Direct Access Bill Reintroduced
Congressman Bob Filner (D-Calif.) recently reintroduced legislation to provide veterans direct access to doctors of chiropractic through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) health care system.
Rep. Filner originally introduced the "Better Access to Chiropractors to Keep our Veterans Healthy Act" in March 2004 as HR 4051, with the support of the American Chiropractic Association, the International Chiropractors Association, and others. The bill was referred to the House Subcommittee on Health soon thereafter, but no further action was taken.
As with the original legislation, the reintroduced Filner bill (now HR 917) seeks to amend Title 38 of the United States Code, permitting eligible veterans to receive direct access to chiropractic care at DVA hospitals and clinics. The measure would also directly prohibit discrimination among licensed health care providers by the DVA when determining which services a patient needs.
"Our nation's veterans deserve the best health care this country can offer, and chiropractic care is an integral component of that care," commented ACA President and U.S. Navy veteran Donald J. Krippendorf. "The ACA is proud to work together with Congressman Filner - a powerful and effective advocate for veterans - to protect the rights of doctors of chiropractic and their patients."
LACC Honors Former Student and Professor at Legacy Luncheon
Southern California University of Health Sciences' Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC) honored former student and professor Dr. John Gordon "J.G." Anderson at its first Tribute Luncheon in March. The event was sponsored by LACC's alumni association and was held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.
After being welcomed by Dr. Andrea Sinclair, chair of the SCU Board of Regents, Dr. Anderson was presented with a jacket bearing the SCU logo and an inscription that read, "Professor Emeritus." Dr. Anderson also received a plaque noting his contributions to the profession. Over 50 guests attended the event, and funds raised from the program have been dedicated to an Anderson scholarship fund. Future honorees will now receive the J.G. Anderson Award.
Dr. Anderson, 88, graduated from Southern California College of Chiropractic in 1946. He joined the faculty the same year and taught many different subjects, specializing in neurology.
Dr. Anderson authored a number of books, established a histology lab at the college and served as editor/photographer of the college journal, Chirogram. He later served as academic vice president and dean of Pasadena College of Chiropractic until his retirement in 1986.
Court Rules on Graston Technique
The U.S. District Court has ruled that the Carpal Therapy company may not use the name "Graston" or the name of its owner, David Graston, in connection with the promotion of any product or service that competes with TherapyCare Resources, Inc. The court ruling was issued on Feb. 23, 2005.
Both Indiana-based companies have instrument-assisted therapeutic devices and training services used for rehabilitation; however, only TCR's Graston Technique® is a registered trademark.
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?
