Ellen Fitzenrider, DC

Dr. Ellen Fitzenrider lives in Norfolk, Va., and is a 1991 Palmer graduate. She has built and sold two successful chiropractic practices, and currently spends her time advocating for and educating her colleagues about audits, documentation compliance, and standing up to insurance carriers when appropriate. She has interviewed hundreds of DC colleagues; health care attorneys; billing, coding and compliance experts; EHR software companies, health care data specialists; medical audit and fraud examiners; chiropractic malpractice insurance carriers; and basically anyone in a related field who will answer her passionate emails. You can find her online at www.ItsMeDrE.com, and on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Previous Articles

Is It You ... or Is It Your EHR?
February 1, 2021 (Vol. 39, Issue 02)
The Elephant in the Middle of Our Professional Living Room
November 1, 2020 (Vol. 38, Issue 11)
Trending
Billing / Fees / Insurance
Should You Be In-Network or Out-of-Network With Insurance?
Should You Be In-Network or Out-of-Network With Insurance?

It’s a new year and many chiropractors are evaluating what will enhance their respective practices, particularly as it relates to their bottom line. One of the most common questions I get is: “Do I need to be credentialed to bill insurance, and what are the best plans to join?” It’s a loaded question – but one every DC ponders. Whether you're already in-network or pondering whether to join, here's what you need to know.

Samuel A. Collins
X-ray / Imaging / MRI
Radiologist-Missed Spinal Tumor Found by Chiropractor
Radiologist-Missed Spinal Tumor Found by Chiropractor

A 36-year-old female presented on Nov. 18, 2025, with lumbar pain and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Following a comprehensive history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation to assess anatomical and biomechanical factors, an immediate lumbar MRI was ordered due to the patient’s radiculopathic symptoms and clinical findings.

Mark Studin, DC, FPSC, FASBE(C), DAAPM; Timothy Clare, DC, FPSC(C)
Billing / Fees / Insurance
Guidelines vs. Care: Bridging the Gap
Guidelines vs. Care: Bridging the Gap

What happens when best practices for patient care fall outside what guidelines endorse or insurance will cover? More importantly, how can clinicians ethically and effectively integrate non-reimbursed services that improve function, reduce disability and support long-term outcomes? These are not just clinical questions; they are economic and policy challenges that directly affect practice viability and patient access.

Christopher Proulx, DC, PhD(ABD), CSCS