tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 News and information about the legal system and its impact on the professional. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56510 2013-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

On April 18, 2013, in an historic victory for the chiropractic profession, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that MAC lawsuits against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and Blue Care Network (BCN) could move forward as class-action lawsuits, meaning that damages could be awarded.

On April 18, 2013, in an historic victory for the chiropractic profession, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that MAC lawsuits against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and Blue Care Network (BCN) could move forward as class-action lawsuits, meaning that damages could be awarded. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56498 2013-05-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-15T12:00:07-07:00

Controversial Florida PIP Law Under Review; D'Youville Chiro. Students Learning Art of Co-Managing; And the Award Goes To...; F4CP Recognizes Major Contribution by ChiroTouch.

By Editorial Staff Controversial Florida PIP Law Under Review; D'Youville Chiro. Students Learning Art of Co-Managing; And the Award Goes To...; F4CP Recognizes Major Contribution by ChiroTouch. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56472 2013-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

In the 1960s, radio disc jockeys were bribed to play particular records in a scandal known as "payola." Fast forward 50 years to a recent Senate investigation that found extensive corruption with most medical physicians who were generously paid by Big Pharma to use or promote their brand-name drugs in a multi-million-dollar bribery scheme.

By J.C. Smith, MA, DC In the 1960s, radio disc jockeys were bribed to play particular records in a scandal known as "payola." Fast forward 50 years to a recent Senate investigation that found extensive corruption with most medical physicians who were generously paid by Big Pharma to use or promote their brand-name drugs in a multi-million-dollar bribery scheme. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56467 2013-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Many, if not most whiplash victims treated by chiropractors either fully recover or at least are left with relatively manageable conditions. What's more, the cost of treatment rarely exceeds $10,000 and is usually much less. In contrast, patients who are treated through more traditional channels frequently are passed from doctor to doctor without much success and without managerial continuity. Failing to recover with medication and a brief series of physical therapy treatments, most patients quietly give up and live with their pain.

By Arthur Croft, DC, MS, MPH, FACO Many, if not most whiplash victims treated by chiropractors either fully recover or at least are left with relatively manageable conditions. What's more, the cost of treatment rarely exceeds $10,000 and is usually much less. In contrast, patients who are treated through more traditional channels frequently are passed from doctor to doctor without much success and without managerial continuity. Failing to recover with medication and a brief series of physical therapy treatments, most patients quietly give up and live with their pain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56460 2013-04-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-15T12:00:07-07:00

The cause and treatment of injury to the cervical / thoracic complex has been a topic of controversy ever since the first car was put into production. The reasons for this debate are extensive because of the numerous joints and means of measurement blinded by "envelopes" of muscle and layers of soft tissue.

By Allen Woodruff The cause and treatment of injury to the cervical / thoracic complex has been a topic of controversy ever since the first car was put into production. The reasons for this debate are extensive because of the numerous joints and means of measurement blinded by "envelopes" of muscle and layers of soft tissue. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56456 2013-04-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-15T12:00:07-07:00

Regardless of the relationship you may have with a physical therapist or how far you think the two professions have come in recent years in terms of multidisciplinary appreciation and cooperation, it remains clear that from a legal / scope-of-practice standpoint, there is still work to do. The latest proof comes from the West Coast, where doctors of chiropractic in both California and Nevada have been forced to take action of late to protect their exclusive right to perform joint manipulation / adjusting.

By Editorial Staff Regardless of the relationship you may have with a physical therapist or how far you think the two professions have come in recent years in terms of multidisciplinary appreciation and cooperation, it remains clear that from a legal / scope-of-practice standpoint, there is still work to do. The latest proof comes from the West Coast, where doctors of chiropractic in both California and Nevada have been forced to take action of late to protect their exclusive right to perform joint manipulation / adjusting. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56450 2013-04-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-15T12:00:07-07:00

Chiropractic practices often encounter patients who are significantly limited in one or more major life activities. It is the treating chiropractor's responsibility to document any impairment or limitations as it relates to one or more body systems. Doing so is a duty to the patient that impacts not only their health, but also future claims and accommodations being sought. A chiropractor's documentation also may represent the patient's "protection" under the ADA (American Disability Act) of a physical impairment that limits certain activities.

By Nancy Martin-Molina, DC, QME, MBA, CCSP Chiropractic practices often encounter patients who are significantly limited in one or more major life activities. It is the treating chiropractor's responsibility to document any impairment or limitations as it relates to one or more body systems. Doing so is a duty to the patient that impacts not only their health, but also future claims and accommodations being sought. A chiropractor's documentation also may represent the patient's "protection" under the ADA (American Disability Act) of a physical impairment that limits certain activities. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56446 2013-04-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-15T12:00:07-07:00

Although most chiropractors may not have heard of the term organized delivery system (ODS), most doctors readily recognize the names Triad Healthcare, American Health Specialty Network (ASHN), OptumHealth and other entities licensed as an ODS. Recent legal headlines have brought to light that the carrier-ODS relationship may be teetering, under pressure from regulators, doctors, patients and legislators for questionable practices that have been negatively impacting chiropractic care. Here's a sampling of some of the major ODS players impacting chiropractic patients and providers, including a synopsis of some of their dubious tactics challenged in court by the chiropractic profession over the past several years.

By Editorial Staff Although most chiropractors may not have heard of the term organized delivery system (ODS), most doctors readily recognize the names Triad Healthcare, American Health Specialty Network (ASHN), OptumHealth and other entities licensed as an ODS. Recent legal headlines have brought to light that the carrier-ODS relationship may be teetering, under pressure from regulators, doctors, patients and legislators for questionable practices that have been negatively impacting chiropractic care. Here's a sampling of some of the major ODS players impacting chiropractic patients and providers, including a synopsis of some of their dubious tactics challenged in court by the chiropractic profession over the past several years. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56327 2013-01-16T12:00:32-07:00 2013-01-16T12:00:07-07:00

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has filed a class-action lawsuit against American Specialty Health Inc. and American Specialty Health Networks Inc. (collectively, "ASHN"), and CIGNA Corporation and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (collectively, "CIGNA"). The litigation alleges a litany of problems with the defendants, including arbitrary reductions of care, lack of communication to providers and patients resulting in coverage and payment errors, and interference with doctors' duty to exercise professional clinical judgment in managing patients' treatment plans.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has filed a class-action lawsuit against American Specialty Health Inc. and American Specialty Health Networks Inc. (collectively, "ASHN"), and CIGNA Corporation and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (collectively, "CIGNA"). The litigation alleges a litany of problems with the defendants, including arbitrary reductions of care, lack of communication to providers and patients resulting in coverage and payment errors, and interference with doctors' duty to exercise professional clinical judgment in managing patients' treatment plans. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56250 2012-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2012-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

At least once in just about everyone's childhood, there came a time when your mother asked you why you did something foolish. You may have been drinking fingernail polish or jumping in front of cars to hear their brakes squeal, but you probably remember the incident or the stories that were told as you grew older.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher At least once in just about everyone's childhood, there came a time when your mother asked you why you did something foolish. You may have been drinking fingernail polish or jumping in front of cars to hear their brakes squeal, but you probably remember the incident or the stories that were told as you grew older. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56246 2012-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2012-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

The Office of Inspector General for Health and Human Services released its Fiscal Year 2013 Work Plan on Oct. 2, 2012. Chiropractic is listed in this year's plan just as we were listed in last year's. The work plan states: "Chiropractors - Part B Payments for Noncovered Services. We will review Medicare Part B payments for chiropractic services to determine whether such payments were in accordance with Medicare requirements.

By Ronald Short, DC, MCS-P The Office of Inspector General for Health and Human Services released its Fiscal Year 2013 Work Plan on Oct. 2, 2012. Chiropractic is listed in this year's plan just as we were listed in last year's. The work plan states: "Chiropractors - Part B Payments for Noncovered Services. We will review Medicare Part B payments for chiropractic services to determine whether such payments were in accordance with Medicare requirements. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56243 2012-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2012-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

While a colleague and I were enjoying a meal together, we discussed some of the current challenges facing the chiropractic profession. An observation he made completely changed the direction of our conversation: "Today's chiropractors were born on third base, and somehow think they hit a triple."

By Christopher Kent, DC, Esq. While a colleague and I were enjoying a meal together, we discussed some of the current challenges facing the chiropractic profession. An observation he made completely changed the direction of our conversation: "Today's chiropractors were born on third base, and somehow think they hit a triple." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56137 2012-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

As most physicians who handle cases are well-aware, the amount of documentation, forms, reports and paperwork you need to keep up with can be quite onerous. While lecturing across the country to various groups of doctors, I've heard near-constant groaning about the difficulties of keeping up with the paper trail necessary in PI cases.

By Jonathan Walker, DC As most physicians who handle cases are well-aware, the amount of documentation, forms, reports and paperwork you need to keep up with can be quite onerous. While lecturing across the country to various groups of doctors, I've heard near-constant groaning about the difficulties of keeping up with the paper trail necessary in PI cases. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56118 2012-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

International pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, LLC (GSK) recently pleaded guilty to alleged criminal activities and agreed to resolve civil issues including "unlawful promotion of certain prescription drugs, its failure to report certain safety data, and its civil liability for alleged false price reporting practices."

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher International pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, LLC (GSK) recently pleaded guilty to alleged criminal activities and agreed to resolve civil issues including "unlawful promotion of certain prescription drugs, its failure to report certain safety data, and its civil liability for alleged false price reporting practices." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56085 2012-08-26T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-26T12:00:07-07:00

Long ago, D.D. Palmer differentiated chiropractic from medicine by abstaining from the use of drugs. For hundreds of years, health care practitioners were acutely aware of the drawbacks and side effects of medication usage. Despite daily stories about glaring misfortunes of pharmacology, most Americans in their 60s are on drugs. This is not merely a result of the laid-back 1960s; each succeeding generation is taking and depending on greater drug usage for a combination of perceived ailments.

By Shawn Steel, JD Long ago, D.D. Palmer differentiated chiropractic from medicine by abstaining from the use of drugs. For hundreds of years, health care practitioners were acutely aware of the drawbacks and side effects of medication usage. Despite daily stories about glaring misfortunes of pharmacology, most Americans in their 60s are on drugs. This is not merely a result of the laid-back 1960s; each succeeding generation is taking and depending on greater drug usage for a combination of perceived ailments. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56056 2012-08-12T12:00:32-07:00 2012-08-12T12:00:07-07:00

It seems that every day we read about another sensational, fraud-ridden scandal. Companies like Enron and Worldcom, and names like Madoff and Stanford, have become virtually synonymous with fraud. While these scandals involve large companies and billions of dollars, fraud most often occurs in smaller businesses - and it occurs with surprising frequency in chiropractic practices.

By Mark Sanna, DC, ACRB Level II, FICC It seems that every day we read about another sensational, fraud-ridden scandal. Companies like Enron and Worldcom, and names like Madoff and Stanford, have become virtually synonymous with fraud. While these scandals involve large companies and billions of dollars, fraud most often occurs in smaller businesses - and it occurs with surprising frequency in chiropractic practices. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56038 2012-07-29T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-29T12:00:07-07:00

In a West Virginia case, Rand v Miller, a peer-review examiner was found to be responsible for reporting false information, regardless of his claim that there was no doctor-patient relationship. The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia found that this could be defamatory, leading to a separate action from malpractice. Reporting false information was found to fall under this category. An erroneous diagnosis contained in the examining physician's report had caused the person examined to lose his job or some other valuable economic benefit.

By Mark Studin, DC, FASBE(C), DAAPM, DAAMLP In a West Virginia case, Rand v Miller, a peer-review examiner was found to be responsible for reporting false information, regardless of his claim that there was no doctor-patient relationship. The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia found that this could be defamatory, leading to a separate action from malpractice. Reporting false information was found to fall under this category. An erroneous diagnosis contained in the examining physician's report had caused the person examined to lose his job or some other valuable economic benefit. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55971 2012-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

An independent medical examination (IME) is performed by a doctor who has not previously been involved in the treatment of a given patient. By definition, the IME doctor renders a second opinion that allows for necessary care of covered issues of injured patients. The purpose is to either protect the payer from overutilization or to certify that an employee is fit for the task they were hired to do. While there are many arguments about the integrity of the process, let's explore the relationship the IME and peer-review doctors have with patients, and the licensure and liability issues those doctors face when reporting partial facts and/or clinically incorrect diagnoses and conclusions.

By Mark Studin, DC, FASBE(C), DAAPM, DAAMLP An independent medical examination (IME) is performed by a doctor who has not previously been involved in the treatment of a given patient. By definition, the IME doctor renders a second opinion that allows for necessary care of covered issues of injured patients. The purpose is to either protect the payer from overutilization or to certify that an employee is fit for the task they were hired to do. While there are many arguments about the integrity of the process, let's explore the relationship the IME and peer-review doctors have with patients, and the licensure and liability issues those doctors face when reporting partial facts and/or clinically incorrect diagnoses and conclusions. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55964 2012-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

I was inspired to write my July 1, 2011 article, "Managing Medicare: Winners Never Quit, Quitters Never Win," because a large number of chiropractors were asking how they could get out of Medicare. If you read that article, you understand that chiropractors cannot "opt out" of Medicare and that if you don't want to bill Medicare for your patients, you have to refer them to a provider who will bill Medicare for the patients.

By Lisa Bilodeau, CA I was inspired to write my July 1, 2011 article, "Managing Medicare: Winners Never Quit, Quitters Never Win," because a large number of chiropractors were asking how they could get out of Medicare. If you read that article, you understand that chiropractors cannot "opt out" of Medicare and that if you don't want to bill Medicare for your patients, you have to refer them to a provider who will bill Medicare for the patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55886 2012-06-03T12:00:32-07:00 2012-06-03T12:00:07-07:00

On April 5, 2012, the Third Court of Appeals of Texas issued a 58-page opinion in Cause No. 03-10-673-CV - the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE) and the Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA) vs. the Texas Medical Association (TMA), the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and the State of Texas. According to an April 6, 2012 communication by the Texas Chiropractic Association, the case presented three questions for the court: 1) Are the two TBCE rules that allow chiropractors to make certain "diagnoses" valid? 2) Can chiropractors perform MUA? 3) Can chiropractors perform needle EMG?

By James Edwards, DC On April 5, 2012, the Third Court of Appeals of Texas issued a 58-page opinion in Cause No. 03-10-673-CV - the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE) and the Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA) vs. the Texas Medical Association (TMA), the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and the State of Texas. According to an April 6, 2012 communication by the Texas Chiropractic Association, the case presented three questions for the court: 1) Are the two TBCE rules that allow chiropractors to make certain "diagnoses" valid? 2) Can chiropractors perform MUA? 3) Can chiropractors perform needle EMG? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55876 2012-05-06T12:00:32-07:00 2012-05-06T12:00:07-07:00

On March 9, the last day of the Florida legislative session, just two hours before adjournment, state lawmakers gave their final approval to a package of PIP / no-fault auto insurance reforms identified as CS/CS/HB 119. The last-minute deal struck between Governor Rick Scott, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, and leadership in the House and Senate was drafted earlier in the afternoon behind closed doors, then unveiled and quickly rushed through both chambers.

On March 9, the last day of the Florida legislative session, just two hours before adjournment, state lawmakers gave their final approval to a package of PIP / no-fault auto insurance reforms identified as CS/CS/HB 119. The last-minute deal struck between Governor Rick Scott, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, and leadership in the House and Senate was drafted earlier in the afternoon behind closed doors, then unveiled and quickly rushed through both chambers. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55867 2012-04-22T12:00:32-07:00 2012-04-22T12:00:07-07:00

In my last column (March 12), I wrote about what occurred when I attended a chiropractic conference in a state in which I do not hold a license to practice chiropractic. I noted that many chiropractors and chiropractic assistants in attendance wanted me to adjust them, despite the fact that I was not licensed to do so in that state. While I did not adjust anyone at this conference, to modify a lyric by Jerry Lee Lewis, I saw "a whole lotta adjustin' goin' on."

By Stephen M. Perle, DC, MS In my last column (March 12), I wrote about what occurred when I attended a chiropractic conference in a state in which I do not hold a license to practice chiropractic. I noted that many chiropractors and chiropractic assistants in attendance wanted me to adjust them, despite the fact that I was not licensed to do so in that state. While I did not adjust anyone at this conference, to modify a lyric by Jerry Lee Lewis, I saw "a whole lotta adjustin' goin' on." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55818 2012-03-26T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-26T12:00:07-07:00

Let's face it, many people hold the misconception that most OSHA regulations do not apply to our chiropractic offices. Is this true? Picture the following: Your front-desk person is nice and patients like her. Unfortunately, she is often late for work, chats a great deal on her cell phone and forgets to send the billing at the end of the day. Today, she accidentally spills some of the chemicals inside the developing room. She normally does not go in there, but she hid there to talk privately on her cell phone. When you find her, she is cleaning the mess without gloves or eyewear, and only using a bucket and mop.

By Alba Vazquez, MCS-P Let's face it, many people hold the misconception that most OSHA regulations do not apply to our chiropractic offices. Is this true? Picture the following: Your front-desk person is nice and patients like her. Unfortunately, she is often late for work, chats a great deal on her cell phone and forgets to send the billing at the end of the day. Today, she accidentally spills some of the chemicals inside the developing room. She normally does not go in there, but she hid there to talk privately on her cell phone. When you find her, she is cleaning the mess without gloves or eyewear, and only using a bucket and mop. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55687 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

In 1933, Texas Attorney General Dan Moody met with the Texas Medical Association (TMA) at a convention in Fort Worth and promised in an address that he would "run all the chiropractors in Texas into the Gulf of Mexico." Even though he was unsuccessful, it's déjà vu all over again because the TMA is now attempting to strip diagnosis from Texas doctors of chiropractic and in effect, accomplish what Moody could not: run us all into the Gulf of Mexico.

By James Edwards, DC In 1933, Texas Attorney General Dan Moody met with the Texas Medical Association (TMA) at a convention in Fort Worth and promised in an address that he would "run all the chiropractors in Texas into the Gulf of Mexico." Even though he was unsuccessful, it's déjà vu all over again because the TMA is now attempting to strip diagnosis from Texas doctors of chiropractic and in effect, accomplish what Moody could not: run us all into the Gulf of Mexico. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55584 2011-10-21T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-21T12:00:07-07:00

In a speech delivered at a University of Bridgeport presidential inauguration, the speaker, an academic of stellar worldwide repute, talked about what differentiates an entrepreneur from a professional. He said entrepreneurs work years to acquire money. Often they will go bankrupt and then reacquire great wealth. It is almost a parable that a wealthy person who goes bankrupt often becomes wealthy again, because their knowledge of wealth-building is still intact.

By Stephen M. Perle, DC, MS In a speech delivered at a University of Bridgeport presidential inauguration, the speaker, an academic of stellar worldwide repute, talked about what differentiates an entrepreneur from a professional. He said entrepreneurs work years to acquire money. Often they will go bankrupt and then reacquire great wealth. It is almost a parable that a wealthy person who goes bankrupt often becomes wealthy again, because their knowledge of wealth-building is still intact. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55519 2011-09-09T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-09T12:00:07-07:00

Hartford, Conn.-headquartered Aetna, whose open-access HMO in Connecticut operates as Aetna Health, Inc., made a big mistake - whether accidental or intentional is subject to great speculation - when it partnered with American Specialty Health Networks and began providing chiropractic to plan members: It ignored Connecticut law, which requires that any and all services provided by a medical doctor and eligible for reimbursement be equally reimbursed when provided by a doctor of chiropractic pursuant to their scope of practice.

By Editorial Staff Hartford, Conn.-headquartered Aetna, whose open-access HMO in Connecticut operates as Aetna Health, Inc., made a big mistake - whether accidental or intentional is subject to great speculation - when it partnered with American Specialty Health Networks and began providing chiropractic to plan members: It ignored Connecticut law, which requires that any and all services provided by a medical doctor and eligible for reimbursement be equally reimbursed when provided by a doctor of chiropractic pursuant to their scope of practice. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55458 2011-07-29T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-29T12:00:07-07:00

The patient is a 55-year-old right-handed female with a history of concussion and neck injury, sustained in a motor-vehicle accident when her stopped car was rear-ended by a two-door passenger vehicle. The offending vehicle was not drivable and required towing. The patient may have suffered a brief loss of consciousness following the collision, as she became disoriented to her surroundings.

By Nancy Martin-Molina, DC, QME, MBA, CCSP The patient is a 55-year-old right-handed female with a history of concussion and neck injury, sustained in a motor-vehicle accident when her stopped car was rear-ended by a two-door passenger vehicle. The offending vehicle was not drivable and required towing. The patient may have suffered a brief loss of consciousness following the collision, as she became disoriented to her surroundings. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55453 2011-07-29T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-29T12:00:07-07:00

My articles tend to be related directly to decompression science and clinical methodologies, but this article addresses what is soon to be a major shakeup for many traction/decompression clinics. Those utilizing the ubiquitous exposed "scissor/hinged"-type lift mechanisms (especially with a floor control switch) may be subject to an FDA reconfiguration/modification (or open recall) of the equipment.

By Jay Kennedy, DC My articles tend to be related directly to decompression science and clinical methodologies, but this article addresses what is soon to be a major shakeup for many traction/decompression clinics. Those utilizing the ubiquitous exposed "scissor/hinged"-type lift mechanisms (especially with a floor control switch) may be subject to an FDA reconfiguration/modification (or open recall) of the equipment. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-55423 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Over the past few years, I have seen more and more ads for "miracle" health care tools. Catalogs come in the mail with all sorts of elixirs, poultices, tablets, wraps, braces, supports and jewelry that are guaranteed to bring happiness, health and prosperity. Now, charlatans were around long before P.T. Barnum, but they still have an appeal to the general public. As health care providers, it is our obligation to provide valid care and informed advice to our patients.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM Over the past few years, I have seen more and more ads for "miracle" health care tools. Catalogs come in the mail with all sorts of elixirs, poultices, tablets, wraps, braces, supports and jewelry that are guaranteed to bring happiness, health and prosperity. Now, charlatans were around long before P.T. Barnum, but they still have an appeal to the general public. As health care providers, it is our obligation to provide valid care and informed advice to our patients.