider is in or out of the patient’s network. In other words, when making a patient referral, your office would have been required to determine whether the patient was in or out of network at the referring provider’s office before the patient left your office.  SB 1842 was later amended to only include situations where your office had a financial interest in the referring provider’s office. However, both bills failed to make it over the finish line. (SB 1842 by Burton and HB 1101 by Albert)

Acupuncture - This bill sought to update an archaic scope statute and proposed to broaden their scope, redefine and clarify their role as a “primary health care provider,” modify licensure qualifications, education, and certification requirements, and expand the definition of “prescriptive rights” to include injection of specified supplements and medications. (SB 1722 and HB 803 by Alvarez) 

Naturopathic Medicine - This bill would have reinstated the practice of Naturopathic Medicine, defining educational requirements and their scope of practice.  The bill did not obtain a committee meeting. (SB 470 by Rodriquez, HB 533 by Smith, D.) 

What’s Next…

Senators and Reps head home for a short summer break before beginning their work preparing for their 2026 Session. In even-numbered years (also coincidentally, election years), Florida’s constitution dictates an earlier session start time. So, in readiness for their January 13th scheduled 2026 kick-off, lawmakers will not meet again until legislative committees begin their preparatory meetings in early October this fall. 

Questions or Concerns? -- For more complete details on any of the new laws detailed above, or on any of the bills that failed to pass muster, visit Online Sunshine - the Official Internet Site of the Florida Legislature.

The rollercoaster of court rulings over the constitutionality of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has one last stop with the U.S. Supreme Court on a company’s requirement to file a Beneficial Ownership Report with FinCEN. Originally due January 1st, it was extended to January 13th and is now on hold pending review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Thus, until the U.S. Supreme Court rules (which should be soon), you are not required to file a corporate BOIR.

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires otherwise unregulated companies to report information about "beneficial owners"—those who own at least 25% of or exercise substantial control over the reporting company—to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The stated purpose of the BOI reporting requirements is to protect the U.S. and international financial systems, as well as people across the country, from illicit finance threats like terrorist financing, drug trafficking, and money laundering. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.  

After several court rulings, it was to go into effect yesterday, January 13, 2025, but on December 26, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit put the injunction back in place.  Only five days later, the government appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States.  Since that time, sixteen amicus briefs have been filed up through today.  

As of this writing, reporting companies are NOT required to file a corporate BOIR with FinCEN.  Reporting companies may continue to voluntarily submit beneficial ownership information reports.

Stay tuned for the final say on this matter from the U.S. Supreme Court. 

On Dec. 23, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the government’s motion for an immediate stay of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) pending appeal of the preliminary injunction issued on Dec. 3, 2024, by a federal district court in Texas. The injunction had applied nationwide, temporarily halting the implementation of the CTA just weeks before the original initial filing deadline of Jan. 1, 2025.

As a result of the appellate court’s Dec. 23rd decision, the original Jan. 1, 2025, deadline was back in effect. However, FinCEN later issued a public statement confirming that it would toll the reporting deadlines to give companies additional time to comply with the CTA.  As a result, all nonexempt reporting companies must file their initial beneficial ownership information report (BOIR) on or before Jan. 13, 2025, unless and until the plaintiffs win emergency relief from the Fifth Circuit or the Supreme Court of the United States.

Reporting companies created or registered before January 1, 2024, have until January 13, 2025, to file their initial beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports with FinCEN. 

The plaintiffs intend to seek emergency relief from the Fifth Circuit in an en banc rehearing and, if necessary, the Supreme Court. However, if you have not already registered and you wish to avoid heavy fines ($500 per day) and other potential penalties following the deadline, you should register immediately. Click here to go to the BOIR website and register.

You can find more information on the CTA, including who is impacted, the reporting requirements, applicable exemptions, and general compliance considerations here.

We will continue to provide updates regarding further material developments as they arise.

The FCA previously reported on the FTC’s Rule banning non-compete agreements which was to go into effect on September 4, 2024.  However, a Texas federal court entered an order yesterday with nationwide effect, holding that the FTC Non-Compete Rule, “shall not be enforced or otherwise take effect”.  Ryan, LLC. V. Federal Trade Commission, Civil Action No. 3:23-00986, Memorandum and Opinion Order (N.D Tex. August 20, 2024).

Attendees at FCA’s The National this past weekend were brought up to date by Labor and Employment lawyer, Dena Sokolow, shareholder at Baker Donelson, of the latest case out of Florida, decided just last Thursday, that struck the FTC ban on non-compete agreements but only as to the plaintiffs in that case.  Properties of the Villages, Inc. v. Federal Trade Commission, Case No: 5:24-cv-00316-T (M.D. Fla. August 17, 2024). 

Yesterday’s decision, however, strikes down the FTC’s ban nationwide; thus, the Rule will not take effect on September 4, 2024.

What does this mean to you as an employer or employee with a non-compete?

 The Ryan case has one more stop on appeal at the more employer-friendly Fifth Circuit, and then the U.S. Supreme Court has the option of accepting jurisdiction to hear the case should it be appealed again.  Based upon the makeup of those courts, it is believed the chances of the FTC’s success do not seem promising. Business as usual for employers? We suggest not.

As an employer, the requirement of sending out notice of the FTC ban to all current and former workers is now not required.  But this process along with some individual states already making non-compete agreements unlawful, shows the trend in the U.S. against their enforcement. It’s a good time to review your contracts and evaluate how to best protect against competitive threats and patient solicitation should the decision be overturned or should Florida enter a separate law banning non-competes (See S.B. 458 and HB 0011 filed last Session seeking to invalidate restrictive covenants of physicians. The bills did not make it out of committee). There are ways other than a non-compete agreement to protect your practices.

As for employees as of today, the non-compete agreements are still in effect, if drafted in compliance with Florida law.  Should you choose to seek employment elsewhere that may violate your non-compete agreement, you should check the status of the law before your departure.

The Florida Chiropractic Association is Florida's only volunteer-led chiropractic association with a democratic board of 22 practicing DC's from across the State. Established in 1931, the FCA is Florida's oldest and largest, preeminent chiropractic organization representing over 4,000 members. The FCA's affiliated political committee, ChiroPAC, is Florida's largest chiropractic political committee contributing over $2 million in the last 10 years to the campaigns of pro-chiropractic candidates and committees. To learn more about the FCA, together with its many member benefits, visit our website at https://fcachiro.org/page/about-us.

On August 1, 2024, the new University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program application will officially open for prospective students. The program, approved by the University chancellor and provost in February, will be the first in the country to be offered at a research-intensive public university, providing an educational experience unmatched by any other DC program in the United States. Based on its strong reputation in the health sciences, Pitt is uniquely positioned to train a new generation of chiropractors who will be practicing at the leading edge of evidence-based research for spine and musculoskeletal disorders.

Led by founder and Program Director Michael Schneider, PhD, DC, the program will welcome its inaugural cohort of 40 students in fall 2025. In subsequent years, the cohort will increase to 60 students per academic year.

From day one, Pitt DC students will receive a combination of rigorous, evidence-based education and clinical experiences within an interprofessional academic environment found only at Pitt. Clinical instruction will take place in “real-world” chiropractic clinical settings, including private chiropractic practices, Veterans Affairs hospitals, community-based outpatient clinics, and federally qualified health centers. Additional experiences will include observational clinical rounds with healthcare providers within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) hospitals and outpatient facilities, including Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Pain Medicine, and the Center for Integrative Medicine. These experiences will prepare Pitt DC graduates for integration as essential team members in a wide range of clinical environments and prepare them to move the profession forward.

The Pitt DC program curriculum meets or exceeds all Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) standards. It will include 4,200 total hours of instruction with over 1,900 hours of clinical instruction delivered over eight terms (a total of 2 and 2/3 years). The interprofessional environment of Pitt’s Schools of Health Sciences will foster vital interactions between faculty and students from different programs such as Rehabilitation Science, Nutrition, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant Studies, and Physical Therapy. Additionally, in early 2026, the program will join other Pitt Health Sciences programs in a brand new, state-of-the-art, 10-story building on the Pitt Oakland campus designed for interprofessional education that features shared classrooms and social spaces.

A letter of intent and initial application for accreditation was submitted to the CCE earlier this year. Please visit the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic website for more information and updates on the Pitt Doctor of Chiropractic program, including “The Pitt Difference,” admissions requirements, the application link, curriculum details, and FAQ.

A new law likely to increase the number of chiropractors in Florida (and most all other healthcare professionals) now makes it easier to obtain licensure in the Sunshine State. Senate Bill 1600 which became law on July 1, 2024, seeks to streamline the Florida licensure process for persons licensed in similar professions by other U.S. states or territories.

Sponsored by Sen. Jay Collins (R-Tampa), the bill created the Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement Act, or MOBILE Act, which requires the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to issue a license by endorsement to a qualified applicant within seven days of receipt of all required documents provided the applicant meets all the following specific criteria:

• Submits a complete application;
• Holds an active, unencumbered license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the U.S., in a profession with a similar scope of practice, as determined by the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine (BOCM);
• Has obtained a passing score on a national licensure examination or holds a national certification recognized by the BOCM;
• Has actively practiced the profession for at least three years during the four-year period immediately preceding the application submission;
• Attests that he or she is not, at the time of application, the subject of a disciplinary proceeding for reasons related to the practice of the profession for which he or she is applying;
• Has not had disciplinary action taken against him or her in the five years preceding the application;
• Meets applicable financial responsibility requirements; and
• Submits a set of fingerprints for a background screening.

The bill defines a person as ineligible for a license under the MOBILE Act if he or she:

• Has a complaint, an allegation, or an investigation pending before a licensing entity in
another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the U.S.;
• Has been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony
or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession;
• Has had a health care provider license revoked or suspended by another state, the District
of Columbia, or a possession or territory of the U.S., or has voluntarily surrendered any
license in lieu of having disciplinary action taken against the license; or
• Has been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant has
successfully appealed to have his or her name removed.

The bill authorizes the board to require an applicant to successfully complete a state jurisprudential examination on Florida laws and rules that regulate the profession.

In a nutshell, if you practiced in another state with a “similar scope of practice” for three of the last four years, have a “clean” record, obtain Florida malpractice insurance, and pass the Florida Laws and Rules exam (a probable requirement by the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine), you could receive your Florida license within seven days from submitting the completed application.

While the bill went into effect on July 1, 2024, it requires the BOCM to adopt rules to implement the MOBILE Act within six months after its effective date. Thus, licensure under the MOBILE Act is not expected until after the implementation of the new rules.

The Florida Chiropractic Association is Florida's only volunteer-led chiropractic association with a democratic board of 22 practicing DCs from across the State. Established in 1931, the FCA is Florida's oldest and largest, preeminent chiropractic organization representing over 4,000 members. The FCA's affiliated political committee, ChiroPAC, is Florida's largest chiropractic political committee contributing over 2 million dollars in the last 10 years to the campaign of pro-chiropractic candidates and committees. To learn more about the FCA, together with its many member benefits, visit our website at https://fcachiro.org/page/about-us.

It’s not quite time to order that 2024 business planner, but it’s still early enough to draft a strategy for next year. ChiroHealthUSA has experts at your disposal, ready to share their tried and tested expertise to help you thrive. Let’s prepare for the New Year today by setting personal, professional, and industry targets.

Your Personal Goals

Beating burnout in the year ahead should be a priority for every chiropractor. Establishing a healthier work/life balance will help you win that battle. First, recognize the signs of burnout, then ensure you meet your basic physical needs, get support from friends and colleagues, and fulfill yourself outside of your chiropractic office.

Prioritizing personal health and self-expression will significantly improve your mindset and performance as a professional. You might use 2024 for both purposes by reflecting today on how successfully your practice embodies your principles and how effectively you project your unique value proposition to the community.

Whatever you do, view 2024 as your year, not just another uphill slog of looming targets. Set aside 45 minutes and check out our recent webinar and let Dr. Jodi Dinnerman share tips for keeping a chiropractic practice joyful!

Professional Goals

A new year means new patients. Reviewing the educational value of your marketing materials (website, social media, and physical) can revitalize lagging acquisitions. ChiroHealthUSA providers get a head start through our marketing campaign materials, while our own Holly Jensen has a double dose of advice in her earlier article, “How to Promote and Market Your Practice,” and her September webinar.

Streamlining front and back-office processes is another thought. Can you eliminate some paperwork in favor of digital administration? Could your booking and billing procedures be made any more accessible as a result? A quick survey of past and present patients can reveal any pain points they’ve experienced, which can act as your guide to improvement next year. 

Goals for the Chiropractic Profession

Chiropractors can help create a better future when they allow their profession to thrive. 2024 can see you more involved in industry advocacy by joining one of the many groups dedicated to making chiropractic everything it can be, such as the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan. Make sure your voice is heard by joining their survey group to provide input and feedback on current and future initiatives. 

Becoming part of the bigger picture will help your practice stay connected to the profession’s overall goals and let you play a more significant role in helping chiropractic gain wider public acceptance, greater presence in national health policy, and more. Chiropractic has come a long way, but there’s still a lot to be done before we gain the recognition we all work so hard to deserve.

Have you got some free time on your 2023 calendar? Connect with us to discover more about how ChiroHealthUSA is helping chiropractors across America build more profitable and compliant practices. Afterall, ChiroHealthUSA is about so much more than discounts!

Dr. Ray Foxworth, DC, FICC, is the founder and CEO of ChiroHealthUSA. For over 35 years, he worked “in the trenches” facing challenges with billing, coding, documentation, and compliance, in his practice. He is a former Medical Compliance Specialist and currently serves as chairman of The Chiropractic Summit, an at-large board member of the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan Committee, a board member of the Cleveland College Foundation, and an executive board member of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. He is a former Staff Chiropractor at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center and past chairman of the Mississippi Department of Health. 

Read the Dynamic Chiropractic article in its entirety.

The latest rambling CE rule changes being pushed by 4 of the 7 members of the Florida BOCM and two CE vendors has sweeping ramifications for every Florida-licensed DC.

The Board of Chiropractic Medicine made it official in August of last year that all forty hours of chiropractic license renewal CE’s can now be earned on demand, virtually or at live events from now on. With a split 4-3 vote, the BOCM removed the language that previously allowed 25% of online CE hours to make it a 100% online option. Life went on with plenty of great CE options for Florida DC’s who can choose from a plethora of in-person, live synchronous and online CE’s.

Why then is the chiropractic CE rule back in the news in 2022 after three years of working on the technicalities of taking online courses? One on-demand CE vendor decided that opening the door to 100% online CE’s wasn’t enough. He petitioned the BOCM at its very next meeting to again amend the CE rules and add more layers of regulation that will financially cripple live event producers and force them to police attendees in ways never before seen with any other sector of healthcare, business or education. Dr. Rick Warner of GoLearn Network filed his petition last November and based on public testimony, has been joined in this quest by the FCPA. Despite 10-1 testimony and written comments against the petition by CE provider stakeholders from the FCA, FCS, FCLB and numerous chiropractic colleges and licensees in a subsequent January rules workshop and the Board’s February 24th meeting, and in spite of expressed concerns from Fla. Dept. of Health officials and counsel that the proposed rule changes were unnecessary and would be difficult to defend if challenged, the same 4-3 vote was made at the Board’s February meeting to move forward with rulemaking to adopt these onerous changes. Your member bulletin of February 25th carried the FCA’s post-meeting report.

So, if you missed our earlier reports, you might ask: What is the big deal? What would these petitioned rule changes do? Here are just a few of the highlights directly affecting you:

• A proposed SURVEILLANCE REQUIREMENT would force in-person event CE providers to set up and monitor video equipment that “clearly” records every person entering and exiting a classroom, date stamped with the date and time. Every entrance/exit to every meeting space – even those that would normally serve only as fire exits – would have to be covered in this way. This is in addition to the already existing scanning or sign-in roster system that is now required, utilizing photo ID and showing the name, license, and time of entry and exit.

• Live event attendees would have to be TESTED during each hour of class time and would have to have 75% completion of the test to receive credit for that hour, a hassle for attendees and a costly administrative nightmare for CE in-person event providers.

• Registration fees for in-person events would have to triple or quadruple in order to cover the increased costs for just these two items, likely doing away with live multi-session events for chiropractic CE’s in Florida.

• Do you prefer to earn your CE’s online and on demand? The proposed rule would require that you be “video monitored” when taking your on-demand CE’s, meaning, as explained by Dr. Warner, that periodic snapshots of you would have to be taken and stored in order for you to receive credit. “Video monitoring” on-demand surveillance is currently used by two CE providers to our knowledge – GoLearn Network and the FCPA.

• Provisions in the proposed new rule would provide severe sanctions for CE providers who don’t follow the letter of the law regarding “clear” recording of each individual entering or exiting or testing with the 75% answer requirement. Sanctions require a minimum of a five-year suspension during which time they could provide no programs, classes, events or on-demand courses for Florida CE’s.

• Do you care about standards and want to hear from those most highly qualified to teach your post-graduate level CE courses? The proposed new rules would lower a CE instructor’s credential requirements to include no education, no chiropractic experience, and no accredited college sponsorship or faculty affiliation, requiring instead only six years’ experience “in the subject matter being taught.” This not only contradicts Chapter 460, Florida Statutes, but undermines the profession, as no other Florida healthcare profession allows for such low standards in CE instruction.

• Another proposed provision would allow licensees to repeat the same on-demand course for all 40 hours. That one needs no commentary.

There you have it. The advocate for supposed “CE Freedom” achieved it in August and by November themselves brought forth unparalleled policing and surveillance requirements that treat licensed DC’s like prisoners and punish all CE providers who don’t do exactly what they do, while lowering instructor credentialing standards to basement level.

What Is the FCA Doing About It?

FCA representatives attend every Board of Chiropractic (BOCM) meeting and workshop and have actively opposed this “CE Policing Rule,” testifying verbally and through its filing of an extensive Memorandum of Law, along with other service organizations and CE provider stakeholders and many individual licensees. The four BOCM members voting in favor of moving the CE rule overhaul forward include the two lay members, Chair Gretchen Saunders and attorney Ellen Ostman, and Drs. Jason Comerford and Anthony Oliverio. The FCA is committed to exhaust every administrative remedy in challenging it – an expensive ordeal – and will do so, hopefully with support from other representative groups and stakeholders who have recorded their intense opposition and voiced their concern for the future of chiropractic CE in Florida.

What Can You Do?

As a Florida-licensed DC, you have standing and access to contact the Board Acting Executive Director, requesting your comments be shared with Chair Saunders and the full BOCM.

For letters: Department of Health

Board of Chiropractic Medicine
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-07
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3257

To call the Board office: (850) 488-0595

Acting Executive Director Joe Baker: mqa.chiropractic@flhealth.gov

What’s Next?

Challenging a proposed Board rule is a long, expensive and arduous process. There will be opportunities for public testimony. We will keep you informed of those opportunities and further developments through future member bulletins and web posts on fcachiro.org. Thank you to all who have already stepped up to testify and submit written comments in opposition. And thank YOU for your past and present membership, convention attendance and use of online learning opportunities through ChiroLearn that make possible every effort on your behalf. We will endeavor always to provide the services and CE opportunities you need and want within the confines of the resources you contribute.

The FCA again shone a bright light on chiropractic at the 75th Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference in Orlando, where some 3,600 industry professionals gathered to learn the latest in industry trends and solutions. The FCA exhibited and sponsored a breakout session on “Innovative Results-Driven Approach to Reducing Frequency and Severity of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s) With Chiropractic Care” with instructors Chad Henricksen, D.C. and Lisa Rosenau.

Dr. Henricksen conveyed his message about the positive results from preventive and chiropractic care and Lisa Rosenau brought home her organization’s use of an employees’ onsite preventive care system and the significant cost-saving factors that have resulted.

FCA staff and Workers’ Compensation Committee volunteers – Drs. Dan Dodd, David Langheier, Jeffrey Solomon and Stephen Renick – came away with some good leads, and it was a good networking opportunity to both display and bring awareness to chiropractic, and to showcase the two speakers. Big thanks to FCA staff – Mollie Frawley, Dee Henley and Jennifer Durr – for their on-site participation and coordination prior to the event, and to our committee volunteers and speakers.

Prohibiting Unnecessary, Non-Urgent or Non-Emergency Procedures or Surgeries

and Broward County Administrator’s Emergency Order 20-01

The FCA continues to get questions on the Governor’s Executive Order from Friday since its last Bulletin.  The FCA interpretation of Executive Order 20-72 is that only medically unnecessary, non-urgent or non-emergency procedures or surgeries are prohibited.  This does NOT include chiropractic care.  The Governor’s latest Executive Order falls squarely in line with CMS’s announcement on March 15, 2020.  

• Elective or non-medically necessary surgical procedures;

• Surgical procedures that can be postponed without putting the patient’s immediate health, safety or well-being at risk;

• Medical procedures that would consume personal protective equipment, that can be postponed without putting the patient’s immediate health, safety or well-being at risk

The U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center have posted a notice about a malicious website related to the coronavirus.  The website pretending to be the live map for Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins University is circulating on the internet waiting for unwitting internet users to visit the website. Visiting the website infects the user with the AZORult trojan, an information stealing program which can exfiltrate a variety of sensitive data. It is likely being spread via infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, and social engineering. Furthermore, anyone searching the internet for a Coronavirus map could unwittingly navigate to this malicious website. 

We are advised that end users should be warned about this cybersecurity risk and security teams should blacklist any indicators associated with this specific threat. Read the actual notice here.

The FCA salutes ChiroHealthUSA, an FCA member benefit provider, for its outstanding effort to supply chiropractic-specific information to help you make your best patient care and business decisions during the COVID-19 crisis.  Today, CHUSA released an informative email announcement with links to business information and invitation to a free webinar to answer these important questions:

• What do I need to know about this pandemic?
• What should I do for my patients, my staff, and my practice?
• What is our clinic’s policy regarding disease control? Is it consistent with recommendations from OSHA?
• How should we train our staff?
• How does patient care change?
• Should we close our doors?
• What should we communicate to our communities/patients about our practice’s policy regarding COVID-19?

Here are a few common sense suggestions relating to office procedures for you to consider as you navigate the COVID-19 crisis.  We acknowledge with appreciation this wisdom from Dr. Art LeVine, FCA Past President: 

Here are some practical tools and links for you related to the coronavirus, including government and other chiropractice-specific resources, posters, etc.:

Current Interim Guidance from the CDC

Florida Dept. of Health COVID-19 Resource Toolkit (includes posters for your practice)

Healthcare Professionals:  Frequently Asked Questions

NCMIC’s How to Discuss Coronavirus with Patients

NCMIC’s Protect Your Practice from Coronavirus Info Security Risks  

NCMIC’s HIPAA Reminder COVID-19

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) is pleased to unveil its newest campaign, Optimizing Performance with Chiropractic Care.

According to the results of a Harris Poll survey commissioned by the Foundation, more than eight in 10 consumers (81%) believe chiropractic care is effective for professional and amateur athletes.

Speaking to the results of the survey, this new campaign will feature a number of professional athletes communicating their own positive experiences with chiropractic care in a series of poster, social media clips and personal statements. 

Through July 2020, the Foundation will showcase one professional athlete’s story per month to help build momentum leading up until the airing of its brand-new :30 second chiropractic TV commercial, set to air five times on NBC during the 2020 Summer Olympics. 

These new resources are available to Foundation members to utilize in their practices and local communities to educate their patients about the value of chiropractic care for professional and amateur athletes. 

For athletes, chiropractic care helps to reduce the risk of injuries and improve health and performance through enhancements in range of motion, flexibility, balance, muscle strength and other key factors.

Download the Poster

Pain Medicine published an insightful study on the “Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain” today.  The study explored whether “utilization of nonpharmacological pain management may prevent unnecessary use of opioids.” 

Toronto, June 5, 2019 – The World Health Organization has published a paper in its Bulletin that warns of the risks of over-medicalizing the management of low back pain, instead advocating care that chiropractors are highly qualified to provide.

The FCA board of directors has voted unanimously to sign on in support of ACA’s open letter to Congress urging equality for chiropractors and their patients.  The letter supports a bill (H.R. 7157) introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that will allow chiropractors to practice to the full extent of their licensure in Medicare. This legislation represents important progress for ACA’s efforts to expand access to chiropractic services to America’s seniors. The open letter will be used by ACA lobbyists to demonstrate to Congress the profession’s unity of support for equality for chiropractors and their patients.  Continue reading to access the letter in its entirety.

In the letter, U.S. House members are challenged to positively consider H.R. 7157, “which will ensure seniors have access to all services in Medicare that chiropractors are licensed to provide.”

Read the letter in its entirety.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018, Tallahassee – Innovative legislation allowing health care providers to contract directly with patients and employers to provide primary care services without the traditional oversight of the Office of Insurance Regulation was signed into law by Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Friday. The new law, the result of a bill sponsored by Rep. Danny Burgess (R-San Antonio), includes chiropractic physicians among the providers authorized to enter into these agreements. It becomes law on July 1, 2018.

(From an ACA Release, 4:14pm on Friday, March 23, 2018) The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) announced today that Congress, with the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, has approved a plan to expand access to chiropractic’s nondrug approach to pain relief to veterans, many of whom suffer from back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions resulting from their service. 

The Senate voted 65-32 to approve the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending package early Friday, less than 24 hours ahead of what would have been a government shutdown. The vote follows House passage, and the bill now heads to the president’s desk for his signature. 

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ – January 9, 2018 –The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a leading voice in the chiropractic profession, points to an analysis of a national survey recently published in the journal, SPINE. This analysis examines the prevalence, patterns and predictors of chiropractic utilization in the U.S. general population, and reports a substantial proportion of U.S. adults utilized chiropractic services with positive outcomes for overall well-being and/or specific health problems.

The report acknowledges that “current CMS reimbursement policies, as well as health insurance providers and other payers, create barriers to the adoption of these strategies.”

Read the report.

The fight against the National Opioid Epidemic continues. With new research and changes in treatment guidelines, we have come a long way. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as chiropractic care and acupuncture, are making their way to the top of the list for care and pain management. A recent U.S. News & World Report article addresses the progress, the shift that is coming, and the remaining barriers to overcome.

In a recent release cited by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), Maine Attorney General Janet Mills described the opioid epidemic as “the preeminent public health crisis of our time” and stated: “The attorneys general contend that incentives that promote use of non-opioid therapies will encourage medical providers to consider physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care and non-opioid medications, instead of narcotic drugs.”  The attorneys general urged insurers to review their coverage and payment policies as the starting point for focusing on incentive structures across the insurance industry.  Read their September 18 letter.

UPDATE 9/15/2017:  CE certificates for The National 2017 have been generated and will be mailed next week.  FCA Members can access their certificates now by logging in and clicking “CE Certificates” in the User Menu.

Make sure your business and home are prepared with these prevention and safety resources provided by The National Federation of Independent Business/Florida. The FCA is a proud member of NFIB.  Read on for valuable tips and links and after-storm services the FCA hopes to provide as soon as power and communication ability are available.

If you would like to assist colleagues in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey with donations of equipment or supplies, please contact the Texas Chiropractic Association.

60 FCA members gathered this morning to receive an update on chiropractic issues before meeting throughout the day with Florida legislators about issues of importance to chiropractic. 

If you have been keeping up with the FCA Bulletins and web posts, you are aware that the FCA is and has been supportive of online chiropractic CE hours. FCA General Counsel Paul Lambert has testified to that effect before the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine (BOCM) on two occasions.  The FCA is also keenly aware the words “contact classroom hours” are in the chiropractic CE statute and recent legal counsels to the BOCM prior to the current counsel have advised them that a statutory change would be necessary in order for the BOCM to adopt a rule providing for online CEs. This fact has been mentioned by Mr. Lambert, former BOCM members and even a former BOCM Counsel – in public testimony.

Alternative groups have misrepresented the FCA position in various emails, in an apparent attempt to paint the FCA as obstructionist, when the FCA has publicly testified in favor of online CEs at two earlier BOCM meetings and is actually gearing up to offer online CEs. Last week, and contrary to a recent, alternative group’s email message (“What Was Lambert Thinking”), Paul Lambert of the FCA did NOT provide any testimony at the most recent Board of Chiropractic Medicine meeting, as there was nothing to add to earlier testimony in support of online CE’s.

As stated in the 3 prior FCA Bulletins, the FCA DOES SUPPORT online CEs and there has been testimony before the Board to that effect.  However, the FCA is aware that failure to follow the proper process – amending the statute to provide for online CEs – could merely delay the inception of online CEs.  Why?  Because all rules promulgated by licensing boards are reviewed by the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC) and can be found to be invalid as contrary to statute.

BOCM Moves Toward Adoption of Online CE Rule

On Friday of last week, the Board of Chiropractic Medicine voted favorably to move forward in the rulemaking process to include 10 hours of online CE hours per biennium.  The BOCM also voted favorably to make certain the CE hours would include Secure online-training, in the form of SCORM communication – Shareable Content Object Reference Model – so that the online CE hours would be monitored similarly to the contact/in person hours. The BOCM directed Staff to start drafting a Rule which will be discussed in the next, January 27, 2017, BOCM meeting. After a rule is adopted, it will receive JAPC review.

Dr. Patrick Gentempo is back by popular demand to help you re-discover your passion for what you do every day to serve mankind. Hear what inspires him to continue to serve chiropractic in an ever increasing way, in this revealing conversation with Dr. Fab Mancini.

Learn more about Dr. Gentempo’s personal experience with chiropractic and its profound impact in his life, leading him to his unique purpose.

See him at The National 2016. 

Choose from 80 hours of classes and 30 top instructors to create your own individual, inspiring experience at the upcoming SE Regional by FCA.  View this invitation from Dr. Fab Mancini, describing the many options available to you and your staff for information and better success.

The FCA has already reported on the recent action by the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine to pursue legislation authorizing the acceptance of some online CE’s for chiropractic license renewal in Florida. Naysayers are still vilifying the BOCM for not making a change by board rule. Based upon the continued spread of misinformation as to the Board’s ability to change existing Florida law and the FCA’s position on online CE’s, we are again clarifying.

USF launches $1.3M study to test effectiveness of targeted exercise program in preventing back injury among Tampa Bay firefighters

The 13-month trial begins with Tampa Fire Rescue this month and will expand to fire departments in St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County 

(From the ACA Connects of July 29, 2015) ACA’s newest infographic features the results of a 2015 Spine study, led by Dr. Michael Schneider, demonstrating that manual-thrust manipulation led to greater short-term reductions in pain and disability than medical care. The study found that 94 percent of low back pain sufferers had a 30 percent reduction in pain at week 4 when using manual-thrust manipulation, performed by chiropractic physicians, while only 56 percent of those using medical care (OTCs, NSAIDs & physical activity) had a 30 percent reduction in pain at week 4.

DC’s registered for National Convention 2015 have access to attend a 12-hour module of the Chiropractic Internist Diplomate Program (DABCI) being offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with no additional fee. What a great way to learn more about the diplomate program, earn a few credits toward a DABCI, and polish your diagnostic skills, by attending this module on “Introduction to Chiropractic Internal Disorders & Functional  Medicine.” To take advantage of this option, check the box indicating your planned attendance of the DABCI module on your printed pre-registration form or in the online pre-registration process. While DC’s registered for the convention can attend individual classes, pre-registration selection of this DABCI option is recommended if you plan to attend the 12-hour module, as class seating is limited to 200.

To read more about the new Orlando Internist Diplomate class that is forming, check out the course brochure.

CARMICHAEL, Calif. – May 26, 2015 – The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the value of chiropractic care, announces the release of its landmark position paper, “The Growing Role of Doctors of Chiropractic in Corporate On-Site Clinics,” which reviews current industry trends, and articulates the role of chiropractic care to optimize clinical and financial management of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions among workforce populations. The paper was authored by industry luminaries Laura Carabello, principal, CPR Strategic Marketing Communications, Gerard Clum, DC, president emeritus, Life Chiropractic College West and director, The Octagon, Life University, and William Updyke, DC, leader, Physical and Complementary Medicine, LifeConnections Health Center, Cisco.

As cited in the white paper, Katelyn Johnson, Integrated Health manager, Cisco, says, “At Cisco’s LifeConnections’ Health Center, having doctors of chiropractic working closely with the medical team has helped reduce our musculoskeletal spend, and patients consistently give high patient satisfaction scores. The integrated care team of chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists is critical to achieve our Patient Centered Medical Home model.”

Doctors of chiropractic are well trained and positioned as the first option for drug-free, non-invasive, evidence-based and effective back and general neuro-musculoskeletal pain management. In the workplace, low back pain (LBP) ranks second to upper respiratory conditions as a stated cause for loss of work, and treatment costs in the U.S. exceed $50 billion a year, reports Archives of Internal Medicine.

The position paper highlights reports sharing the advantages – financial, clinical and patient satisfaction — of including chiropractic care at on-site corporate health clinics to address neuro-musculoskeletal conditions:

• On-site chiropractic services are associated with lower use and subsequent costs of radiology services, outpatient and emergency settings, and physical therapy, confirms the report, “Impact of Chiropractic Services at an On-Site Health Center.”
• Chiropractic care offered at on-site corporate health clinics may promote less use of costly health care services, while improving neuro-musculoskeletal function, according to an article in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
• Chiropractic patients with chronic LBP displayed greater improvement and satisfaction at the one-month marker than those treated by family physicians and more chiropractic patients (56 percent vs. 13 percent) reported that their LBP was better or much better, according to an article, “Patient characteristics, practice activities, and one-month outcomes for chronic, recurrent low-back pain treated by chiropractors and family medicine physicians: a practice-based feasibility study.”
• Chiropractic patients showed better outcomes, less use of opioids, and had fewer back surgeries, with lower expenses, according to the report, “Health Maintenance Care in Work-Related Low Back Pain and Its Association with Disability Recurrence.”
• Over 83 percent of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the level of chiropractic care, shared a survey by Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts.

According to co-author, Dr. William Updyke, “For many companies, neuro-musculoskeletal complaints are the top reason employees consult a health care provider. Evidence confirms that chiropractic care is an obvious primary treatment approach that is ideal within on-site corporate health clinics. Furthermore, chiropractic offers hands-on treatment and healthy lifestyle advice to help employees stay well, a growing interest of employers.”

In addition to inclusion as a specialty service, chiropractic care demonstrates great value as a core offering of the on-site clinic. The position paper notes that Standard Process, a manufacturer of whole-food nutritional supplements, employs this approach and has reported significant cost savings, high patient satisfaction with statistical and clinical advancement in employee health episodes and lower long-term health risks as a result.

To further demonstrate the variety of inclusion arrangements, the paper surveyed a panel of doctors of chiropractic with varying levels of involvement and experience at on-site corporate health clinics:

• Doug Endel, DC, clinic chiropractor, Modern Medical, Inc.
• Blake Howard, DC, clinic chiropractor, Take Care Health Center
• Curt Krause, DC, clinic chiropractor, Healthe Clinic, Cerner Corporation
• Daniel Lord, DC, director of chiropractic services, Facebook
• Mindy Mar, DC, chiropractor and physical rehabilitation specialist, ViaSat
• William Updyke, DC, leader, Physical and Complementary Medicine, LifeConnections Health Center, Cisco

In the coming years, experts predict that on-site corporate health clinics will grow at a rate of 15-20 percent per year. Laura Carabello, strategic advisor, F4CP, and co-author, says, “Employers are wise to hire the right mix of providers – those who provide cost-effective, quality care. As the sector gains sophistication, I expect chiropractic will become a well-respected service offered at most on-site clinics.”

About Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress informs and educates the general public about the many benefits associated with chiropractic care. To learn more about the Foundation, please visit www.yes2chiropractic.org or call 866-901-F4CP (3427).

Enjoy this 2-minute video with authorities from around the country relaying the value of SecureCare to create change.

View the video of Dr. Bill Bruening, President, SecureCare Board of Directors

Sign up Now!  

Download the revised “sample notice to patients” here.

Remember, as with any contract and especially with one that is binding for a period of time, the FCA strongly recommends that you review the entirety of any contract before you sign it.  We are informed that the details with the ASH contract will be found in the Client Summary Agreement and/or the Provider Services Agreement.  Do NOT presume that any Agreement signed with Cigna will be the same binding contract with Florida Blue.

Concussions from blast injuries cause mild traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the signature injuries suffered on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan. The CBC is internationally known for its work with patients who have suffered concussions and regularly takes care of celebrity athletes and Olympians from around the world. Dr. Frederick R Carrick, the Director of Research at CBC presented the findings at the December 2014 meeting of Harvard Medical School’s GCSRT program in London, England. Carrick said that “we wanted to see how effective our treatments with professional athletes would work with PTSD patients that have suffered combat related traumatic brain injuries and we are excited with our results.”

The study involved 98 combat veterans, the majority of them special forces personnel who suffered from PTSD. The published results demonstrated that the outcomes of this treatment are of great benefit to combat veterans with PTSD. “The treatment time is only 2 weeks and major changes in the lives of our veterans were demonstrated by observing a strong statistically significant decrease in the severity scores measured by the Gold Standard DSM-IV CAPS PTSD scores” says Carrick. Dr. Carrick notes that the study is a pilot or first step study. Carrick says “It was important for us to find out if our novel treatment approach had merit before we started the randomized placebo controlled trials that are necessary in clinical science. And it worked better than we hypothesized and now that we have published our pilot study, we are proceeding with other investigations that will give us the scientific clarity we will need to understand PTSD and its best treatments.”

Researchers at the Carrick Brain Centers in Dallas, Texas are continuing their investigations into brain injury and PTSD with current registered clinical studies. Kara Williams, the Director of Veteran’s Affairs at the CBC coordinates the processing and treatment of our country’s veterans with a dedication and passion that is seen by her tireless attention to our heroes. Williams says “The CBC research study published in Frontiers Public Health Journal is an important step in allowing our veterans to live better lives, they are excited and so are we. Our study demonstrated that the veterans with the worst level of PTSD suffering did the best and all of our subjects had PTSD that was not helped by other treatments”. Frontiers journal has recently won the Gold Prize and prestigious Innovation in Publishing Award issued by the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) that acknowledges the best innovators in the scholarly publishing industry.

The FCA received the following notice from American Specialty Health on February 4, 2015:

“Florida Blue and American Specialty Health (ASH) are launching the new program April 1st, 2015. Following Florida’s notice to their contracted network last November, American Specialty Health has been in communication with chiropractors throughout Florida in preparation for the program effective date.

For Non-participating ASH providers that have questions regarding network participation, they can call 1-800-972-4226 option 5. ASH has several representatives available to assist with the credentialing process between now and the effective date.

For providers who already participate with ASH, notice and communications have been sent to all contracted practitioners. Please refer to your ASHLink message center or your designated communication preference if you’re not using ASHLink for details. If you have any questions about the new program with Florida Blue or any other payors, you can contact ASH at 1-800-972-4226 option 2 and speak to a Customer Service Agent.”

FCA’s 2015 Convention lineup will offer attendees a special opportunity to participate in an Athletic TIPS™ certification seminar, sponsored by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP). This eight-hour seminar, approved for continuing education credit, will be offered four (4) hours on Saturday and four (4) hours on Sunday, as another exciting Panhandle Convention  educational option at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort. See the Quick Glance Planner  for details as to specific class times.

Athletic TIPS™ certification seminars empower doctors to effectively conduct community workshops on the following topics:

1. Preventing Dehydration and Heat-related Conditions
2. Nutrition in Sports Management
3. Recognizing, Managing and Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries
4. Concussion Recognition and Prevention

Please visit the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress website to review the REQUIREMENTS of being a TIPS-Certified Instructor

F4CP Website

Athletic TIPS™ provides doctors with all the materials needed:
  – TIPS™ Playbook to guide you on scheduling workshops year-round in your own community.
  – Slide shows, scripts and materials for presentations at each community workshop that you schedule … at a school, recreation center or other local setting.
  – Turnkey marketing program, which includes public relations support for every community workshop you schedule – including resources for social media, press releases and media outreach. Athletic TIPS™ does the work on your behalf.

Through participation, YOU have an opportunity to become an expert thought leader in your community and further build your practice. Seminar attendance is limited to 100 doctors of chiropractic on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss out!

ASH Misreported December 24, 2014 Opt-out Date

If you are a “Par Provider” with American Specialty Health Group (“ASH”) through your contract with ASH and Cigna or another carrier, please read further.

Earlier this month, the Florida Chiropractic Association provided its members written and email notices of the important 12/24 deadline to opt-out of the Florida Blue network products being managed by American Specialty Health Group (“ASH”) as of April 1, 2015.  ASH informed the FCA and Florida Blue of this deadline on December 2, during a face-to-face meeting in Jacksonville, FL. 

Today we learned through Florida Blue that ASH never sent “Par Providers” notice of the Provider Services Agreement and/or Client Summaries and/or Fee Schedules on the date it had reported they were sent.  FCA member complaints brought this misinformation to light after “Par Providers” (those in network with CIGNA already managed by ASH) were unable to obtain fee schedules and the Client Summary with UM restrictions which would allow Par Providers to make an informed decision.  Thank you to those members who reported your difficulties to the FCA.

As of this date, we are now told that the new expected mailing date for the Client Services Agreement and Fee Schedules for Par Providers is mid-February.  If you are already an ASH provider, you will have 30 days from that mailing to Opt-Out of the ASH/Florida Blue Network.  THEREFORE, NO ACTION IS REQUIRED BY DECEMBER 24, 2014.

For questions on fee schedules, Utilization Management issues, the ASH Tier system, the ASH Medical Necessity Review program, the ASH Peer Review process, ASH’s 180 Clinical Peer Reviewed Guidelines, or any other ASH-specific questions, please contact ASH directly at 888.511.2743, option 1.

As with any contract and especially with one that is binding for a period of time, the FCA strongly recommends that you review the entirety of any contract before you sign it.  The details with the ASH contract will be found in the Client Summary Agreement and/or the Provider Services Agreement.  Do NOT presume that any Agreement signed with Cigna will be the same binding contract with Florida Blue.

Should you wish to receive Text Alerts of important news and deadlines, please send an email to admin@kuhl.chiro.kuhlmedia.com  with your name and cell phone number.

We emphasize that the antitrust laws require that each member/DC make his or her own individual decision whether or not to join the ASH/Florida Blue network without consultation or discussion with any other member/DC and without informing any other member/DC whether he or she intends to participate in the network or not.  Likewise, we cannot provide you with any recommendation.  Each practice must make its own decision based on its individual best interest and that of its patients.  The FCA will continue to gather information and keep members informed as this transition proceeds.  Additional information is available on the FCA web site  and questions may be addressed to the FCA Help Desk Coordinator, Mollie Frawley, R.N., at insurance@kuhl.chiro.kuhlmedia.com .

“The vast diversity of speakers and topics …”

“Things were well organized and easy flowing.”

“Meeting friends and the expo …”

“Free food and free stuff!”

“It was ALL enjoyable!”

“Everything: Lectures, free coffee & drinks, the expo.”

“Adding Dr. Mancini …”

“Organization.”

“New information.”

“Evening cocktails, the free lunch on Friday with motivational speakers …”

“Plenty of vendors to see and products I don’t get to see otherwise …”

“New information!”

“The inspiration you get!”

“Seeing old friends … All the options of lectures!”

“That there were diplomate classes offered.”

“Very informative and well organized.”

“Size and quality of material.”

“Speed and efficiency of checking in/out for classes/attendance.”

“All of it … Great educators!”

“The venue … Options, location, products.”

“It is definitely well worth attending!”

Thanks to your suggestions, next year’s National promises to be bigger and better than ever. We’ll see you August 27-30, 2015 at the Hyatt!

The Washington Post yesterday posted on its website an article on neck manipulation and stroke (“How Safe Are the Vigorous Neck Manipulations Done by Chiropractors?”).

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has drafted a response that will be shared with theWashington Post editors today.

ACA has also posted an ad on its website home page and patients landing page that directs people who may have read the article to more information about the safety of neck manipulation.

Concerned Patients

As a result of the Washington Post article, there may be additional coverage of the purported risk of stroke from neck manipulation in national or local media. Some patients may come into your office concerned about having their neck adjusted.

To help doctors of chiropractic talk to their patients about the issue, ACA has prepared a Web page with several helpful resources, including research studies that demonstrate the safety of chiropractic, related articles, patient fact sheets and links to other educational tools. Key messages are also available that can help you touch on important facts during your discussions with patients. You’ll find all these resources at www.acatoday.org/resources.

Additional information on informed consent can be found at www.acatoday.org/informedconsent. ACA supports and encourages DCs to help patients understand any proposed course of treatment and, by doing so, foster shared decision making.

Dealing with the Media

If you are contacted by a media organization regarding chiropractic and the purported risk of stroke or regarding the issue of informed consent, please know that ACA is willing to assist in any way possible. ACA’s media spokespeople are well prepared to answer questions regarding the risk of serious injury following cervical manipulation or the practice of informed consent. In addition, ACA staff members can provide media with copies of important research and statistics. To contact the Communications Department, e-mail communications@acatoday.org or call (703) 812-0259.

· Summit Promotes Drug-Free Approach: The drug issue is a non-issue because no chiropractic organization in the Summit promotes the inclusion of prescription drug rights and all chiropractic organizations in the Summit support the drug-free approach to health care.

· Summit Supports the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE): The Summit fully supports the continued recognition of CCE. Even though there are some issues of concern remaining, such as CCE’s governance model, many good things have occurred the last couple of years. In addition, CCE has agreed to carefully review governance models for possible improvements beginning in 2014 in connection with the Summit Roundtable.

In addition, the Summit voted unanimously to reaffirm its support of CCE before the Department of Education’s (DOE) National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) this December.

· Marketing Language: After multiple focus groups, the following marketing language was passed: The Summit acknowledges the concepts of spinal health and well-being as credible marketing messages and we encourage further efforts to refine and test such efforts.

“I am proud to say today that after much time, effort and energy, the Summit partner organizations—representing the leadership of our profession—have come to an agreement on the long divisive issue on drugs,” said Summit chair Lewis J. Bazakos, MS, DC. “This truly was an historic meeting.”

First convened in September 2007, the Chiropractic Summit represents leadership from some 40 organizations within the profession. The Summit meets regularly to collaborate, seek solutions and support collective action to address challenges with the common goal of advancing chiropractic. For more information about the Summit and its leadership, visit www.chirosummit.org.

Chiropractic Summit Member Organizations

Conservative Care First! educates the public on why a conservative approach to pain management and health enhancement is both sensible and effective. Start promoting NCHM 2014 in your office today.

Chiropractic:  Why Choose Conservative Care First?

View the video.

Read the issue brief – “Conservative Care First:  A Strategy to Reduce the Cost of Health Care.” 

Tampa, FL (September 3, 2014) The University of South Florida’s John Mayer, DC, PhD, recently received a $1.3 million Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance of Firefighters grant — an award that will help build upon cumulative research evaluating the effectiveness of targeted exercise programs to reduce the risk of low back pain and disability in firefighters. The grant total includes a 5 percent extramural funding match from the Florida Chiropractic Research Foundation.

Dr. Mayer is the Lincoln Endowed Chair of Biomechanical & Chiropractic Research and Coordinator of Research for the USF School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine. The new funding supports the third phase of an ongoing FEMA-funded research project investigating the link between poor back muscular fitness and low back pain in firefighters and ultimately identifying exercise interventions that would be safe and effective in helping prevent low back injury and illness in this at risk population.

For the latest study, a full-scale randomized controlled prevention trial, USF will partner with the Tampa Bay region’s three largest fire departments, employing a total of 2,000 firefighters: Tampa Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. The researchers will compare the clinical effectiveness of two intervention groups – one receiving a directly supervised exercise regimen at the fire station and the other receiving the same exercise regimen only as a web-based, remote interaction – with a control group.

A smaller randomized controlled trial conducted by Dr. Mayer and colleagues published online earlier this year in the American Journal of Health Promotion demonstrated that a two-time a week, 24-week supervised exercise program targeting back and core muscles in firefighters was safe and effective. Firefighters in the supervised exercise program experienced 12 percent and 21 percent greater gains in back and core muscular endurance, respectively, than did firefighters performing the usual physical fitness regimen (control group).

Back injuries are the leading cause of permanent disability and early retirement among firefighters, who in their physically demanding jobs often carry more than 50 pounds of protective gear, haul heavy fire hoses, and lift and maneuver stretchers around tight corners or contort themselves to extract accident victims from cars.

“Our research thus far indicates that worksite exercise training for back and core muscles is a potentially useful countermeasure to reduce risk of low back pain in firefighters,” Dr. Mayer said.

-USF Health-

USF Health’s mission is to envision and implement the future of health. It is the partnership of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Biomedical Sciences and the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences; and the USF Physician’s Group. The University of South Florida is a Top 50 research university in total research expenditures among both public and private institutions nationwide, according to the National Science Foundation. For more information, visit www.health.usf.edu

Here’s the actual feedback from a sampling of the 2,500 attendees at last weekend’s FCA National Convention when asked, “What did you enjoy best about this convention?”

“The vast diversity of speakers and topics …”

“Things were well organized and easy flowing.”

“Meeting friends and the expo …”

“Free food and free stuff!”

“It was ALL enjoyable!”

“Everything: Lectures, free coffee & drinks, the expo.”

“Adding Dr. Mancini …”

“Organization.”

“New information.”

“Evening cocktails, the free lunch on Friday with motivational speakers …”

“Plenty of vendors to see and products I don’t get to see otherwise …”

“New information!”

“The inspiration you get!”

“Seeing old friends … All the options of lectures!”

“That there were diplomate classes offered.”

“Very informative and well organized.”

“Size and quality of material.”

“Speed and efficiency of checking in/out for classes/attendance.”

“All of it … Great educators!”

“The venue … Options, location, products.”

“It is definitely well worth attending!”

Positive comments continue about the DOT Training recently offered at the FCA Spring Convention.  In response to member requests, additional opportunities will be offered at the upcoming FCA Summer Convention, June 13-16 in Boca Raton, and at FCA’s granddaddy National Convention, August 22-25 in Orlando.   These will be the same low-cost opportunities offered at FCA Spring Convention.  DOT classes will take place on Thursday afternoon (1-5pm) and Friday (8am-12Noon, continued 1-5pm), with an included marketing workshop at 6pm on Thursday at both locations.   

Online registration will be available soon for the Boca/June offering or, to register extra-early, you can already access the printable registration form.   DOT Training options appear at the bottom of the form.  Act early to enjoy the beautiful, historic luxury of the Boca Raton Hotel & Club for best rates as low as $150, with discounted resort fee included.  A limited number of rooms is available at these bargain rates.  Call (888) 557-6375 to make your reservation today. 

On August 24, 2013 at the Florida Chiropractic Association (FCA) National Convention in Orlando, Florida, Christine Goertz, DC, PhD was awarded the 2013 Lincoln Research Prize for Chiropractic and Biomechanics. Among the outstanding nominees for the Prize, Dr. Goertz was selected for demonstrating excellence in clinical research completed during the years of 2010-2012 that most significantly contributed to the body of knowledge and also directly impacted patient care.

The Prize was founded by its three sponsors, the Florida Chiropractic Foundation for Education & Research (FCF), Lincoln Chiropractic College Education & Research Fund (LCERF), and FCA, along with the Lincoln Endowed Research Chair at the University of South Florida, in order to bring attention to chiropractic research and build the image of chiropractic in the scientific research community worldwide. The Prize is awarded to an individual who demonstrates the most outstanding research productivity in patient-oriented, epidemiological, and health outcomes research related to chiropractic care. At $20,000, the Lincoln Research Prize is the largest research prize in the chiropractic profession. The annual Lincoln Research Prize was awarded to Dr. Scott Haldeman in 2011 and Dr. Gert Bronfort in 2012.

During the past three years, Dr. Goertz was the lead scientist on several large federal research grants studying the effectiveness of chiropractic care.

This relationship – vital to the development of humans and ultimately how well we function as adults – has a broad effect on frequency of injury, degeneration of the skeleton, organ function, brain function, breathing, the metabolism of glucose and sleep.  Dr. Murphy will describe the history of how this knowledge was obtained, evaluate the case management of one frozen shoulder case, and review the developing theory of why this discovery and technique can demonstrate such remarkable results.

                One DC who attended Dr. Murphy’s seminar last weekend in Canada experienced this technique and stated that “Dr. Murphy has a very specific and particular adjustment that is like no other occipital adjustment and has effects on the nervous system like no other occipital adjustment I have ever had performed on me. I believe that every chiropractor needs to learn this technique as it is not only important but literally ESSENTIAL for … patients to have this subluxation removed or their nervous system can in no way perform optimally.” 

                This is one of many unique, first-time educational offerings at the FCA Summer Convention, June 13-16 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.  We thank the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress for sponsoring Dr. Murphy’s presentation, along with Saturday morning presentations on “Secrets of the Game:  Raise the bar-lower the Risk” and “What Superstar Athletes can Teach you about Health, Peak Performance and Getting Paid” by Spencer Baron, D.C., DABCSP, sports chiropractor for the Miami Dolphins.  Seating for these presentations is limited to 200, so, come early for guaranteed seating.

                To help FCA convention attendees positions themselves as posture experts, Summer Convention will feature “Posture Practice Protocols” – including up to 12 hours of the live classroom course work that can lead to eventual certification as a “Posture Exercise Professional (CPEP).” Each stand-alone class will be taught by Dr. Weiniger, whose personal goal is to help his individual colleagues and the profession as a whole to position themselves and chiropractic as the “posture experts” nationwide. He is working with the FCA to make this valuable information more accessible and affordable for FCA members and convention attendees and their staff teams.

Offered at each FCA convention this year and sponsored by Performance Health/Biofreeze, Prossage, Thera-Band Products, these classes are open to DCs and CAs who register for the convention on a first come, first served basis.  There is no extra charge to attend these classes; so, come and learn about posture practice. Body Zone will be offering discounts exceeding 40% for FCA members who take their classroom hours at FCA conventions and sign up for the full certification, which includes 15 hours of online coursework, 3 hours of Posture Practice Management training, and materials for study, training and practice implementation. Here is what one doctor had to say about it:

“I have attended 2011 and 2012 Panhandle Convention classes presented by Dr. Weiniger and Body Zone. I was able to take the information from his classes, go into my office on Monday and immediately make significant life and health changes with every single patient. The program was easy to implement and after 30 years of practice I finally found an “exercise program” that the patients saw immediate results and are compliant with … and are willing to pay for. I have attended the complete certification program and would not hesitate to recommend it to others.” – Anita Kelley-Dukes, D.C.

(From ACA “Week In Review” of 05/23/2013)  Illinois-based newspaper the Journal Star recently posted an article about chiropractic during pregnancy to its Healthy Habits blog. The post cites research from the Journal of Manipulative Physiologic Therapy which found that 84 percent of pregnant women reported relief of back pain during pregnancy after receiving chiropractic services.

Chiropractic Physicians Provide Natural Alternatives for Pain Treatment, Injury Prevention

                (From an ACA News Release of May 8, 2013 – Arlington, Va.)  An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests patients try chiropractic services for the treatment of low back pain. According to the article, surgery is not usually needed and should only be considered if more conservative therapies fail. The information in JAMA reinforces the American Chiropractic Association’s (ACA) position that conservative care options should serve as a first line of defense against pain. 

Dr. Weiniger will be teaching Posture Practice Protocols next week at the FCA Spring Convention. Class attendees will learn a logical framework to document baseline posture, chart changes and correlate functional asymmetry with other findings to document the link between progressive active care and improvements in functional ability. These protocols empower patients to be posture-aware with a simple photo and then retrain motion with low-tech exercises to help them move pain- free and to increasingly value chiropractic in order to move well. Posture exercises correlate with Five Posture Principles to align the chiropractic message with what people hear in other parts of their lives for: Teens with the BackPack Slump, computer workers with forward head posture-induced neck and shoulder pain, athletes seeking the competitive edge of biomechanical efficiency and boomers who want to age well.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal on Saturday posted a lengthy story on chiropractic team physician activities by Palmer grads and interns . The story, entitled “Palmer grads tackle sports chiropractic field,” reported on Dr. Michael Miller, team chiropractor for the New England Patriots, and covered sports chiropractic care in general, including work by other Palmer alums and locally through doctors and student interns with the Palmer Port Orange campus. Mentioned were the USTA (United States Tennis Association) Florida in Daytona Beach; the National Collegiate Athletic Association; Daytona Cubs; and the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association).

To All My Friends And Colleagues,

As most of you already know, my mother, Eileen Perman, lost her battle with cancer on August 13th. She was so much a part of chiropractic in Florida for over 30 years, running FCA’s Auxiliary for a remarkable three decades, accompanying my father, Dr Bill, and attending every meeting during his nine-years of service on the State Board of Chiropractic Medicine, and finally being appointed herself to serve on the State Board as its consumer member, a position she held for years until her passing.

When she was laid to rest on August 16th, we had a private, tearful, graveside ceremony. But my dad, brother Dennis, and I knew that many whose lives mom had touched would want to pay their respects, so we will be having a memorial event, not to further grieve, but rather to celebrate a remarkable woman and an extraordinary life that was truly dedicated to giving and helping others.

That event will be on Sunday, Sept. 9th, at 3:00 PM at the Riverside-Gordon Memorial Chapel, located at 7205 W. Atlantic Ave in Delray Beach, FL 33446 Click Here For More Infomation 

Anyone and everyone who wishes to attend is welcome and if they so desire, say a few words. Please DO NOT send flowers or food. Those who wish to make a charitable gesture in mom’s memory can make a tax-free donation to the Florida Chiropractic Foundation, earmarked for the Eileen Perman Memorial Scholarship which I have just established. The scholarship money will be used to help a deserving, Florida-resident Chiropractic student, since education was absolutely one of my mom’s highest values.

We fully realize that not everyone who knew and loved Eileen can participate in person or through a contribution, so our family would be very happy if on the afternoon of Sept. 9th, you would just take a moment and remember mom and how selflessly she devoted her life to her family, friends, the profession, and the public we serve. Your prayers and positive thoughts are greatly appreciated. 

On behalf of my dad, Dr. Bill, my brother, Dr. Dennis, our wives, the grandchildren, and the entire Perman family, thank you for sympathies, love and support. God bless you all.

Sincerely,
Steve Perman, DC
Member, FL House of Representatives