About a year ago I came to several conclusion about chiropractic: 1) The practice of chiropractic is awash with non-chiropractic worries such as third-party payers, litigation, overhead, billing, practice management, etc.; 2) Chiropractic is far behind the medical profession when it comes to pro bono work, mainly because medicine has a large county, state and federal support network for such activities; 3) There are large segments of the population, many of them Hispanic and other minorities, that never see a chiropractor because they cannot afford it, do not have any insurance, or are uninformed about our profession. This last fact was pointed out to me by my assistant, Martha Coronado. She stated that many hispanics who work in the fields do not speak English and will never get satisfactory care, chiropractic or medical.
I decided that there must be some way to address all of these concerns at once, and at the same time impact the community in a positive way by introducing chiropractic to a population segment that would not normally be exposed to our profession. We put our heads together and decided to contact Oregon Fair Share, a state-run agency that assists minorities. We were given office space in the small town of Independence, Oregon; a telephone, and the title "Proyecto Chiropractic Clinic." I thought, "What else does a chiropractor need to start a practice?"
I contacted some DCs who I knew were enthusiastic about chiropractic and explained the premise of the clinic: It would be open one afternoon per week (at first); two doctors would be present at all times, bringing their own diagnostic equipment; any office call, including an exam, would be five dollars, or whatever the patient could afford; all patients would sign a form stating that their income level did not permit them to seek treatment elsewhere, and that they did not have any insurance coverage. The other doctors, Tom Richards, Ph.D., D.C.; Don Fox, D.C.; and Bruce Duerst, D.C., were eager to get started.
We opened the clinic in the midst of the worst antichiropractic campaign in Oregon's history, the workers' compensation situation brought about by the claims billed to the Saif Corporation. Several newspapers ran stories and photos on the Proyecto Clinic. The community responded very positively, and we were off.
Now it's almost a year later. We have just completed a food, clothing, and blanket drive that was highly successful. Part of the five dollar office call fee went to buying food for the needy. The rest of the accounts receivable are to be used to help needy families or individuals in the area. It is apparent that in this community, chiropractic has a better public image because of the Proyecto Clinic. We have donated approximately $13,000 in services, and generated about a $1,000 income.
Since we are funded by the state of Oregon (our rent and telephone), our next step is to request a grant from the county for supplies and equipment. An x-ray machine would be very helpful. Time will tell.
The doctors who have worked at the clinic have also benefited tremendously from the experience. We are able to practice our chosen profession without outside interference or distraction. There are no thoughts of remuneration; all services are donated.
The Proyecto Clinic truly serves as a primary portal of care for many patients. It is an excellent test of diagnostic skills for the doctor, and because there are always two doctors, it also works as a teaching/learning clinic. We have seen cases of pyelonephritis, gout, scabies, diabetic retinopathy, fractures, and many other interesting conditions.
Eventually we would like to establish similar clinics around the state so that more people can enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care, and more DCs can use their skills to help individuals from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. My most sincere hope is that other chiropractors around the country will take up the call to public service and start a national trend.
We should ask ourselves three questions: What do we lose by giving one or two afternoons a month? How eager are we to share the benefits of chiropractic care? Must everything we do have a price tag?
Philosophically, I suppose that the Proyecto Chiropractic Clinic is the antithesis of the million dollar "practice managed" clinic; but which do you suppose generates the most goodwill and gratitude in a community?
My recommendation to all DCs of a similar mind is to call the local homeless shelter, Salvation Army, or county medical clinic. Form ties with these organizations and put in you "time." You will not be sorry and, as a result, many people will regain their health while helping you lead a more fulfilling professional life.
Michael D. Freeman, D.C.
Independence, Oregon
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
