The Best of Times, the Worst of Times
News / Profession

The Best of Times, the Worst of Times (Pt. 1)

How Policy Loopholes Undermine Access to Chiropractic Care

We are at a pivotal time for the chiropractic profession, with both significant challenges and opportunities. The goal of this three-part series is to identify actions that will enable DCs to realize their full potential as an essential part of an effective, efficient and patient-centered healthcare system. We start the series by examining two largely unseen forces that profoundly shape the environment in which DCs practice.

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Personal Injury / Legal
Medical Debt Collection Limitation Laws: A Nationwide Trend?
Medical Debt Collection Limitation Laws: A Nationwide Trend?

Recent laws in New Jersey and California represent a disturbing trend that will negatively impact a practice’s ability to collect monies from patients, as well as expose them to significant penalties if the practice does not follow the mandatory guidelines to a T. Please be aware that a similar law may be coming to your state. The time to act is before the law is passed.

Jeff Randolph, Esq.; Michael Coates
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Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy: The Chiropractic Opportunity Hidden in Plain Sight
Peripheral Neuropathy: The Chiropractic Opportunity Hidden in Plain Sight

With estimates showing over 30 million Americans affected by peripheral neuropathy – and a significant portion underdiagnosed – it’s increasingly likely that chiropractors are already treating these patients. What’s missing is structured recognition, comprehensive management and targeted tools to slow progression, improve function and support systemic health.

Christopher Proulx, DC, PhD(ABD), CSCS
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Billing / Fees / Insurance
2026 ICD-10-CM Updates for Chiropractic Practices
2026 ICD-10-CM Updates for Chiropractic Practices

Each year, ICD-10-CM is updated on Oct. 1. For 2026, there are 74,179 total codes, with 487 additions, 28 deletions and 38 revisions. Code changes are based on date of service, not the claim submission date. Services performed on/after Oct. 1 must use the new codes. While no changes affect the common spinal or extraspinal codes most frequently used by DCs, several updates may still affect your claims – particularly for comorbidities, referred pain, or trauma cases.

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Samuel A. Collins
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Diagnosis & Diagnostic Equip
Communicating With Your Patient's MD Is Non-Negotiable
Communicating With Your Patient's MD Is Non-Negotiable
Prioritizing Patient Safety: A Life-Saving Approach

Medical doctors can be our treatment partners. By embracing the responsibility to communicate with them, we not only protect our patients; we also elevate our profession. As this case illustrates, when we demonstrate sound clinical judgment, physicians take notice. What starts as a single conversation can build a bridge between chiropractors and medical providers that benefits countless patients.

Ronald Feise, DC
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Chronic / Acute Conditions
Managing Trochanteric Pain: Myths and Methods
Managing Trochanteric Pain: Myths and Methods

Lateral hip pain, in the region of the greater trochanter, that is aggravated with walking, going up stairs, prolonged sitting, and lying on the same side is common. Add pinpoint tenderness to palpation and the diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis is given. Classically the treatment is rest, anti-inflammatory agents (nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals) and a cortisone injection. This scenario is classically outdated, too.

Donald DeFabio, DC, DACBSP, DABCO
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Healthcare / Public Health  |  DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE
Beyond the Adjustment: Why DCs Must Become the Coaches of Modern Healthcare
Beyond the Adjustment: Why DCs Must Become the Coaches of Modern Healthcare

Chiropractors have long positioned themselves as holistic practitioners. Many DCs already consider themselves health coaches – offering drug-free, patient-centered care that goes beyond the adjustment. This article affirms that identity and challenges us to go further. Because in today’s healthcare environment, being a chiropractor and a health coach is no longer enough.

Nicholas Athens, DC
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Featured

The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (MA) is in trouble – or perhaps I should say, the insurance companies that administer Medicare Advantage could be in trouble. The real story is about how health insurance carriers often add bogus, but more highly reimbursed diagnoses to patients’ records and billing, in a scheme to get paid more from the federal government. But that seems to be only one of the more egregious assaults on the Medicare system and seniors.

John Hanks, DC
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Reader Favorites
Personal Injury / Legal
Managing Malpractice Risk When Treating Children of Divorced Parents
Managing Malpractice Risk When Treating Children of Divorced Parents

In a perfect world, every patient relationship would be straightforward, with clear communication and no legal entanglements. However, for chiropractors treating children of divorced parents, the reality is often far more complex. These situations can present unique challenges, ranging from parental consent disputes to billing complications, all of which can carry significant liability risks.

Brandon Hoffman, BA
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News / Profession  |  DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE
New WFC Secretary General Leaving; Interim Named

The World Federation of Chiropractic has named WFC Past President Dr. John Maltby interim secretary general following the departure of Prof. Brad Beira, who began serving as secretary general in July 2025. Dr. Maltby’s interim role is effective Oct. 28, 2025, with the WFC planning to initiate a former recruitment process for a permanent secretary general in the near future.

Dynamic Chiropractic Staff
Personal Injury / Legal  |  DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE
9 Delayed-Onset MVA Injuries (Pt. 3)
9 Delayed-Onset MVA Injuries

Part 3 of this three-part article on recogizing and diagnosing delayed-onset motor-vehicle acident (MVA) injuries in clinical practice covers spinal cord injury linked to cervical stenosis and spondylosis; alar sprain; and delayed instability. Part 1 discussed traumatic subdural hematoma, stroke due to MVA and traumatic central disc herniation; part 2 discussed traumatic Schmorl's nodes, post-concussion syndrome and posttraummatic syrinx.

Troy Freiheit, DC
Your Practice / Business
The Robots Aren’t Coming for Your Job - They’re Coming for Your Profits
The Robots Aren’t Coming for Your Job - They’re Coming for Your Profits
Learn How to Use AI to Market, Streamline and Monetize - Before the DC Down the Street Does

While you’re figuring out how to hire your next front-desk CA or fight back against your latest insurance denial, AI is quietly transforming how health care is marketed, delivered and monetized. Those who learn to adapt, adopt and advance with AI? They win. The ones who don’t? They’re going to be wondering why their revenue is falling while the doc down the street just opened their third location.

Jay Greenstein, DC, CCSP, CGFI-L1, CKTP
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Billing / Fees / Insurance
MRI Preauthorization: Approval Criteria and Options If Denied
MRI Preauthorization: Approval Criteria and Options If Denied

Preauthorization is problematic for patient care because it often delays diagnosis and treatment. The primary reason for the delays is the secrecy of the process. With experience and a little help from a friendly peer-to-peer reviewer, I have decoded a few items of the approval criteria and wish to share them.

K. Jeffrey Miller, DC, MBA
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