Paul E. Dougherty, DC, DABCO

Dr. Paul Dougherty, primary author for this month's "Chiropractic in the APHA" column, chairs the Chiropractic Health Care section of the APHA. Contributing to this article is Toby King, executive director of the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade.

Previous Articles

The U.S. Bone and Joint Decade: Why Chiropractic's Continuing Participation Is So Important
May 20, 2011 (Vol. 29, Issue 11)
Unanswered Questions About Patient Care
July 29, 2009 (Vol. 27, Issue 16)
Lower Back Pain as a Public Health Issue
September 9, 2008 (Vol. 26, Issue 19)
Chiropractic and Older Adults: Putting Public Health to Work
May 6, 2008 (Vol. 26, Issue 10)
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