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Plan Now

Dear Editor:

I read with interest your statements in "Plan Now", in your July 1 edition [Publisher's Report of Findings, page 3]. I agree that it is clear what we must do, and it is frustrating that we do not do it. I have been active behind the scenes for over a decade, contributing to the profession what I learned in many years of corporate management before becoming a chiropractor. I brought differing forces together to create large new businesses.

In chiropractic, I have had the opportunity to facilitate a one-day meeting of the board of Association of Chiropractic Colleges, in which representatives of all chiropractic colleges agreed unanimously how they would like the public to perceive chiropractors. They also agreed on where they want to take the profession. Then I had the honor of facilitating a meeting with leaders of the ACA, ICA, ACC, CCE and other stakeholders in which they agreed unanimously on ACC's definition of how chiropractors should be perceived.

Some were aware, others not, that valid studies show that with chiropractors as part of the health care team, health care costs in this country could be reduced dramatically (DoD study showed 48%, Muse study on Medicare 59%, and HMO Illinois, where chiropractors were the gatekeepers, 70%).

With agreement by our leaders on how we want to be perceived and where we want to go, with the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, and with the tremendous benefits we offer the public and the American economy, it is unfair to everyone that we do not "make it happen."

Richard J. Davis, DC
St. Louis

Adding Massage to YourChiropractic Practice

Dear Editor:

I read with interest the "Golden Rules of Massage Marketing," by Dr. Bard [Nov. 18 DC]. I wanted to see if I was doing the same business protocols as he was. Interesting enough, I have been doing the direct opposite. However, this is not a "my technique is better than yours" diatribe, as seems to plague our profession. Rather, this is simply a different spin on the same topic.

Last night was Halloween, and I went through five bags of candy in 45 minutes. I always get a kick out of the little spidermen, batmen, fairies, princesses and butterflies that flock to my well-lit inner-city clinic doorsteps. "Happy Halloween" was followed by my cry of "Here's a treat for the parents!" as I handed out a coupon to every mom and dad for a one-hour free massage.

I employ between three and five massage therapists, and currently have two interns from a local massage school. I bill each and every service through my own license to third-party med pays, auto accident claims, and workers' compensation cases. In fact, there were several articles in DC recently concerning the use of the 97140 code. It is my opinion that if all chiropractors were to utilize this service, physical therapist would become an antiquated term. I advertise "doctor-supervised therapeutic massage" in massage-related columns, with good results. Many wives call for their husbands to get worked on. Every single massage client becomes a chiropractic patient!

In closing, massage goes together with chiropractic, and together the synergistic effect is excellent. Whatever way you want to run your own business, take the chance and try it.It really works!

Dean K. Ziegler, DC, CCST
Allentown, Pa.

Decompression: Thanks for Separating Fact From Myth

Dear Editor:

Thank you for Dr. Edwards' article on nonsurgical spinal decompression ("Decompression Facts, Myths and Hyperbole, Part 3," Sept. 23 DC). It is so refreshing to read an article about decompression that isn't filled with marketing exaggeration, false claims of superiority and invented statistics. Dr. Edwards (and Dr. Dan Kennedy) present decompression for what it is: an expensive treatment that is similar to other traction devices in its effectiveness. I would like to see more real-world device examinations and debunking of chiropractic myths in future issues of DC.

Brett L. Kinsler, DC
Rochester, NY