Chiropractic Economics Blog

January 22, 2009 — The 57th Parker Seminar saw more than 5,000 doctors of chiropractic, chiropractic assistants, educators, technique and business coaches, and industry vendors during its three-day run at the Las Vegas Hilton, Feb. 15–17.

All three days, were jammed with various breakout sessions zeroing in on how DCs could improve their practices and better educate their patients to the benefits of regular and routine chiropractic treatment.

The opening general session began Thursday with Vice President of Parker Seminars and Development Gilles Lamarche, DC, welcoming a standing-room-only crowd, followed by an opening session discussion on how to communicate the chiropractic message both inside and outside the office by Fabrizio Mancini, DC, president of Parker College of Chiropractic and Parker Seminars.

Later Suzanne Somers, popular television actress turned wellness author, shared “secrets” from her latest book Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness and was then presented with Parker’s prestigious Backbone Award.

Thursday’s general session was highlighted by Jack Canfield taking the audience, step-by-step through the process of increasing their awareness of the power of their thoughts to create their own successful future.

Friday morning opened with a surprise donation by Charles DuBois, president of Standard Process, who presented Parker College of Chiropractic with $1 MILLION to further its education of chiropractors.

A major highlight of the three-day seminar was the completely sold out Friday night Gala, which featured dinner, dancing, and high-level networking.

At the Saturday general session Dr. John Gray, author of  Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus, discussed how women and men react somewhat differently to stressful situations.
Business among the exhibitors appeared to go surprisingly well given the current economic conditions.

Richard G. Barwell, DC,   founder and president of Neuroinfiniti told Chiropractic Economics, in a hoarse voice, that he was busy all the time each day demonstrating his digital   neurological analytical instrument. “We obtained a lot of interest   from doctors of chiropractic as well as educators, which we intend to follow up with over the next couple of weeks.”

During the three-day event, numerous top executives of chiropractic products were educating attendees to their products including Kent Greenawalt, president and CEO of Foot Levelers Inc.; Dr. Arlan Fuhr, CEO and co-founder of Activator; Glenn David, founder and director of Davlen Associates Ltd.; and Charles DuBois, president of Standard Process.

January 16, 2009, Las Vegas, Nev.—Activator Methods International chose the 57th Parker Seminar to introduce the industry’s only web-based seminar program dedicated exclusively to the to the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique.

“This is a 12-hour continuing education credit program that can introduce doctors of chiropractic to the path of proficiency in the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique,” Activator Co-founder and CEO Arlan W. Fuhr, DC, told Chiropractic Economics.

In addition to teaching doctors, students and health care professionals the Activator Method, the 12-hour program evaluates the user’s understanding of the Basic Scan Protocol through advanced, confidence-based assessments.

“At each stage of information, the student is tested and then asked how confident they are in their answers,’ said Dr. Fuhr. “This not only informs the student on their level of mastery of the information, but it is an excellent tool

for us to further improve the on-line course of information. Also, the student is permitted 30-days to master the 12-hour online study.”

Activator is a low-force chiropractic technique. “I developed it,” said Dr. Fuhr, “ because of its proficiency in providing a measured, measurable and consistent means of adjustment but also because it helped solve on the major concerns patients have in using chiropractics…the cracking sound that sometimes results as a chiropractor adjusts a patients head and neck.”

Some 14 colleges teach students in the Activator Method.

With more than 40 years of experience in the chiropractic field, Phoenix-based Activator Methods International has a long history of research-based technique development. Continuing Education credits for the Activator Online seminar program are co-sponsored by Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Chiropractic Economics’ Editorial Director Stanford Erickson is interviewing industry heavyweights at Parker Vegas. Starting with Fabrizio Mancini, president, Parker College of Chiropractic and Gilles Lamarche, vice president of seminars and development, Parker College of Chiropractic, we will be posting video throughout the weekend and into next week.

Keep an eye out for our wrap-up e-newsletter next week!

Parker Seminars and Natural Partners, Inc. Present “Live From Parker”
Thursday, January 15th through Saturday, January 17th, 2009, Natural Partners, Inc. will broadcast the largest chiropractic gathering in the world! The program may be viewed on www.naturalpartners.tv

Las Vegas, NV January 16, 2009 — “Live From Parker”, will be hosted by Tye Smith, CEO of Natural Partners. NPTV (www.naturalpartners.tv) will be covering the event live all 3 days. Viewers will see highlights of most of the speakers and seminars, view live interviews with some of the industries most respected professionals, virtual tours of the trade show floor including aerial views via our blimp cam and so much more.

The following events are scheduled Saturday, January 17 at Parker Las Vegas.
Physical Exams
Kenneth Thomas, DC
During this session you will review the important ingredients that will make you exam exceptional and learn to perform an exam that “wows” the patient, while guiding the patient to a high level of confidence in you and chiropractic. You will gain greater certainty and patients will leave saying “Wow, I have never had a doctor examine me this well.” Communication necessary to make that happen will also be shared. Be in this class to learn the practical information that you can begin utilizing immediately, and develop doctor/patient relationships that will last for a lifetime.

Progress Visits That Reinforce Wellness Behavior
Michael Reid, DC
Creating a wellness-based practice requires exceptional education – from your first meeting with new patients to daily tableside TLC.  Discover how to deliver wellness-based education through Socratic questioning to progress and comparative exams that recommit patients to partake in their care. Learn how to effortlessly move your patients from acute, through to corrective, into wellness care for a lifetime.

Communicating The Message
Judy Hinwood, DC  & John Hinwood, DC
A fascinating look at understanding how you can use many simple techniques to communicate the chiropractic message in a manner that engages your patients to continually take positive actions steps in their lives. Your patients become committed and their outcomes are multiplied many fold. Once you start to “think big” it’s amazing how quickly things change in your world. Being prepared to “step outside the box” to do new fun things adds a sense of joy and adventure to your daily practice life. Expecting miracles for your patients and yourself is the positive expectancy that brings added life to your practice and to you.

Grow Your Practice:  Become the Media Health Expert in your Community
Mrs. Shawn Duperon
Networking is primal. It’s biological. We need it and crave it. And most of us don’t do it well. Are you ready to get authentic? Are you ready to connect with current and new patients at your deepest level and shift your practice to a new realm of possibility? During this session, five-time Emmy-award winning producer, media pro, and networking expert Shawne Duperon of ShawneTV, shows you how to clean out your networking closet and finally create relationships that last. This session catapults you to an even bigger network: media. You’ll discover the same skills you need one-on-one at an event, are the same skills you need to get free publicity with reporters, editors, and producers! “Networking is for Neanderthals TM” radically transforms your existing notions of networking. You will never network the same again.

Designing a Blueprint for Your Ideal Practice
David Jackson, DC
The only way to build a ‘dream home’ is with a carefully designed blueprint and building your ‘dream practice’ isn’t any different.  During this session, discover the unprecedented power of clarifying your beliefs, vision, purpose, and strategy as they relate to YOUR Ideal Practice.  You will learn how to integrate them into a plan, a ‘blueprint,’  to propel you toward the practice of your dreams.

Chiropractic Business Ethics and Innovation in the Chiropractic Office
Mark Mandell, DC, MBA
The purpose of this class is to instruct chiropractors about the economic trends within the chiropractic industry and the chiropractic office and explain how the economics can influence the quality of patient care as well as the ethics surrounding the balancing of patient care with profitability in relation to services and products. This course will also instruct chiropractors about process innovation in relation to patient care with a particular focus on the whole body approach to chiropractic care.

Sensational Patient Scripting
Lisa Speaks, CA
Help keep your office consistent by communicating the right message to your patients every time. This class provides a variety of scripting options to use for any type of situation that comes your way. Familiarize yourself with these new communication techniques and get comfortable talking to patients as you role-play real-life situations during this interactive class.

Procedures for Creating The Perfect Practice
Melanie Engel, CA
Occasionally, we feel “stuck” or “stagnant.” Based on her personal experiences, Melanie Engel shares how to transform your life and your practice into your wildest dreams. This presentation gives you the knowledge and tools to break through to the next level and be the best DC or CA you were meant to be.

Recall and Reactivation Techniques that are Non-Threatening and Simple to Implement
Susan Hoy, CA
In this session, Susan explains the reasons why patients drop out of care and offers suggestions for better retention. Additionally, she offers simple and non-threatening ways to reactivate patients, which include scripting, letters, and phone-calling techniques.

Are You Hazardous to Yourself?  Detoxifying the Barriers to Wellness
JJ Virgin
Join celebrity nutrition and fitness guru JJ Virgin as she takes you on an eye-opening journey into the hidden health hazards that are undermining our health and our future. Uncover your total toxic burden, learn how it is damaging your health, and find out what you can do about it for yourself and your patients on a daily basis.

“Traditional Chiropractic Principles in a Modern World”
Tony Palermo, DC
During this informative and interactive session you’ll discover the step-by-step method of achieving your personal and professional success. With his unique presentation style and innovative sense of humor, Dr. Palermo will have you laughing, learning, and loving your way to the top!

The Fundamental Laws of Enhancing the Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic utilizing the Essential Principles of Math and Physics
Maurice Pisciottano, DC
Dr. Maurice A. Pisciottano, the only doctor of chiropractic to be named the winner of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and recipient of the Abraham Institute’s Award of Preeminence, by Marketing Master Mr. Jay Abraham, takes a unique approach to utilizing the essential principles of math and physics to increase your certainty, credibility, and confidence as it relates to your ability to communicate the science, art, and philosophy of chiropractic to your community. As the CEO of The ProAdjuster Group, one of the fastest growing techniques in the chiropractic profession, Dr. Pisciottano incorporates his experience of training over 12,000 doctors of chiropractic and over 20,000 chiropractic assistants into an action packed 90 minutes that will h ave you energized and ready to expand your market space and your ability to serve more people in your community with the life changing gift of chiropractic care.

Communicating Wellness So People Get It
Eric Plasker, DC
Wellness is everywhere, but does anyone know what it really means? Are you frustrated by the confusion surrounding this popular buzz word? This very practical and empowering presentation will eliminate the blank stares that people give you when you talk about wellness. For  years people have embraced a pain based paradigm, and now more and more people are searching for answers to health – a wellness lifestyle is the answer.

Posture & Neurology – Clinical Correlates for Monday Morning!
Michael Hall, DC
This will be a dynamic engagement for the chiropractor and patient alike. Current concepts in posture, postural changes, and their relationship to dysfunction in the “master system” are be presented and explored. Whether you want to improve your clinical skill sets or implement active care protocols this is a presentation for you.

A New Look at Spondylolisthesis
Terry Yochum, DC
Dr. Yochum provides x-ray imaging (to include plain film radiography and computed tomography),  a thorough review of athletic related injuries as it relates to spondylolisthesis, when an athlete play or not play with spondylolisthesis, treatment and prognosis, a complete historical review of spondylolisthesis as is relates to etiology, physical diagnosis, and examination. There will be time for questions and answers

How to Be a Great Communicator; Empowering Patients and Influencing Public Health
Shawn Powers, DC
Your power to influence the lives of others is only as great as your ability to communicate. What would it be like if most people in your community understood the importance of their nervous system and took personal responsibility to care for it? What if you were able to communicate in a way that people understood the value of chiropractic beyond musculoskeletal problems and really understood the consequences of subluxation? Everyone has his or her own style of practicing. Inherent to all chiropractors is the understanding of the importance of a healthy nervous system. This class will help you create a unique and powerful practice that provides care and education for living the wellness lifestyle. Your ability to communicate will improve the lives of families in your community and influence public health.

Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab, Provocation and Motion Utilizing Graston Technique
Tom Hyde, DC
If you wish to learn how to treat your patients more quickly, don’t miss this program.  This lecture covers the use of the Kinetic Chain, the use of low tech rehab equipment during treatment and treatment using motion, resistance, and provocation of pain.  The technique is outstanding for most musculoskeletal conditions and also offers an introduction to Graston Technique.
The Chiropractic Philosophy for Health and Healing
Eric Russell, DC
There is a universal intelligence that is all knowing, and a thought impressed upon this intelligence will create the thing you think about, along with right action.

The following events are scheduled for Friday, January 16 at Parker Las Vegas.
Achieving Transparent and Defendable Treatment Plan Documentation
Patrick Bodnar, DC
In today’s market it is essential for a chiropractor to meet file requirements and manage the change that intense standards of care are bringing to the field.  As many chiropractors find themselves in crisis mode and intimidated by program and payer file reviews, those that assume a leadership role in developing a goal and outcome-oriented treatment plan may reduce risk, increase collections, and create patient relationships beyond the boundaries of painful complaints. This class provides effective introductory strategy to help chiropractors manage the diagnosis, therapeutic relationship, goals, and outcome information of a patient case. Also featuring a presentation note packet including class slides, a frequently asked question review sheet, and a treatment plan template that can be implemented in practice immediately.

Parker New Patient Procedures That Educate and Inspire
Gene Orlowsky, DC
Dr. Jim Parker created new patient procedures that build confidence for both DC and patient. Learn from a DC who has mastered these procedures and learn to develop certainty in effectively communicating chiropractic by mastering day one procedures. Your patient will leave inspired, wanting to follow through with your best recommendations.

The Ultimate Spinal Care Class
Rick Wren, DC
Dr.James W. Parker would never have accepted a patient who did not attend a spinal care class. Some of you may ask why this was so? Countless DCs who have implemented the Spinal Care Class will tell you that this is a primordial relationship builder and the most valuable education tool you could ever utilize.
Learn what must be included in a spinal care workshop and:

How to set up the logistics for a successful class
What information to share and how to share it
Why subluxation pre-frame is a key ingredient
How to involve the entire family in a wellness plan
Why patients who attend are more likely to pay, stay and refer
Philosophy That Empowers; The ABC’s of a Successful Practice
Charles Ward, DC
Walk through basic success principles that will empower you to be the best you can be.

Loving Chiropractic, Loving Patients: Just Being There
David Browning, DC
The message in this presentation is really quite simple; if you love what you do, then you have to love your patients, too.  We’ll revisit some familiar ground and explore some new territory as we examine why we believe what we believe.  It’s time to get some fresh perspective on some timeless ideas.

Chiropractic Time is NOW
Arno Burnier, DC

The Power of Total Trust, the Power of Listening to Innate, The Power of Surrendering to Universal
Clarity about Chiropractic Vitalistic Philosophy
The Power of The Adjustment. It can be a Matter of Life or Death
How to Become a Vehicle/an Instrument of Healing
The Power of Simplicity and Service
Society is Ready for Chiropractic in its Purest Form
The Principled Chiropractic Assistant
Brandi MacDonald, CA
What difference would it make in your practice if you understood your own personal accountability and responsibility of being a leader? The masterful, principled, and enlightened Chiropractic Assistant is grounded in a deep understanding of chiropractic philosophy, vitalism, and basic Chiropractic principles. During this workshop, Chiropractic Assistants can expect to refresh or learn the historical perspectives on health, health myths of today, Chiropractic principles, and personal accountability to these principles.  By the end of this session, the Chiropractic Assistant will better understand that “one cannot give away what one does not have.” Energetic, stimulating and transformational, this session is designed to leave you with an enhanced sense of personal leadership and purpose.

Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutrition
Hyla Cass, MD
Prescription drugs can rob your patients of the very vitamins and minerals they need to overcome their condition, whether it’s high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, or arthritis, to name a few.   The problem is, most medical doctors have little knowledge about nutrition and how it affects overall health and well-being, so are unable to tell patients how to supplement their prescription. Dr. Cass offers essential information on drug-nutrient depletion, specific remedies for overcoming it, and nutritional protocols that can decrease or even eliminate the need for prescription drugs.

The Role of Self-Actualization in Enhancing Patient Care – Identity and The Empowerment of the Chiropractor
Dennis Perman, DC
There are five key areas to providing optimal patient care, divided into two broad categories. The first is focused on the operations of the practice, including patient compliance procedures and policies, establishment of a fair and consistent fee system, and the acquisition of new patients to serve. The second concentrates on the practice philosophy, the model of practice that suits that particular doctor and patient base, and ultimately the identity or self-concept of the provider. By learning to troubleshoot these five areas, chiropractors can always have their attention on their growing edge, improving patient care and identifying the values, beliefs, habits, and behaviors of successful practitioners. The purpose of this course is to provide the chiropractor with a consistent methodology for enhancing the patient’s experience, while constructing a practice model that is satisfying and fulfilling.

The “Noisy Joint” and How to Adjust the Pronated Foot
Mark Charrette, DC
This presentation covers the concept of “The Noisy Joint”, basic biomechanics, neurology, examination procedures, indicators, and the adjusting protocol for the most common subluxation patterns of the foot. This is a “hands-on” workshop designed for the doctor/student to quickly acquire adjusting skills for the most commonly encountered extremity condition of the foot. Also covered in this course are simple stabilization and rehabilitative procedures for the feet.

Quick Three-Step Stress Relief for Your Patients (and Yourself)
Scott Walker, DC
Why is simple stress relief such a godsend? Because stress causes disease, recurrent subluxations, and other problems. Learn how to balance both cerebral hemispheres by touching reflex points. This is a wonderful procedure that takes only minutes and is not emotionally consuming. In fact, it is a non talk-it-out approach based on neurophysiology and can be done by the doctor or the CA. Attendees can feel stress relief right in their chairs!  So if your stress is financial, relationship, illness, family, or patient related, please come and see the simplicity of it all.  It is similar to the well-researched neuro-emotional technique, but in a simpler version. You will be able to do it immediately.

Sports Chiropractic – Functional Assessment and Rehabilitation of the Athlete
A review of the rapidly expanding  international sports chiropractic opportunities and environment, followed by a seminar on a new approach to assessment and rehabilitation of athletes and other active individuals. This includes a step-by-step progression approach to exercise discussed with case examples. The focus is both general and specifically the shoulder.

The Serious Chiropractors Guide To Creating Patients For Life
Bruce A Parker, DC
A few things you will learn in this session are:

How to profitably attract more new patients
Convert your patients into advocates who compel others to come see you
Set your practice apart from others and dominate your market.
Quantum Healing and the Emotional Component to the Subluxation Complex
Sue Morter, DC
Quantum physics has shown us beyond a shadow of a doubt that what we think and feel determines our physical experiences and manifestations.  In addition, the study of epigenetics is showing us today that environment is dominant over genetic inheritance in determining what will be expressed in the health and vitality of the human being.  This course explores the meeting place of these two cutting edge sciences and the implications thereof on the human central nervous system, the chiropractic subluxation, and the long lasting effects of the chiropractic adjustment.  It will also explore possible explanations of why adjustments don’t hold when they don’t and what can be done about it on both the conscious and the subconscious levels. Technique will be taught in a format immediately useable and applicable, with references for deeper study if desired.

Become Your Own Wellness Champion
Jeffery Spencer, DC
The chiropractic profession is facing significant challenges in today’s uncharted healthcare economy. Despite these challenges the six billion people on the planet still need regular chiropractic care. And, those chiropractors who have developed superior clinical skills based on today’s knowledge of how to achieve and maintain peak health will prosper.  “Become your own champion” helps you gain the confidence and ability to prosper in today’s challenging healthcare climate by teaching you the 12 “tour tested, tour tough” clinical principles I used to create my chiropractic health care delivery system that won eight consecutive Tours de France.

Billing and Collections Systems that Work! How to Deal with Insurance Challenges
Kathy Mills Chang, CA
As doctors and team members, do you ever feel ill at ease over what’s going on in your financial department? If you’re like most offices, you’re more likely to be a firefighter than a strategic planner. Your lack of knowledge about how this department runs or your disorganization creates fear and unnecessary stress in your life. Conquer that fear once and for all. Kathy Mills Chang presents this billing and collection training broken down into patient centered activities and the daily infrastructure and systems of billing and collections that are necessary in every successful chiropractic office.

Bringing Chiropractic Philosophy to Life at the Front Desk
Phyllis Frase, CA
Reunite and reignite the fire and passion to serve the people who walk through your door every day. This class is for the brand new CA as well as the seasoned CA  to reach their fullest potential in helping patients understand the foundation of chiropractic. Be inspired with philosophy, stories, and the magic of chiropractic.

Using Google and Other FREE Web Tools to Boost New Patient Visits
Lisa Richerson, MBA
Demonstration of a number of the free or low cost online services that can help your marketing efforts to bring in more patients, drive revenue, and get more exposure for your clinic. Lisa demonstrates many of the tools, shows your examples of how it’s being done, offer quick guides for you to take home, and then open up the floor so we can share experiences on how  online marketing that may benefit your colleagues.
The 10 Key Traits of Today’s Chiropractic Practice Giants
Patrick Gentempo, DC
With over 8000 clients and more than 25 years of experience in studying chiropractic clinical and economic success, Dr. Gentempo assimilates his expertise by identifying the 10 key attributes that DCs must have to attain ultra-success in practice.  Clear goals for the patient, clinical certainty, and good economic modeling are just part of what it takes to be in the very top ranks of chiropractic success today.  Don’t miss this information and inspiration – it will be pivotal.

Advanced 3LT for Extremities and Rehabilitation
Jerome Rerucha, DC
The wisdom of chiropractic is integrated with the use of low level laser therapy in rehabilitation treatment. This class is for the practitioner who desires to maintain the traditional application of chiropractic and to enhance the benefits achieved by applying one of the newest, most researched technological advances in the healing arts. Specific protocols and rehabilitation techniques for common conditions are taught using laser therapy. This enables the practitioner to improve the initial patient evaluation and to recommend specific treatment protocols used in daily practice. These include; acute injuries, chronic neck and shoulder injuries, carpal tunnel, and sprain/strain.

How Clinical Competency Builds Your Practice In Stressful Economic Times; Activator Methods
Arlan Fuhr, DC
Activator Methods history, research and development, and related published research supporting leg length reactivity theory, the basis of analysis in the Activator Method as published in Chapter 5 of The Activator Method, Second Edition.

Sharendipity
Todd Watson, DC- Moderator
Open-microphone session for you to speak for five minutes on the chiropractic topic that you feel the most passionate about.  Most of the speakers at Parker Seminars started at one of these sessions, so come on out and have your say.

Las Vegas, Nev., January 15, 2009—Some 5000 doctors of chiropractic, chiropractic assistants, educators, technique and business coaches, and industry vendors were at the Las Vegas Hilton today for the opening of Parker Las Vegas.

The 57th Parker Seminar began with Seminar Vice President Gilles Lamarche, DC, welcoming a packed audience. Larmarche also is vice president of development for Parker College of Chiropractic.

The highlight of the opening session was Suzanne Somers, the popular television actress turned wellness author. Somers shared “secrets” from her latest book Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness.  Prior to her discussion on the need for a “natural” approach to healthcare,  Parker President Fabrizio Mancini, DC, informed the audience of the need and ways to better communicate with patients. “How well we communicate the chiropractic message both inside and outside the office can make all the difference,” he said.

Following Somers’ discussion, Dr. Mancini presented Somers with Parker’s prestigious Backbone Award.

This year’s vendor exhibit space has grown from last year’s event.

Breakout education sessions took place throughout the day including Tracy Wilson, DC, discussing “Mastering Cash—Principles and Procedures, which drew a standing only crowd, Judy Siebert, CA, discussing “Love Intent: The C.A.’s Role in the Healing Process,” and Noel Lloyd, DC, expounding on “The 13 Keys to Making 2009 Your Best-Ever Year.”

The seminar continues through January 17.