Category Archives: Chiropractic News

How to Be a Health Patriot – Don’t Be a Colonialist!

Posted on by
Reply

July 4th weekend is coming up, and here in the United States, it’s a pretty big deal.

It should be.

July 4 is Independence Day, a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. It was ratified on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.

Reading the Declaration of Independence and the history of how it came about is sobering. Times were very rough, and those who worked and fought for independence were brave and sacrificed a great deal.

Britain had established colonies in North America. And as enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, they treated the people in these colonies unjustly.

A colony is defined as: “an area over which a foreign nation or state extends or maintains control.” It seems to me that big corporations have captured healthcare institutions, both private and public. And therefore, healthcare has been colonized.

Every year, especially these last few years, I think of you and your dedicated staff – chiropractors and other independent healthcare practices – like the revolutionaries of 1776.

You are the HEALTH PATRIOTS, and so are your teams and your patients. I recommend that you take some time, now and then, to acknowledge this. It’s an honor but also a responsibility.

“The Rights of the Colonists” is a 1772 essay by Samuel Adams (not the beer lol!), a Bostonian revolutionary leader. He wrote:

It is in the interest of tyrants to reduce the people to ignorance and vice. For they cannot live in any country where virtue and knowledge prevail.*

I suggest one of the best methods of growing your practice is through education. Teach your patients, your team, and seek knowledge yourself. Give them your wisdom, your experience, and help them become independent and, ultimately, interdependent.

Use your table talk, personal newsletters, thorough report of findings AND progress reports, and heck, even the old fashioned spinal care classes.

We are awash in corporate marketing and influence. * Fight colonialism through education and question everything. And encourage your patients and team to do the same.

All of us at PM&A want to thank you for your courage and generous care of your patients and community.

Respectfully, let’s Seize the Future! (Carpe Futurum!)

Ed

ALSO, seize my book The Goal Driven Business. Almost free! ($8.00) for the next 2 weeks. ($3.00 for Kindle version.) Plus, you will receive 10 practice-building tools to grow and develop your practice. If the information in the book is applied, you WILL increase your profit, improve your service… and achieve greater freedom. Buy a bunch and give them to your colleagues. Let’s help more people!

The photo above is taken in the Boston Public Garden next to the Boston Common with a statue of George Washington behind me. The Boston Common was used as a training ground for colonial militias and served as a gathering place for political rallies and public gatherings during the pre-revolutionary period. It is also close to Lexington and Concord where “The Shot Heard Round the World” occurred on April 19, 1775. I was sightseeing before I attended RFK, Jr.’s announcement nearby for his run for President. RFK, Jr. said that this is one of the reasons he picked this location to announce his presidency — which he did on April 19, 2023.

References:

Pharmaceutical companies spend around 68% of their $30 billion ( a year) medical marketing budget on persuading medical professionals of the benefits of their prescription drugs, with the largest payer being Bristol-Myers Squibb https://www.fiercepharma.com/special-reports/top-10-pharma-drug-brand-ad-spenders-2022 According to Vivvix

The pharmaceuticals and health products industry in the United States spent about $373.74 million on lobbying efforts in 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/257364/top-lobbying-industries-in-the-us/ Statistica

Pharmaceutical companies contribute significantly to medical schools and hospitals for research grants and continuing medical education classes. Pharmaceutical and medical device company contributions accounted for 28% of continuing medical education funding in 2017. https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/pharma-medtech-spending-accounted-for-28-of-cme-funds-in-2017/528598/

Of Harvard’s 8,900 professors and lecturers, 1,600 admit that either they or a family member have had some kind of business link to drug companies — sometimes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars — that could bias their teaching or research. Additionally, pharma contributed more than $11.5 million to the school last year for research and continuing-education classes. 2008 https://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1883449,00.html

The U.S. taxpayer indirectly supports Big Pharma by funding research grants to universities and other institutions, which are used by pharmaceutical corporations to develop products to sell back to taxpayers. https://www.ineteconomics.org/perspectives/blog/us-tax-dollars-funded-every-new-pharmaceutical-in-the-last-decade

Samuel Adams (1906). “The Writings of Samuel Adams: 1770-1773” azquotes.com

Chiropractic Has Always Been Organic

Posted on by
Reply
 
Chiropractic has always been organic. Earth Day, goaldriven

You can improve your marketing by aligning your services with positive causes in society.

A fitting example occurs this time of year.

Earth Day is on April 22 (Saturday). It promotes a healthy planet and stands for protecting the earth’s natural resources for future generations.

Earth Day had several early separate beginnings but was finally pushed home by a senator from the great state of Wisconsin, also its former governor, Gaylord Nelson. The first Earth Day was in 1970 and “brought 20 million Americans out into the spring sunshine for peaceful demonstrations in favor of environmental reform.”

But Senator Nelson was also a proponent of natural health and fought for chiropractic.

In a statement to Congress in 1963, Nelson said, “Chiropractic has become increasingly accepted as a safe and effective form of health care…I believe it is time that Medicare beneficiaries be given the opportunity to receive the benefits of this form of health care.” Nelson’s efforts helped pave the way for chiropractic care to be included in Medicare in 1972.

If you distill it all down, it is all about health: a healthy planet and a healthy body, naturally.

People want this – your patients and your community. They want a healthy planet and a healthy body.

This may not be apparent because of advertising and corporate news. There is a relentless pitch to your patients and community to eat cheap bad food, that a toxic environment is no big deal (“move along, nothing to see here”), and that drug stores are health stores.

But despite the billions spent on promotion and lobbying for bad food, bad medicine, and covering up the poisoning of our planet, the innate (and tribal) wisdom of us all prevails. The sales of organic foods and health supplements are booming. The natural healthcare industry, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, and integrative health providers, continues to grow. And there is increasing concern about how pollution causes deaths and illnesses, not to mention climate change.

I bring this up for two (2) reasons:

Reason #1: Marketing: Chiropractic and Earth Day

By aligning your office with Earth Day, eco-conscious consumers who value natural and sustainable products and services will see your services as a desirable alternative to medical practices. You are the obvious choice as health doctors.

Years ago, we put together some posters and pins related to Natural Health Week, coinciding with Whole Earth Week and Earth Day. Some offices still use versions of them! (Link below.) You can do something similar this Friday, next week, or all month. For example:

  • Hand out seeds to grow vegetables in the backyard. Include a coupon for a family member or friend.

  • Support a local health food coop and bring in healthy muffins for your patients.

  • Create a community clean-up drive.

  • Partner with environmental and health organizations. You can share events, newsletters, and create allied relationships.

But there is another reason I bring this up.

Reason #2: This reason is BIG. It will have to wait till tomorrow,
Wednesday, April 19.

But please stay tuned!

See you Wednesday!

Ed

Link to Posters and References at our blog.

 

Will AI replace chiropractors? I asked AI.

Posted on by
Reply

AI robot in office setting typing. I ca-an adjust you no-w.

AI is all the rage. AI art, AI music, AI writing, and on and on.

These services are impressive. Manufactured-for-you newsletters, articles, art, and music. All done at relatively high quality.

AI could replace writers, artists, and musicians as it has with taxicab drivers with Lyft and Uber. Maybe it will soon replace truck drivers, computer coders, customer support specialists, media jobs, legal assistants, accountants, etc.

So, I wondered, how about chiropractors?

I asked a few AI-powered services about the future of chiropractic and how AI might affect chiropractors. Here is an example of one of the answers:

“Could AI replace chiropractors?

“According to the current research, AI is unlikely to replace chiropractors [3]. Chiropractors perform several tasks that require human capabilities, such as manipulating the spine and musculoskeletal system to treat patients, diagnosing health problems, and advising patients on recommended courses of treatment. However, AI can assist chiropractors in various ways [1]. AI can help with data management and analysis, providing insights for personalized care and health research. Moreover, AI can save time and money, allowing for more high-level tasks and automated back office work in a chiropractic clinic. It can help clinics put computer intelligence to work and improve patient journeys [2].

References: [1] Chiropractic application of artificial intelligence in medical … [2] Chiropractors Embrace Artificial Intelligence and Create … [3] Will “Chiropractor” be Automated or Replaced By Robots?

= = =

So, for now, I think you’re safe. But automation is increasing – exponentially.

In my book, the Goal Driven Business, I address this issue and refer to other scientists and authors who have studied the subject.

“Your Replacement is Being Shipped Now

“According to Richard and Daniel Susskind, the traditional professions will cease to exist in the state that we currently know them. In their very capable book, The Future of Professions, the authors state: “Whatever terminology is preferred, we foresee that, in the end, the traditional professions will be dismantled, leaving most (but not all) professionals to be replaced by less expert people and high-performing systems.” (Page 185)

= = =

Obviously, no machine is going to adjust patients any time soon.

But we have to be careful that we don’t substitute AI and automation for our personal care for our patients.

I recently talked to a chiropractic assistant about sending out birthday cards to patients. You, know, an actual card (postcard), hard copy, mailed. She couldn’t see the point. “Why not just send a text? It’s part of our automated program.” I pointed out that the text could be coming from an apartment in Nigeria, and your patient would never know the difference.

Nothing against texting, but our world is superficial and impersonal enough.

Here is my recommendation: AI, automation, and electric screwdrivers are all tools. Used correctly, they can help you provide better service. Used incorrectly, you can be persuaded to have automation take the place of you.

A pathetic example is the bulk chiropractic electronic newsletters you can buy as an automated service. I am all for newsletters, but these types of newsletters do not improve the communication between the doctor, the office, and the patients. They are just bland content.

This is why we help our clients send out their own newsletters to their patients.

AI and automation will never replace you if you utilize them as tools to improve your services, outcomes, and communication with your patients and patients to be.

Delegate and Automate
But Don’t Abdicate

Happy Spring(Autumn Down Under!)

Ed (Written by Ed Petty!)

Bruce Lipton and Physician Health Thyself

Posted on by
Reply
Edward Petty with Bruce Lipton, PhD GoalDriven.com petty Michel and associates

Edward Petty with Bruce Lipton, PhD – GoalDriven.com – Petty Michel and Associates

Why doctors should stay Innately positive and healthy

Chiropractic is more than a mechanical act to improve a patient’s health.

I remember years ago attending a Parker seminar when Dr. Jimmy was still alive and seeing a large drawing describing “Innate to Innate.” A concept I believe he may have learned from Thurmond Fleet who developed Concept Therapy.

Bruce Lipton, PhD, is a cellular biologist, has taught at University Wisconsin Medical school, at Stanford, as well as Life Chiropractic College West. I have heard him speak on several occasions, read his books (Biology of Belief) and consulted with him personally about my book (The Goal Driven Business.)

I think Dr. Lipton expresses the concept of Innate scientifically:

There’s a concept in quantum physics called “entanglement,” which is when one energy source entangles with another so that they interfere with each other. This interference can be positive and harmonious, as with energy healing, or it can be negative.

Physicist Amit Goswami published an article in a physics journal showing that entanglement affects people. He had two people meditate together and then separated them into two chambers where they couldn’t see or hear one another. When one person had a light strobed by his eye, it caused the firing of a certain frequency in the brain. Remarkably, at the same moment, the other person’s brain also fired, even though he never saw the light. This proves what we intuitively knew, that the energies of people can affect one another.

What Goswami’s study demonstrated is that when two people become entangled, one person will conform to the energy of the other person. When one of them is a healer whose cells are vibrating at a higher level, the client’s cells become entangled, and their energy is lifted. That’s why that old saying, “physician heal thyself,” is so important, even though most don’t understand it: If the physician’s energy is going to influence or, in scientific terms, “entrain” the patient’s, the doctor’s must be higher. (source on blog)

I have seen examples of this in many of my office visits over the years. You might have an interesting discussion with your staff at a team meeting about how the “vibes” of the office affect the patients.

Has anyone pulled a patient file and the patient suddenly called? Have you ever had a great team meeting the phones start to ring? Have you seen a patient improve just because you felt connected to them?

So, please stay healthy and stay positive, in alignment with your greater purposes and greater powers.

And pass it on.

😊

Ed

Lipton: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/healing-over-the-phone_b_1011510

 

Medicare Part B Premium Jumps Dramatically for 2022

Posted on by
Reply

stethescope on calculator Kiplinger recently shared information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reporting that Medicare Part B premiums will jump dramatically in 2022. An increase of 14.5% or $21.60 from 2021. Deductibles will also show an increase of $30.00 going to $233 in 2022.

The article goes on to say that Medicare Part A will also see an increase in deductibles.

Medicare claims “the increases were due in part to rising health care costs and higher utilization of health care services.”

They further stated, Aduhelm, a prescribed Alzheimers drug was also to blame.

To read the article in it’s entirety visit:
https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/603759/medicare-part-b-premium-jumps-dramatically-for-2022

The 2022 Medicare fee schedule has now been released for Wisconsin for 98940-42:

The Morale Virus: What doctors say and how they are combating it

Posted on by
Reply

Over the last few months, I have been noticing a particular phenomenon in offices that I don’t think I have seen before… maybe ever. It is like noticing a slight hand tremor that you never knew you had or a buzzing sound from outside that has become increasingly loud and annoying.

2020 was a long year, a stressful one. And you all have been in the thick of it. Daily, seeing more people in one day than most providers see in a week – or more.

My old football coach, Johnny Pappa from Davis, made a big impression on me as a young freshman when he said: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” In my then youthful life, I had never heard such profound words. They still apply – especially to you. You are tough!

But stoicism has its limits. The cognitive dissonance can finally get to you.

One doctor expressed to me extreme frustration about two young and very healthy patients, who exercised, got adjusted, ate well, took their vitamins, but decided to discontinue taking their outdoor walks for fear of COVID.

Another doctor, venting his dismay, told me that he couldn’t bear to watch the medical bureaucrats talk about masking and vaccinations as the only remedies to COVID when he knew of so many methods that have been demonstrated to ameliorate the virus. “People are frightened and told to stay at home, don’t socialize, wear a mask if you go out, and wait for the vaccine. That’s it? That’s all you got for people? This really shuts people down.”

One doctor I talked to who, after dealing with depressed and suicidal patients, many of them vets, has become depressed himself. Another wonders what the hell is happening to our chiropractic colleges – have they all been taken over by medical bureaucrats? Is chiropractic finally squashed?

Your good nature can become frayed, your patience worn thin, and regardless of your professional composure and your disciplined countenance, the stresses can have an affect. I mention this because most of you are tough as nails – you have successfully dealt with many types of stressful situations in the past, as a doctor, professional, and for many of you, a business owner.

Morale Virus

So if you are feeling a bit off, recognize that you might be affected by a contagious “Morale Virus.” The Morale Virus is what I call the social sickness that occurs as an emotional response to continual fear-baiting. Frightened, your patients are told they can’t do this and shouldn’t do that.

The Morale Virus is not caused by hardship itself. It is caused when you are pushed into a corner and given no way to fight back. You tend to give up. (Or go stark raving mad!) (Reminds me of the movie, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest when the star, McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), says: “You guys complain how much you hate it here, and then don’t even have the guts to leave! You’re all crazy!”)

There has been a constant assault of bad news emanating from officials and authorities. Yes, and I know the media plays a part — it is mostly owned and controlled by just a few rich people and corporations who have their own agenda — namely, more money. But still – no one buys boring newspapers. Sensation sells the news, and we, the consumers, buy it. We listen and read the “news” that riles us up and confirms our bias. Social media does the same, times ten.

Dirty Laundry (Song by Don Henley) 

I make my living off the evening news
Just give me something, something I can use

People love it when you lose. They love dirty laundry
We got the bubble-headed bleach-blonde who comes on at five

She can tell you about the plane crash with a gleam in her eye
It’s interesting when people die, give us dirty laundry

Morale Virus Disinfectant

Here are some ideas on how you can fight back, disinfect your office from this disease, and better help your patients regain their spirit of hope, kindness, and free enterprise. And yours as well.

Good Vibe Year

One doctor we work with likes to anchor her practice around a yearly theme. For 2021, she is calling 2021 the year of Good Vibes and has events planned to support this philosophy. And just to reinforce the idea, she has T-Shirts made that say Good Vibes. (And by the way, she has a bustling two-doctor office.)

Study. Acquire More Knowledge. Teach

Fear is often a byproduct of lack of knowledge – so arm yourself with the facts.

For example: Roommate 1: “Oh my god! (A panic shout is heard.) The television isn’t working and the game is on. What will we do?” (Drama ensues.) Roommate 2:(Calmly) “Check the remote for new batteries.”  Roommate 1: “Ah, that fixed it, thanks.”

Study, use critical thinking, avoid bias – your own and others. Go to the sources – research studies and from people who are actually working on what you are studying. Then, please educate your patients and clients on how to be happier and healthier. And educate your team, help them increase their knowledge. Arm them as well. Doctor comes from the Latin to docere – “to show, teach, cause to know.”

Leverage Point

What area in your office, if changed, will produce the most significant effect?

Obviously, first and foremost is the doctor. Each day should be a trip to the playground, the ski slope, the baseball field, the dance floor. Ideally, each day is a fresh opportunity to accept the privilege of helping as many people from suffering as possible, to teach them, and have fun doing so.

In most offices, I would also say it is your front desk. The front desk’s power is so poorly recognized in most offices that at least 20% or more production is lost. A vibrant, aggressively friendly, caring, mission and goal-oriented front desk can and will boost your volume – this week. Front Desk team members may need more support and less admin (billing) duties. They may need a better understanding of the mission and how your office is helping people.

Entrepreneur Harder

During cultural upheavals and shifts, entrepreneur businesses remain and often thrive. New opportunities open up. More established and larger companies are weighed down by dogmatic rituals, have high overhead and many vice presidents, and vast networks of suppliers. Change is difficult. But not for the entrepreneur. Most entrepreneurs are all too “change-happy.” You can adapt, innovate, and overcome quicker than companies who are afraid to or can’t. So what if in-person care classes are out for now? Get everyone on a Zoom class, give them a secret word. Test them when they come in again and if they answer correctly, give them a gift – a bottle of Vitamin D or a lunch at another patient’s business.

Stay Out of the Weeds

One doctor told me that her solution was to “stay out of the weeds.” To stay in her lane and just keep helping people and not get caught up in the storms of controversy. I suggest that this is the best course of action. You want news? Sensational news…? Just listen to your patients and staff and community. But stay on the fairway and don’t get sidetracked, mentally or in real life.

Goals

Stay with your goals. Goals are agreements that you made with yourself, and usually others. If you stay true to them, they will lead you out of the den of the morale sickness. Staying true to your goals is a point of integrity. Your goals are not in the weeds – they are straight ahead. Figure out new and better ways to get there or resurrect old ways that worked. Fall down 7 times, get up 8. Each day and each week — begin with the end in mind.

Your goals are in three categories:

  1. Financial. This includes marketing and production.
  2. Service. Developing individual and team expertise with constant improvement..
  3. Purpose. Your higher purposes, those goals outside of work that are greater than this week and that are most meaningful need to be integrated into your work-life.

The Future is Bright and Roaring!

We have seen harsher times. The past is easily forgotten, and we think we are in the worst of times. Well, the 1918 flu was much worse than COVID. Plus, we were sending our young boys to suffer in horror and die in the trenches in Europe in the Great War. But society prevailed and soon ushered in the Roaring 20’s, a time of economic growth and cultural freedom.

Prepare to roar!

Carpe Deum (Seize the Day)

Ed

Ed Petty - author

This is such an important subject, I encourage you to share it with your team and colleagues:  To print out a hard copy

Fight the Nocebo Effect

Posted on by
Reply

Knowledge is your lighthouse.

I am sure that all of you are trying to stay up with unfolding events regarding the virus and the governmental recommendations – and enforcement — to deal with it.

We are, as well.

I am sending this email out to encourage you to watch an informative video by Del Bigtree, who reviews the facts and numbers of the virus pandemic. It is a bit long, so I am sending this out this weekend in case you have more time to watch it.

I have also included an article by Bruce Lipton. Dr. Lipton is a cellular biologist who taught medical students at the University of WI medical college and often speaks at chiropractic seminars.

Plus, an article that states 99% of those who died from the virus had other illnesses.

(Links below.)

We must watch out for the GENERALITY of the virus. For example: “COVID-19 could kill us all!” “Who says?” “They do.” “Who is “they.””  “The authorities.”  “Who are the authorities?” “Those who are in charge.” You have to break it down and be as logical as you can.

I recommend that you review these sources, add to it what you are learning, and using your best judgment, continue educating your team members and patients/members/clients! 

Be the lighthouse in your community.

Education and knowledge displace fear and uncertainty.

Let’s eradicate what Dr. Lipton calls the “nocebo” effect — the opposite of a placebo.

And let’s continue our fight to help people get healthier!

Keep educating,

Ed

By the way, no one is saying you must close your office.  Even in California where San Francisco has a “Shelter in Place” or strict quarantine.  For example, the California Chiropractic Board of Examiners, on their website,  states:

  1. Should My Practice Remain Open?
    The Board does not have authority to close businesses or practices solely as a result of COVID-19.

YOUR SERVICES ARE VITAL!

The Exec. Director of the Kansas Chiropractic Association, in a letter to their state Governor (March 20, 2020), stated:

“We understand that with the severity of the current pandemic hospital emergency rooms may soon be filled with patients complaining of pulmonary symptoms. We offer our services in diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal complaints presenting to emergency rooms. Many Doctors of Chiropractic have arranged to be a referral point for their local emergency rooms on these conditions.

“We are prepared to see these patients in our offices that are already taking every precaution available to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.”

 

REFERENCES

Del Bigtree   Coronavirus Quarantine  March 19

Bruce Lipton Cornonvrus 2019-Covid-19 UPDATE

Bloomberg News March 18, 2020   99% of those who Died From Virus Had Other Illness, Italy Says

Has the Coronavirus Affected Your Practice?

Posted on by

How has the Coronavirus plague been affecting you and your practice…so far?

Most offices I talk to across the country seem to be doing just fine, thank you!

I ran across  an interesting thread on a social media site for chiropractors and as a limited sample survey of how other offices are being affected, most report that they are also doing well.

I want to add a few thoughts from a marketing vantage point that might help. I am sure you are following the clinical aspects of this virus, but I have links below to articles from Bruce Lipton, Ben Lerner, and Joe Mercola that are very informative.

More importantly, a great link from our old buddy, George Carlin just to put things into perspective. So, you might want to save this email just for the links. (Gotta watch Carlin!… WARNING… as usual cursing included!)

So, marketing…

The idea of the Coronavirus is that it could kill you, or at least make you very sick.  Consider these three promotional actions:

Safe Space. Promote your office as a Safe Zone. In your clinic, use plenty of disinfectant around the office. Let the patients see you wipe down tables, doorknobs, pens, clipboards, and have plenty of Purell (or something similar) around for hand wipes. This is to demonstrate that your office is taking all precautions to be a safe, sterile healing facility.

Get Healthier and Stronger. Secondly, promote the healing aspect of your services – how they can improve and bolster the immune system. The virus will have the most impact on the physically weak. Encourage patients to come in and get stronger in your safe space.  (Ben Lerner has a good article about this – link below.)

Communicate and Educate. Use your “table talk” time, and through newsletters and other media, to communicate with your patients. Give them health tips regarding the virus. But also relay positive activities that are going on in your office – an upcoming talk, a community clean-up drive, a patient success or a new team member. This goes for your team as well – educate your staff. People tend to hunker down during a crisis, somewhat out of fear. Standup, standout and maintain your positive presence and leadership – keep communicating.

The viruses may be real and get transmitted from person to person. But ideas can do the same. So spread the word — communicate your office as a worry-free environment where people can become stronger and healthier – safely.

-Ed

From a social media thread:
Chiropractors!! Is the whole coronavirus situation impacting your practice?! Or is it just me?
[March 9, 2020]

I’ve noticed that a lot less people are coming in for care, I’ve especially seen a decrease in overall NPs, is the trend global? related to coronavirus outbreak?? (people being in “survival mode” , or being more careful about their finances)? I’d love to know what you guys have noticed surrounding this issue? Cheers, Kir 2 days ago

ostninja
I’ve noticed a drop this week. I think it’s critical to wipe all surfaces with something that works and have hand sanitizer available. For reality and to create a safe space where they dont have to think about getting it from the table or face rest.
Everybody is concerned. I think it is people limiting their activities, worried about money, worried about the face rest. Let them see you wiping down face rest every time you finish. I’m wondering about sending communication detailing how we are protecting them and ourselves but I’m also wondering how useful overall that would be.

Kiirjava
Interesting… Thanks for sharing 🙂 that communication idea is actually brilliant!
It’s been a slow week so I’ll use this as an excuse lol · 2 days ago

lloydchiro
I’m just as busy as ever, and I’m in San Francisco. I imagine our town will get hit soon.

AshlamAllstar 2 days ago
CCCA here. Only a few one-off scenarios so far. One patient called to pause her treatment plan due to fear of being exposed and one came in with latex gloves, her own lysol wipes and a face mask. Otherwise, practice as usual, if not, a few more questions asking of the doctors’ opinion of the matter.
—-
DrGodzilla22
My practice had grown during since the news cycles started. Well educated patient are referring their friends and families.
—-
DrJayWill · 1 day ago
I’ve had the busiest week I’ve had in a while

More Fun Pics from the CSW Fall Summit

Posted on by
Reply

Petty, Michel and Associates recently attended the Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin’s Annual Fall Summit.  The Fall Summit is a great time to get together with others in the profession and share stories of the lives we change on a daily basis.

We always manage to have some team camaraderie also.  Saturday as the sessions began to wind down we held our annual Petty, Michel and Associates photo session.  Shown below are a few of our favorite shots.

Unlike many of the offices we work with our team is scattered across the country which makes it challenging to physically come together as a team. This year we were able to accomplish having everyone present, and a few extras, for cocktails at the Kalahari’s Diamond Cut and our team dinner at Wally’s House of Embers in the Dells.  Lots of chatter, laughter and love shared with all!

Those Blues Bros…. sure know how to treat their team!

Thanks Dave and Ed!

Linda

 

 

Wisconsin License Renewal Requirements

Posted on by
Reply

REMINDER:  Wisconsin License Renewal Credentialing Requirements

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs):

  • Continuing Education: Forty (40) hours minimum of state board-approved courses; four (4) of the 40 in nutrition
  • Maintain Current CPR
  • State Approved Course Listings are updated regularly, and can be found at: DC Approved Courses

Starting in October 2016 and prior to December 14th, renew online:  DC Renew

Chiropractic Technicians (CTs):

  • Continuing Education: Six (6) hours minimum of state-board approved courses
  • State Approved Course Listings are updated regularly, and can be found at:
  • CT Approved Course Listing

Starting in October 2016 and prior to December 14th, renew online: CT Renew

Chiropractic Radiological Technicians (CRTs):

  • Continuing Education: Twelve (12) hours minimum of state-board approved courses
  • State Approved Course Listings are updated regularly, and can be found at:
  • CRT Approved Course Listing

Starting in October 2016 and prior to December 14th, renew online at: CRT Renew

TIP:  Keep your transcripts and file them safely, in the event of a continuing education audit.

All licenses (DC, CT, CRT) expire on December 14, 2016 at midnight.

Questions?  Contact Lisa Barnett, PM&A Consultant, at 920-334-4561

~~~~

Links

DC Approved Courses: https://dsps.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=b74564c8-7d6c-4258-9809-cd118336a9f5
DC Renew: https://online.drl.wi.gov/UserLogin.aspx
CT Approved Course Listing:http://dsps.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=830a2718-a0f7-414c-8e97-2481f983bc78
CT Renew: https://online.drl.wi.gov/UserLogin.aspx
CRT Approved Course Listing: https://dsps.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=bcfb3543-eb0a-46bf-ba89-8f1fe6d84325
CRT Renew: https://online.drl.wi.gov/UserLogin.aspx

Printable Version of this quick checklist of requirements. [LINK]

Presidential Award Given to Dave Michel of Petty Michel & Associates

Posted on by
Reply
Dave's CSW Award

Dr. LaGuardia, Dr. Conway  with David Michel of Petty Michel & Associates

MILWAUKEE, WI – November 27, 2015 – Petty, Michel and Associates (PM&A), a national chiropractic practice management company, is pleased to announce that David Michel, a partner with PM&A, was recently awarded the 2015 Presidential Award by the Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin (CSW). The award, presented during the Awards Ceremony at the CSW’s second annual 2015 Health & Wellness Summit, held at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells this past October 9th through the 11th, identifies:

  • Those who have made significant contributions to the mission of CSW
  • Those who have served selflessly expecting little in return
  • The acknowledgement is to give thanks and recognition to the individual for all their hard work and commitment

Mr. Michel serves on the Board of Directors for the Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin (CSW). The CSW is a member driven and member controlled State organization that develops and maintains positive relations with consumers (patients), chiropractors, legislators, lobbyists, insurance companies and medical providers.

Dr. Jay LaGuardia, President of the CSW, when presenting the award to Michel, stated:  “We would not have been able to achieve the success we have thus far without his valuable service.”

David Michel has been involved with the Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin since its inception in 2012.

Petty Michel & Associates (PM&A), a practice development company, was founded in 1988 as an alternative to conventional practice management seminar programs.  For more information, go to: http://www.pmaworks.com

Patriot Project: Helping Military Families with Their Health Care.

Posted on by
Reply

Patriot Project

You may have heard about the Patriot Project.

The Patriot Project is a grass roots movement to provide chiropractic care to all active military, their families, wounded warriors & all gold star dependents.

Chiropractic care is included in veteran’s health benefits but has not been made readily available for all wounded warriors. Many of the ailments are currently being treated largely with pain medication and psychotropic drugs but can be relieved more conservatively with chiropractic care.

It is important to offer our active duty non-drug, non-surgical options for their painful conditions and Doctors of Chiropractic offer such care with attention to the optimum function and health of the whole person.

The Patriot Project aims to make chiropractic care readily available for ALL active duty personnel, military veterans & their families including all gold star dependents.

Thursday November 20th Ms. Phyllis Frase will be interviewing Dr. Carol Ann Malizia, D.C., who is on the Board of Directors of the Patriot Project. She recently heard Dr. Malizia speak at Parker Seminar in Texas and was very moved by her compassion for our veterans and what she has done to help them.

On our webinar you will learn how the Patriot Project can help you grow your practice, and in return, how you can help our veterans.

Register now for Patriot Project – an interview with Dr. Carol Ann Malizia moderated by Ms. Phyllis Frase on Nov 20, 2014 12:30 PM Central Time at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1716307227105199105

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

If you need assistance registering please contact Linda Skiles at linda@pmaworks.com or 262-749-0221.

For more information about the Patriot Project and Dr. Malizia:
Patriot Project

Bought – The Movie

Posted on by

The Movie BOUGHT – available now for pre-release viewing.

The Movie BOUGHT is out.  The same people that brought you DOCTORED have now produced one on general health care and how it has been taken over by the pharmaceutical industry, as well as Monsanto.  I have watched it and found it to be very powerful, supported by credible authorities, statistics, as well as personal stories.

It can be a very effective tool in patient and staff education.

It is not actually distributed yet, but you can get a pre-release viewing of it now for the next 30 days or so before it gets shown in movie theaters around the country.

Go to www.boughtmovie.com, or view the trailer here:

Below is a statement from Jeff Hays, the Producer.
Watch it and I get others to do the same.

bought

Best,

Ed

Hi, I’m Jeff Hays, an award winning filmmaker who’s been short-listed for an Academy Award. I’ve been known for making documentaries on controversial topics such as health care, alternative medicine and 9/11.

And over the last 12 months, I’ve been digging into the ugly truth behind vaccines, GMO’s, and our entire health care system.

With our crew, we flew all over the U.S. and got exclusive access to whistleblowers, former drug reps and university scientists…

We were shocked by what we uncovered.

As you probably know already…

For years now, Wall Street has literally “BOUGHT” your health and your family’s health. The food, drug, insurance and health industry is a multi-BILLION dollar enterprise… focused more on profits than human lives.

But I was not prepared to see how deep the rabbit hole went. And I was simply not ready to see things like…

Drug and vaccine companies blatantly falsifying documents…

Whistleblowers getting completely BURIED…

Government looking the other way…

Bribery…

And that’s not even to mention the tragic human cost of families ruined by unsafe drugs, vaccines, and food… endless medical bills… ruined marriages… and a rapid rise in chronic disease (especially in children).

By the end of my travels, We knew we had a controversial documentary that would not only open eyes, but could spark a movement for change across the US and the world.

It took over six more months of care, attention and energy to edit the film. But now it’s finally ready for the world to see.

 

ICD-10 Implementation Delayed until 2015 – Chiropractors Breathe a Sigh of Relief

Posted on by
Reply

Good Grief!

After all the pressure to get compliant and ready for the new ICD-10, it looks like it will be delayed for another  year.  Again.

According to a report issued by the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association):

“On behalf of our more than 72,000 members who have prepared for ICD-10 in good faith, AHIMA will seek immediate clarification on a number of technical issues such as the exact length of the delay,” said AHIMA CEO Lynne Thomas Gordon, MBA, RHIA, CAE, FACHE, FAHIMA

Please note the number of capital letters behind Thomas Gordon’s name. This should give us all an idea of how convoluted this process is and will continue to be.

The same article, issued on March  31, 2014 states:

CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid)  has estimated that another one-year delay of ICD-10 would likely cost the industry an additional $1 billion to $6.6 billion on top of the costs already incurred from the previous one-year delay.  This does not include the lost opportunity costs of failing to move to a more effective code set, AHIMA said.

Many coding education programs had switched to teaching only ICD-10 codes to students, hospitals and physician offices had begun moving into the final stages of costly and comprehensive transitions to the new code set—even the CMS and NCHS committee responsible for officially updating the current code set changed the group’s name to the ICD-10-CM/PCS Coordination and Maintenance Committee.

The delay directly impacts at least 25,000 students who have learned to code exclusively in ICD-10 in health information management (HIM) associate and baccalaureate educational programs, AHIMA said in a statement.

The United States remains one of the only developed countries that has not made the transition to ICD-10 or a clinical modification. ICD-10 proponents have called the new code set a more modern, robust, and precise coding system that is essential to fully realizing the benefits of recent investments in electronic health records and maximizing health information exchange. (AHIMA article)

 ICD-10 is not going away. But for those of you who felt that you weren’t going to be ready by the deadline… looks like you have more time to get everyone trained and the systems worked out.

Which is nice!

Stay tuned for more info from your state associations, carriers, and CMS. We will do our best as well to keep you up to date.

Where in the world is Phyllis speaking now?

Posted on by
Reply

While we are struggling to stay warm here in the Midwest,  our Phyllis Frase will be heading to sunny Puerto Rico the weekend of February 1 and 2nd to share her expertise on the Chiropractic Front Desk and better communication in a chiropractic office.  Last report was the weather was 86°.

PPMs CAs Boot Camp_Flyer (3)

 

We’re certain she will “light a spark of chiropractic passion” for the CA’s in attendance and we only ask that she brings some of the warmth back home with her.

Dave Michel Presents “What Chiropractors Can Expect with Obamacare and Other Upcoming Changes”

Posted on by
Reply

Mr. Dave Michel is making presentations throughout the state of Wisconsin covering some of the key elements of the Affordable Care Act. He is also discussing other changes that will be affecting reimbursement in the upcoming months.

Dave is a 30 year veteran of practice management and a partner in Petty, Michel & Associates, a practice management company headquartered in WI. He is especially expert in the area of insurance and chiropractic reimbursement.

“I have been doing this a long time and I have never seen the quantity of changes, or the degree to which the changes will be affecting reimbursement as I am seeing now.”

Some of the topics Dave covered included a time line of new forms and policies over the next 14 months. He also gave advice on what offices should do to make the most from the changes. If done right, he said, all these changes can be of help to the office, to the patients, and to the health of the community.

#   #   #

For more information visit/view:

2013-04-18 12.30 Surviving, Striving and Thriving Through the Affordable Care Act(mp3)

Dave’s outline with references for further study and a list of upcoming insurance events and deadlines

6 Reasons Why CalJam is Important for Chiropractic

Posted on by
Reply

grandpaskater

1. It is fun and promotes that chiropractic is and should be fun.

2. It’s founder and promoter is in practice, adjusting people of all ages, just like you.

3. It focuses on the purpose of chiropractic and the chiropractic lifestyle.

4. It defines and promotes the unique role chiropractic has in the market place – as a HEALTH profession that works, is not owned or used by pharmaceutical companies or other corporate monopolies, is vitalistic while also being scientific.

5. It promotes the idea that helping people to get healthier does not have to be a grave, stuffy, or serious activity.

6. And just like Dr. Billy DeMoss demonstrates, we all can work on higher purposes – professionally and personally —  while at the same time adjust people daily (APD) and run a business.

There are other reasons, but the ones above should be included.  Please add others below.

I hope you an make it to CalJam this year.

Some of us from PM&A are going and if I see you, let me treat you to the nearest greenest, anti-inflamatory drink nearby, or a piece of buffalo jerky, whichever is handier.

And if you can’t make it, you can always follow Billy on YouTube.

And either way, in your own way, you can always follow your own higher purposes and keep jammin in your corner of the world.

 

Chiro-jamming in an office near you..

Ed, and all of us at PM&A

===

CalJam.org

Dead Chiropractors Society

Chiropractic Maintenance Care: Medicare Settlement Means No More “Improve or You’re Out”

Posted on by
1

In what could be a landmark decision for chiropractors that have long asserted that regular chiropractic care for seniors with chronic conditions actually saves Medicare money and keeps seniors active and independent, an agreement has been reached.

A Federal Judge has approved the proposed Settlement Agreement in the Medicare Improvement Standard case, Jimmo vs. Sebelius, [Link] clearing the way for thousands of Medicare beneficiaries to receive needed health services to maintain their current level of functioning. While not specifically aimed at chiropractic, the exciting implications remain.

The settlement, which represents a significant change in Medicare coverage rules, ends Medicare’s longstanding practice of requiring people to show a likelihood of improvement in order to receive coverage of skilled care and therapy services. It specifically pertains to “…those with disabilities or suffering from chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, lung disease.” (ital added)

The Agreement, which is retroactive to the date of the suit was filed, January 18, 2011, includes skilled services covered by Medicare Part A and Part B, such as speech, occupational and physical therapy, nursing and home health services, even when the goal is maintaining the patient’s current condition rather than requiring that the patient improving.

The Medicare law has never supported the “”improvement standard.” Nevertheless, for decades beneficiaries have been denied needed services because they are not improving or have “reach a plateau”, sometimes with devastating results. The Center for Medicare Advocacy says providing maintenance services will save money in the long run, preventing decline, hospitalizations and need for more expensive services.

The official approval of the settlement means the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) must develop and implement an education campaign to ensure that Medicare providers are not denying coverage for vital maintenance services to those with any chronic illness who meet other qualifying Medicare requirements.

The “maintenance standard” is effective immediately. Importantly, this does NOT change anything at this time for you, your documentation, or your patients. Even though we have not seen the official documentation that Chiropractic Maintenance Care is included in this settlement, we are hopeful and following this closely.

More Info:
http://blog.aarp.org/2013/02/06/amy-goyer-medicare-pays-for-skilled-therapy-for-maintenance-with-chronic-illness/