It's Not 1895 Anymore – Act Like It
Dear Editor:
First, let me say that the publication is one of the best. Now for meat and potatoes. I have been screaming for 34 years that the chiropractic profession needs to expand its scope and change the description of what chiropractic actually is and does. A small group of DCs noted and agreed. I say a small group. Why? Most likely, because the education requirements were not up to par and the majority felt safe in what they did. A sad predicament for sure.
By preventing those who were educated enough to grow and expand the scope, most were killing the complete profession as a cancer would do. Look at the Democratic party this year as a great example of not paying attention to change. No adjustment to what the population sees and wants, and you are left behind.
I am a health service officer for the USAF auxiliary, ECFMG graduate, and board certified in both pain management and disability. I see the profession from both a medical and a chiropractic position. What I have seen is the expansion of every other health care profession (including massage therapy) except the chiropractic profession. Why?
I listened to Sid Williams proclaim we are separate and distinct, while I watched the profession slowly be dismantled by the MD, DO, and PT groups and insurance cut us out. What is wrong with this picture? The problem is the monster money is drowning out the little guy and laughing all the way to the bank. Not because chiropractic does not work or is a safe alternative to drugs and surgery; because every dollar counts and they want it all. They are getting it all slowly.
The British Medical Journal's January 2017 issue includes a summary guideline of treatment options for low back pain and sciatica. Where is chiropractic even mentioned? Nowhere! If we do not stop thinking 1895 and start thinking today, I predict the profession will be mostly gone within the next 20 years. Why allow it when we can change it very quickly? Wake the hell up.
If you think this is not happening, I have a small, but great practice for sale for basically the cost of equipment. A great way for a DC to get started. Instead of figuring out that it is a steal (I am retiring), prospective buyers want it to be a large practice for nothing. Someone is not teaching business to the profession.
Dr. Williams spoke that the public did not want to see a poor doctor, so you should wear nice clothing and drive a nice car. That is great for a DC without school debt. Look the part of a doctor by being one. Today, higher-income patients want big medicine and live in larger cities. That means big overhead for the DC who needs to get out of debt. Build a successful practice from low overhead and high-quality care.
Don't let the PTs and DOs take your market away because you are stuck in 1895 and afraid to expand as they did.
Ronald Clark, DC
Meridian, Miss.
Right on Target
Dear Editor:
I just read Dr. James Lehman's article, "Scope of Practice: Time for Change." [January 2017 issue] I could not agree with him more. I can tell you that after 35 years of practice, examination and diagnosis are the most important aspects of our practices. No one gets treated in my office until a thorough history and examination are performed.
I can't tell you how many gallbladder cases, peripheral artery occlusions, hypertensives, and other medical conditions have been referred out on the day of examination. I've gained respect from medical physicians for my diagnostic capabilities. I'm not bragging, but my point is we are physicians who diagnose and treat many human conditions. I'd venture to guess that the majority of DCs give out supplements, make lifestyle change and exercise recommendations, and impact patients in many ways in addition to adjusting their spines.
In my state (Missouri), we are licensed as "Chiropractic Physicians." I think this is appropriate and should be the standard in all states. Thank you for this informative article, I think Dr. Lehman is right on target. Now the question is, what do we do about it?
Steven Perkins, DC, DABCI
Springfield, Mo.
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