DIRECTS EMPIRE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD TO DISCLOSE BASIS FOR DOCTOR RANKINGS Issues Consumer Alert To New Yorkers about Potentially Deceptive Programs In an expanding industry-wide investigation, New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today issued letters to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Preferred Care, and HIP Health Plan of New York/GHI requesting information on the insurers’ doctor ranking programs. The Attorney General also alerted New Yorkers about potentially deceptive programs driven by financial motives and not consumers’ best interests. “Consumers need to be aware that doctor ranking programs as currently designed may steer patients to the cheapest, but not necessarily the best doctors, letting profits trump quality,” said Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. “Transparency and accurate information are critical when making health care decisions and should not be clouded by conflicts of interest.” In the three separate letters sent today, Attorney General Cuomo: • Requested New York City-based Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield to justify its existing ranking program known as Blue Precision, currently offered to national employers in New York City. • Directed Rochester-based Preferred Care to halt the launch of its planned doctor ranking program and to provide details about the system. • Warned New York City-based HIP Health Plan/GHI to refrain from launching such programs without the prior consent of the Attorney General. In the letter to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, serving approximately 533,271 members across New York State, Cuomo also questioned Blue Precision’s strategy to steer consumers to preferred doctors. In a publicly available presentation outlining the program, Empire describes its “sanction” model which pressures consumers to switch doctors by imposing financial penalties. Blue Precision is expected to be operating in 22 states by 2008. The program is already available to national employers such as Wal-Mart, which has deployed the program in Florida. “When making healthcare decisions, it is vital consumers have as much honest information and unfiltered advice as possible,” said Cuomo. “Ranking systems are in their infancy. Consumers should use caution and have an open dialogue with their doctors.” In the letter to Preferred Care, serving approximately185,188 members across New York State, Cuomo also cited concern about the insurers’ "report cards," which include a measure of patient satisfaction based in large part on cost criteria. Attorney General Cuomo is scrutinizing the emerging national trend of physician ranking programs in an effort to ensure consumers are protected. Similar letters have been sent to UnitedHealthcare, Aetna Health Plan, and Cigna in recent weeks, and discussions with these companies are ongoing. Copies of the letters: • Letter 1: Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield • Letter 2: Preferred Care • Letter 3: HIP Health Plan / GHI For a complete list of county-based enrollment data, visit:

Abstract: Study Design. Prospective national survey. Objective. To estimate the risk of serious and relatively minor adverse events following chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine by a sample of U.K. chiropractors. Summary of Background Data. The risk of a serious adverse event following chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine is largely unknown. Estimates range from 1 in 200,000 to 1 in several million cervical spine manipulations. Methods. We studied treatment outcomes obtained from 19,722 patients. Manipulation was defined as the application of a high-velocity/low-amplitude or mechanically assisted thrust to the cervical spine. Serious adverse events, defined as "referred to hospital A&E and/or severe onset/worsening of symptoms immediately after treatment and/or resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity," and minor adverse events reported by patients as a worsening of presenting symptoms or onset of new symptoms, were recorded immediately, and up to 7 days, after treatment. Results. Data were obtained from 28,807 treatment consultations and 50,276 cervical spine manipulations. There were no reports of serious adverse events. This translates to an estimated risk of a serious adverse event of, at worse [almost equal to]1 per 10,000 treatment consultations immediately after cervical spine manipulation, [almost equal to]2 per 10,000 treatment consultations up to 7 days after treatment and [almost equal to]6 per 100,000 cervical spine manipulations. Minor side effects with a possible neurologic involvement were more common. The highest risk immediately after treatment was fainting/dizziness/light-headedness in, at worse [almost equal to]16 per 1000 treatment consultations. Up to 7 days after treatment, these risks were headache in, at worse [almost equal to]4 per 100, numbness/tingling in upper limbs in, at worse [almost equal to]15 per 1000 and fainting/dizziness/light-headedness in, at worse [almost equal to]13 per 1000 treatment consultations. Conclusion. Although minor side effects following cervical spine manipulation were relatively common, the risk of a serious adverse event, immediately or up to 7 days after treatment, was low to very low. Spine. 32(21):2375-2378, October 1, 2007. (C) 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

The recent UnitedHealthcare (UHC) release has been a wake-call to the chiropractic profession. All corners of the profession are working together in response to this ominous action by UHC, which is apparently meant to restrict chiropractic care of children and adolescents and chiropractic care of patients suffering from headaches. There is absolutely no scientific support for the position taken by UHC, and the chiropractic profession will not stand by while patients are harmed as a result of this unfounded policy, a policy which restricts chiropractic coverage and ultimately the appropriate use and reimbursement of chiropractic care. The chiropractic profession will stand united against this spurious action by UHC. We will take all necessary action to stop this harmful policy from being implemented. The chiropractic profession supports the appropriate application of EBM to clinical practice, whether chiropractic or medical. But we will not sit back and allow our doctors of chiropractic and their expert conservative care to be singled out and treated unfairly -- by being held to a higher standard than our colleagues in other health care disciplines. The attached response to the UHC release was created by the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters and is fully supported by the undersigned chiropractic organizations. We anticipate other organizations will be speaking out in support of this response in the near future. Watch for more news on this critical issue. American Chiropractic Association Association of Chiropractic Colleges Congress of Chiropractic State Associations Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research International Chiropractors Association ********************************* Joint Cover Letter to United Healthcare October 9, 2007 Mr. Robert J. Sheehy Chief Executive Officer UnitedHealthcare 450 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT 06103 Dear Mr. Sheehy: This letter is a joint communication from the undersigned chiropractic organizations. Our organizations represent the mainstream of the chiropractic profession in the areas of professional practice, research and clinical guidelines. We write to you today in connection with the recent special bulletin pertaining to chiropractic services related to children, adolescents and headaches (United Healthcare Network Bulletin, Volume 21, September 2007). It states: "United Healthcare had previously concluded that certain services provided as a part of chiropractic care were unproven. A recent review of the clinical evidence in published peer-reviewed medical literature leads us to further conclude that chiropractic services for treatment of children and adolescents is unproven and services for treatment of headaches is unproven." Attached is an analysis which demonstrates that the above policy is not only flawed but more importantly poses a threat to the health of children, adolescents and those individuals suffering with headache pain who may be insured or otherwise covered under United Healthcare programs and policies. We view your recent policy determination to be a material denial of essential benefits and coverage paid for by employers and other insureds. The broad stroke elimination of these important benefits is, in our view, not only unconscionable but is an abrogation of the promises made to cover chiropractic services to employees, individuals and their dependants. We note that none of our organizations were contacted or consulted in connection with your drastic and unprecedented denial of benefits to adolescents, children and those suffering with headache pain. In our opinion, this raises serious questions as to your intentions and we question to whether your motivation for the bottom line outweighs your responsibility to provide coverage for appropriate and needed healthcare services. We would therefore request the immediate rescission of the above-referenced policy. We offer our assistance to provide whatever input your organization may need to craft policies that are reflective of health needs of chiropractic patients under your programs. We intend to inform our patients, state and federal regulatory authorities, members of the various state legislatures, members of Congress and the public of what we view as your inappropriate and reckless action in the denial of needed healthcare benefits to adolescents, children and those suffering with headache pain under your program. We stand ready to engage in constructive dialog on these matters, but the first step in the process must be the immediate rescission of the policy contained in the above-referenced network bulletin. Sincerely, Glenn D. Manceaux, D.C. President, American Chiropractic Association Wayne M. Whalen, DC, DACAN Chair, Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters Charles Herring, D.C. President, Foundation for Chiropractic Research and Education Carl S. Cleveland III, D.C. President, Association of Chiropractic Colleges R. Jerry DeGrado, D.C., F.I.C.C President, Congress of Chiropractic State Associations John Maltby D.C. President, International Chiropractors Association ********************************* CCGPP Analysis/Letter to UHC October 8, 2007 To: Stephen J. Hemsley President and Chief Executive Officer UnitedHealth Group 9900 Bren Road East, Minetonka MN 55343 From: Dr. Wayne Whalen, Chairman, Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) RE: United HealthCare NetworkBulletin Volume 21 September 2007 Recently UHC released a special bulletin, United HealthCare NetworkBulletin Volume 21 September 2007, concerning chiropractic services related to children, adolescents, and headaches. It states, "United HealthCare had previously concluded that certain services provided as a part of chiropractic care were unproven. A recent review of the clinical evidence in published peer-reviewed medical literature leads us to further conclude that chiropractic services for treatment of children and adolescents is unproven and services for treatment of headaches is unproven." The Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters, the principal agency in the United States that evaluates literature of interest to chiropractic practice, reviewed this bulletin and has serious concerns, especially over the potential harm to children as a result of this policy. We are also concerned over the health and welfare of those patients suffering headaches, who as a result of this policy will be denied medically necessary and evidence-based chiropractic care. Given the research available on the topics in question, in combination with how evidence is translated into clinical practice, we believe the conclusions and policy limits implied by UHC based upon the literature was flawed in many respects. We respectfully request that United Healthcare forward the results of the "recent review of the clinical evidence" referred to in the UHC information release for the CCGPP to evaluate. Please consider the issues identified below. Issue #1: Scope of practice In this bulletin UHC refers to "chiropractic services" presumably and mistakenly equating the licensure of the chiropractic profession with the singular modality/treatment of spinal manipulation. As is known, chiropractic physicians are primary care/portal of entry physicians recognized by statute at both federal and state levels, e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, Department of Defense and Veterans Administration programs, just to name a few. The treatment of special patient populations, e.g. children and adolescents, and specific conditions, e.g. headaches have been established for many years to be well within the scope of a chiropractic practice. Treatment includes not only spinal manipulation, but also active and passive therapeutic modalities, evaluation and management services, instruction on lifestyle modifications, diet and exercise, posture and nutritional advice and other facets of chiropractic practice. Chiropractic is not limited to just spinal manipulation and the UHC bulletin is unclear whether other aspects of a chiropractic clinical encounter are reimbursable. Issue #2: Discriminatory policy/standards In our opinion, it does not appear that UHC’s new standards concerning research and new announced policy were applied in equal fashion across the spectrum of healthcare professions. In fact, if every licensed profession were held to the same unrealistic standard being imposed on the chiropractic profession, virtually no treatment or drug would be reimbursable by UHC. As is commonly known, the FDA did not permit research on children until 2005. In fact most pediatric dosages were prescribed on a hypothetical by-weight basis because of this restriction. Therefore, there remains no significant body of data, beyond case studies, etc. (i.e. no RCTs), supporting the treatment of children by typical medical intervention. Clearly the new UHC policy holds chiropractic physicians to a different set of standards. What medical treatments exist that UHC believes are supported by significant literature? Is UHC denying payment to medical and osteopathic physicians and physical therapists for treatment of children and adolescents and for treatment of headaches? If not, we request that UHC forward the literature supporting the decisions to continue to reimburse those interventions for our review. Issue #3: Research A brief review of the literature revealed numerous papers related to spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and cervical pain, including headaches. Chronic and cervicogenic headaches remain some of the most prevalent forms of headaches, and chiropractic physicians are particularly well-trained to treat these condition. The CCGPP respectfully requests that UHC produce the review of the literature referenced in the bulletin for our review so we can crosscheck with other available sources to examine the accuracy of the interpretation of those studies. We will further address the issue of headaches under separate cover after we receive UHC’s literature search on the topic. Literature related specifically to children is less voluminous; however, is it truly necessary? What evidence does UHC have in its possession indicating that the spines of children and adolescents respond any differently to spinal manipulation and numerous other passive and active interventions used not only by chiropractic physicians, but medical and osteopathic physicians and physical therapists? What evidence exists that would suggest to UHC that children and adolescents are somehow immune to spine injury/pain? To deny coverage for a special population of patients based upon the lack of research is analogous to denying payment for spinal manipulation for patients living in West Virginia since no randomized trials exist for that population of patient. In our opinion UHC’s logic is flawed in its application of research in a clinical setting. Does UHC possess any literature suggesting that the spines of children and adolescents respond any differently to passive and active modalities and treatment compared to adult populations for which spinal manipulation has proven value? The literature clearly shows that children suffer significant back pain. In fact, in a study of 1,126 children, the prevalence of nonspecific back pain increases dramatically during adolescence from less than 10 percent in the pre-teenage years up to 50 percent in 15- to 16-year-olds. Of 1,122 backpack users, 74.4 percent were classified as having back pain, validated by significantly poorer general health, more limited physical functioning, and more bodily pain. There is widespread concern that heavy backpacks carried by adolescents contribute to the development of back pain. Other contributing factors to the near epidemic of back pain in adolescents are: sedentary lifestyle, obesity, de-conditioning, excessive sitting, poor diet, etc. These issues not only can all be addressed, but are being routinely addressed with successful therapeutic outcomes, in the normal visit to a chiropractic physician. Another study of 54 pediatric patients concluded that patients responded favorably to chiropractic management, and there were no reported complications. Numerous recognized and respected guidelines support the use of spinal manipulation, along with other therapies, in the treatment of back pain. Just this month, the widely-respected journal, Annals of Internal Medicine stated: *Recommendation 7: *For patients who do not improve with self-care options, clinicians should consider the addition of nonpharmacologic therapy with proven benefits—for acute low back pain, spinal manipulation [emphasis added]; for chronic or subacute low back pain, intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation, exercise therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, spinal manipulation [emphasis added], yoga, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or progressive relaxation. Issue # 4: Clinical skills, financial impact, and patient safety Given the reality of back pain in children and adolescents, why would UHC restrict access and benefits to the profession best suited to evaluate and treat these conditions? Chiropractic physicians clearly possess more education and clinical skills in the area of musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment compared to general allopaths and physical therapists. If this policy is permitted, young patients and those suffering headaches will have nowhere to turn except to general medicine. Will that shift result in dollars saved? The answer is no. A limited or complete loss of chiropractic benefits will result in a shift and increased payment for traditional care with its inherent higher costs for treatment, diagnostics and risks associated with prescriptions and invasive procedures. Given the fact that our society, especially the young, is already overmedicated, does that policy make good fiscal or epidemiological sense? In CCGPP’s opinion, it does not. We are justifiably concerned that UHC’s policy will force unnecessary drugs on headaches sufferers and on children who suffer back pain and other conditions commonly treated by chiropractic physicians. The side effects of those drugs can easily be avoided by the use of more conservative chiropractic care. Issue #5: Proper use of guidelines In CCGPP’s opinion, UHC failed to consider that evidence/research is only one facet of a best practice strategy in clinical practice. Other equally important elements include clinical decision-making/experience, patient values, documentation, process of care, response to care, and risk stratification. Over reliance on literature is impractical in a clinical setting where unique patient attributes often exceed the strict controls found in most randomized controlled trials. The CCGPP wishes to remind UHC of the following concerning guidelines: • All guidelines serve merely as background information to assist doctors in the clinical decision-making process. • A guideline serves as a "compass" for care, not a cookbook for care. • Guidelines should never be used punitively or as prescriptions for care. • Each patient is unique and treatment recommendations must be based on the specific factors pertaining to the individual case. • Guidelines are only one piece of evidence to consider when considering the medical necessity of care. Other pieces of evidence include: research, clinical experience/decision-making, patient values, risk stratification, process of care, response to care, documentation, etc. Again, guidelines are not cookbooks with rigid dosages for treatment. • Nearly all guidelines are based upon the acute, non-complicated patient. These are not the typical patients found in clinical practice. Issue #6: Civil Rights of children A major concern of CCGPP is the possible violation of civil rights against this special population, children. Discrimination based upon age is not acceptable in any venue. Given the lack of reason, science, logic, clinical applicability, and the apparent double standards imposed on chiropractic versus medical licensees, this policy should be immediately withdrawn by UHC. Forcing children into more invasive medical procedures, including medications, by denying coverage for more conservative treatment should not be acceptable to anyone. We sincerely hope the observations of CCGPP and recommendations contained in this letter are seriously considered by UHC Please provide us with either confirmation that this egregious policy has been rescinded, or the specific literature synthesis upon which you relied as the basis for the policy. We would also like to note that CCGPP, with its extensive literature searching and review abilities, is available to provide both peer-reviewed and consensus information about chiropractic practice that can be useful to all parties, and we do consider United HealthCare as a stakeholder. If there are additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I can be reached at (619) 258-1144 or by electronic mail at [email protected]. Sincerely, Wayne Whalen, DC, DACAN Chair Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters

As was announced in August, the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) is posting the evidence synthesis on "CHIROPRACTIC MANAGEMENT OF UPPER EXTREMITY PAIN– DRAFT" for review and commentary at www.ccgpp.org on October 10, 2007. The CHIROPRACTIC MANAGEMENT OF UPPER EXTREMITY PAIN chapter was written by CCGPP Commission member, Thomas Souza, DC and his team. It is the third chapter to be released in the ongoing best practices initiative of the CCGPP, as commissioned by its founding organizations. This latest chapter utilizes the improved format developed by the Commission to make the information more user-friendly for the profession; however, it should be noted that this chapter represents only the literature synthesis. Future projects are planned to translate this evidence into useful information for the DC practice to be published in its final form as the Clinical Chiropractic Compass. The 60-day comment period on this "Upper Extremity" chapter draft begins October 10, 2007 and will end December 10, 2007. Comments should be submitted in an electronic format to [email protected] and include a discussion of the conclusions, submission of additional literature for review, and editorial suggestions. "CHIROPRACTIC MANAGEMENT OF PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION; NONMUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS; AND CONDITIONS OF THE ELDERLY, CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN—DRAFT" was the second chapter released on September 1, 2007. The 60-day comment period on this "Wellness" chapter draft will remain open until November 1, 2007. Comments should be submitted in an electronic format to [email protected] and include a discussion of the conclusions, submission of additional literature for review, and editorial suggestions. The "Low Back" evidence synthesis was the first chapter released in May 2006. That chapter has been under review based on the feedback received during its commentary period and will be re-released in two parts: Part A will consist of treatment approaches and other aspects which generated little or no comment. Part B will consist of diagnostics and related issues. The CCGPP anticipates releasing the "Low Back A" evidence synthesis before the end of the year for a 60-day review and comment period. Low Back B will be deferred pending additional literature review and synthesis.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. The OUM Chiropractor Program, a national provider of chiropractic malpractice insurance since 1983, recently awarded four Wellness Works Scholarships to chiropractic students across the United States. The scholarship funds were raised through the generous financial support of Biofreeze, Chiropractic Economics, Chiropractic Products, Dynamic Chiropractic and Today’s Chiropractic Lifestyle, five prominent companies dedicated to the advancement of the chiropractic profession. These scholarships were awarded to Jeremy Hozjan, Charlene Lohmueller, Eric Timperley and Nam Tran for their exceptional essays that can be viewed by logging onto www.oumchiropractor.com Jeremy Hozjan decided to pursue chiropractic as a profession because he wanted a dynamic career that was both rewarding and challenging. He feels that chiropractic provides him with opportunities for success both personally and professionally. Upon receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic in June 2008, Hozjan plans to open a wellness-based family practice in Charlotte, N.C. After obtaining an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in 2004, Charlene Lohmueller decided that she wanted to pursue a career in chiropractic instead of Foreign Service. She desired a profession that would allow her to build deep roots in a community and help people improve their health so that they could also contribute to the community. Lohmueller will graduate in November 2008 from New York Chiropractic College and plans to open a chiropractic office on the East Coast. Eric Timperley first learned about chiropractic care from his father who is a practicing chiropractor. He saw firsthand the benefits of chiropractic care as his father treated him for sports injuries. After seeing how the profession affected his family, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. After he graduates from Parker College in August 2008, Timperley plans to move back to his hometown of Lincoln, Neb. and open a chiropractic practice emphasizing pediatrics and maternity. Nam Tran, a native of Alberta, Canada, learned about the benefits of chiropractic when his father, who was seriously injured in an auto accident, began to receive chiropractic treatment. After he saw his father go from being completely disabled to gradually regaining his life back, Tran knew he wanted to pursue chiropractic as a profession. Upon graduation from Parker College with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree Tran plans to find an associate position at a family practice in Dallas, Texas. If you are a vendor interested in participating in the Wellness Works Program or a student interested in applying for the scholarship, please call 800-423-1504 or log onto

Dear Medical Volunteers On behalf of New York Road Runners, thank you for your interest in volunteering for the ING New York City Marathon 2007 Medical Team. The marathon will be held on Sunday, November 4. Enclosed is the Medical Volunteer Application for you to complete and return to me. Dr. Stephen Perle University of Bridgeport 225 Myrtle Ave Bridgeport, CT 06604 (If you are on campus at the University of Bridgeport, my mailbox is outside of Dean Zolli’s office on the middle floor of END Hall. Do not put them under my door – please use my mailbox The attached application says to mail the application to the medical director, Dr. Maharam. If you have received the application along with this email please send the application to me rather than Dr. Maharam. He wants captains and coordinators to bundle the applications. Make sure to note that I am the captain that recruited you on the attached form. All applications are due to me by September 26, 2007. NO EXCEPTIONS. I will accept faxes and emailed applications. Faxes can be sent to me with a cover sheet addressed to me at 203 576-4351. As a Medical Team volunteer, you will receive a credential for your race day assignment as well as an official medical t-shirt, rain poncho, orientation booklet, and thank-you certificate. We are offering a choice of two orientation and credential pickup sessions for medical volunteers, and one for team captains. In order to work on the Medical Team on marathon day, you must attend an orientation and stay for the entire session (6:30-9:00 p.m.). Note that you must bring photo identification to the session you choose to attend. Parking is not provided. Please forward the attached application and this email to anyone you know that would be interested in volunteering. You will only be contacted if there is a problem with your application. No one will contact you to tell you that you are part of our medical team, just show up for one of the two orientations. Volunteer Orientation Date: Monday, October 29, or Tuesday, October 30 (choose one) Place: Hilton New York 1335 Avenue of the Americas, between 53rd and 54th Streets Registration: 6:00-6:30 p.m. Orientation: 6:30-9:00 p.m. Please be sure to add your orientation date to your calendar, and keep this email for your reference. Feel free to call me at 203 576-4248 or email me [email protected] if you have any questions. Sincerely, Stephen M. Perle, D.C., M.S. ING NYC Marathon, Chiropractic Coordinator & Triage Captain

Nearly 1,700 Palmer College of Chiropractic alumni and guests came to Palmer’s Davenport Campus for Homecoming 2007 Aug. 9-11. This year’s theme, “Look Inside,” referred to some exciting additions to Palmer’s Davenport Campus, as well as the healing, compassion and knowledge that chiropractors can find within themselves and at Palmer. Attendees could earn up to 16 continuing education credits and sample the wares of the 77 vendors at the event’s EXPO, plus attend social events on the campus and in the community. “Our goal is to ensure that Palmer’s Homecoming is an event with the best speakers and continuing education program in the profession, one of the largest vendor expos and the most entertaining social events,” said College Events Manager Stacey Wiley. “We are proud to welcome our alumni back to Davenport, chiropractic’s birthplace.” One of the main events at this year’s Palmer Homecoming on the Davenport Campus was the ribbon cutting and building dedication ceremony on Friday, Aug. 10, for the newly named Pisciottano (pronounced Pis-uh-tan-oh) Hall, which houses the Palmer College of Chiropractic Academic Health Center (AHC). The building, which opened in July, is a $12.5 million, three-story, 50,000-square-foot facility that includes: -- Community outpatient clinic facilities -- A Clinical Learning Resource Center with resources for students, faculty, alumni and researchers -- Digital radiology (X-ray) services -- Expanded chiropractic rehabilitation and sports injury services -- Welcome Center The building’s namesakes, Maurice Pisciottano, D.C., and Laurel Gretz-Pisciottano, D.C., both 1989 Palmer alumni, gave a $3 million challenge pledge to Palmer’s $35 million capital campaign. This donation by the Pisciottanos was the largest single alumni contribution to the campaign, which surpassed its goals and raised more than $35.5 million for the AHC’s construction as well as to increase the College’s endowment by $10 million and fund other capital projects. Through the capital campaign, the building received federal support of $3.4 million, as well as a $750,000 challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation, the first ever awarded to a chiropractic college, and $1,750,000 in pledges from the Bechtel Trusts. Hundreds of people in the hot August sun were part of Palmer and chiropractic history as speeches were made, a ribbon was cut and a time capsule was placed in the new building. Palmer’s Vice Chancellor for Academics Dennis Marchiori, D.C., Ph.D., served as emcee for the event. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who was influential in garnering federal support for the AHC, was represented by Alison Hart from his Davenport office. Other participants included Anita Bigo, D.C., a 1956 Palmer alumna who gave the invocation, and the following speakers: Palmer’s Davenport Campus President Donald Kern, D.C.; Ron Boesch, D.C., AHC faculty clinician; Valarie Morrow, AHC staff member; Kurt Wood, D.C., executive dean for clinic affairs; James Leonette, Davenport Campus Student Council president; Chancellor Larry Patten; Palmer Board of Trustees Chairman Vickie Palmer; and Maurice Piscottano, D.C. “I was excited to be a part of this project from the beginning because it represents the future of chiropractic,” said Dr. Pisciottano. “The number of people who will be impacted by the students who learn here will number in the hundreds of millions and eventually the billions. We can and we will be the number one healthcare choice on planet Earth. All of you here today will have had a part in what I believe is the tipping point for Palmer College and the chiropractic profession.” Another significant event during Palmer Homecoming 2007 was the announcement of the creation of a new alumni association for Palmer. “By working together, we can accomplish great things for Palmer College, its alumni and future alumni,” said Executive Director for Alumni Mickey Burt, D.C., in a presentation on Aug. 9, just prior to the alumni reception. Graduates of all three Palmer campuses will automatically be part of the new association. Dr. Burt told attendees that, in the coming months, the Alumni Office will be collecting profiles from graduates who would like to participate in leadership roles in the Palmer College of Chiropractic Alumni Association. The leadership of the new association will be made up of a diverse group of alumni from all three campuses who will have the opportunity to participate in many different ways.

Robyn Tamblyn, PhD; Michal Abrahamowicz, PhD; Dale Dauphinee, MD; Elizabeth Wenghofer, PhD; André Jacques, MD; Daniel Klass, MD; Sydney Smee, MSc; David Blackmore, PhD; Nancy Winslade, PharmD; Nadyne Girard, MSc; Roxane Du Berger, MSc; Ilona Bartman, MA; David L. Buckeridge, MD, PhD; James A. Hanley, PhD ABSTRACT Context Poor patient-physician communication increases the risk of patient complaints and malpractice claims. To address this problem, licensure assessment has been reformed in Canada and the United States, including a national standardized assessment of patient-physician communication and clinical history taking and examination skills. Objective To assess whether patient-physician communication examination scores in the clinical skills examination predicted future complaints in medical practice. Design, Setting, and Participants Cohort study of all 3424 physicians taking the Medical Council of Canada clinical skills examination between 1993 and 1996 who were licensed to practice in Ontario and/or Quebec. Participants were followed up until 2005, including the first 2 to 12 years of practice. Main Outcome Measure Patient complaints against study physicians that were filed with medical regulatory authorities in Ontario or Quebec and retained after investigation. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to estimate the relationship between complaint rate and scores on the clinical skills examination and traditional written examination. Scores are based on a standardized mean (SD) of 500 (100). Results Overall, 1116 complaints were filed for 3424 physicians, and 696 complaints were retained after investigation. Of the physicians, 17.1% had at least 1 retained complaint, of which 81.9% were for communication or quality-of-care problems. Patient-physician communication scores for study physicians ranged from 31 to 723 (mean [SD], 510.9 [91.1]). A 2-SD decrease in communication score was associated with 1.17 more retained complaints per 100 physicians per year (relative risk [RR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.61) and 1.20 more communication complaints per 100 practice-years (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.15-1.77). After adjusting for the predictive ability of the clinical decision-making score in the traditional written examination, the patient-physician communication score in the clinical skills examination remained significantly predictive of retained complaints (likelihood ratio test, P < .001), with scores in the bottom quartile explaining an additional 9.2% (95% CI, 4.7%-13.1%) of complaints. Conclusion Scores achieved in patient-physician communication and clinical decision making on a national licensing examination predicted complaints to medical regulatory authorities. Authors: Robyn Tamblyn, PhD; Michal Abrahamowicz, PhD; Dale Dauphinee, MD; Elizabeth Wenghofer, PhD; André Jacques, MD; Daniel Klass, MD; Sydney Smee, MSc; David Blackmore, PhD; Nancy Winslade, PharmD; Nadyne Girard, MSc; Roxane Du Berger, MSc; Ilona Bartman, MA; David L. Buckeridge, MD, PhD; James A. Hanley, PhD Author Affiliations: Departments of Medicine (Drs Tamblyn and Dauphinee) and Epidemiology & Biostatistics (Drs Abrahamowicz, Winslade, Buckeridge, and Hanley, and Mss Girard and Du Berger), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Wenghofer and Klass); Quebec College of Physicians, Montreal (Dr Jacques); and Medical Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario (Dr Blackmore and Mss Smee and Bartman). The Journal of the American Medical AssociationVol. 298 No. 9, September 5, 2007

Laying the groundwork for an expanded footprint on the chiropractic profession, the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (FCER) has elected a new foundation president, an expanded Board of Trustees, and appointed a new Executive Committee. Dr. Charles R. Herring, currently a trustee, was elected FCER president at the FCER Board of Trustees meeting held recently in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Herring succeeds Vincent P. Lucido, DC, who had been board president for the past 10 years. Dr. Lucido remains on the board. “This is one of the most exciting and productive times in FCER’s 60-plus year history,” Dr. Herring, said. “This election was important since new trustees have joined FCER from careers outside or ancillary to chiropractic. Joining our current hard-working board, these new members will bring fresh new ideas to the foundation, moving it in directions that up to now, no other chiropractic organization has traveled,” he added. New trustees, all elected at-large, include Jeffrey Fedorko, DC, practicing in Canton, Ohio, and an active member of the Ohio State Chiropractic Association (OSCA) and the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA); Mitchell Haas, DC, MA, the dean of research at Western States Chiropractic College (WSCC) in Portland, Oregon, and FCER’s 2006 Researcher of the Year; Fabrizio Mancini, DC, FICC, FACC, president of Parker College of Chiropractic (PCC) in Dallas, Texas, and an Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) board member; and, David M. Rubin, PhD, Maplewood, New Jersey, who has more than 10 years of experience as a designer and executive in bioinformantics services as well as business development experience in the commercial marketplace. Re-elected to the board, in addition to Dr. Herring, was Thomas E. Hyde, DC, DACBSP, of Miami, Florida, a well-respected practitioner, author and speaker on the applications of chiropractic methods in the sports and fitness area. Dr. Herring, who practices in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been instrumental in helping to develop FCER’s new Evidence-Based Resource Center, the online research and education web site which will be launched later this year. In addition to his practice, Dr. Herring has served in the Louisiana House of Representatives, and has been appointed to numerous health care boards and commissions over the years. The trustees’ Executive Committee, also recently appointed, includes: • FCER President Charles R. Herring, DC, DABCC, FICC, who is also a popular chiropractic lecturer • FCER Vice President Reed B. Phillips, DC, PhD, MSCM, DACBR, former president of Southern California University of Health Sciences and current resident of Pocatello, Idaho. In addition, Dr. Phillips has served on numerous chiropractic and health care boards and commissions. He also is a renowned chiropractic researcher and author • FCER Secretary/Treasurer D. Michael Kelly, Esq., a practicing attorney in Columbia, South Carolina, where he is a well-known community activist. His firm specializes in providing legal services to those who have been injured by the conduct of another • George B. McClelland, DC, DABCC, who practices in Christiansburg, Virginia, and is a former FCER president. In addition, Dr. McClelland has served on many chiropractic and health care boards and commissions, and is known as a chiropractic lecturer and author • R. Reeve Askew, DC, of Easton, Maryland, who has been on the Board of Governors for the American Chiropractic Association as well as its Executive Committee. He also has a long history of serving on non-profit boards Other trustees include Evon Barvinchack, DC, of Greencastle, Pennsylvania; David A. Herd, DC, of Geneva, New York; Vincent P. Lucido, DC, of Lakeland, Florida; Frank H. McCarty, PE, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; and, Mario Spoto, DC, of Downington, Pennsylvania. FCER is the chiropractic profession’s oldest not-for-profit foundation, serving the profession since 1944. Based in Norwalk, Iowa, FCER has as its mission to “Translate Research into Practice” by granting funds for research and producing practitioner and patient education materials including teleconferences, CDs, books, and pamphlets. FCER is developing the profession’s only Evidence-Based Resource Center.

As was announced earlier this month, the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) has posted the evidence synthesis on “CHIROPRACTIC MANAGEMENT OF PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION; NONMUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS; AND CONDITIONS OF THE ELDERLY, CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN—DRAFT” for review and commentary at www.ccgpp.org. The CHIROPRACTIC MANAGEMENT OF PREVENTIONAND HEALTH PROMOTION; NONMUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS; AND CONDITIONS OF THE ELDERLY, CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN chapter addresses issues of achieving and maintaining wellness through care by chiropractic doctors. It was written by the CCGPP Commission Chair, Cheryl Hawk, DC, PhD, CHES and her team. The chapter covers the special populations most commonly treated by doctors of chiropractic. It is the second chapter to be released in the ongoing best practices initiative of the CCGPP, as commissioned by its founding organizations. This latest chapter utilizes an improved format developed to make the information more user-friendly for the profession; however, it should be noted that this chapter represents only the literature synthesis. Future projects are planned to translate this evidence into useful information for the DC practice to be published in its final form as the Clinical Chiropractic Compass. The 60-day comment period on this “Wellness” chapter draft begins September1, 2007. Comments should be submitted in an electronic format to [email protected] and include a discussion of the conclusions, submission of additional literature for review, and editorial suggestions. The CCGPP anticipates releasing the "Upper Extremity" evidence synthesis on October 1 2007, for its 60-day review and comment period. Additional chapters will follow thereafter. The "Low Back" evidence synthesis was the first chapter released in May 2006. That chapter is currently being revised based on the feedback received during its commentary period, and it will be re-released for review later this year. Thank you for your participation in the comment period, as well is your continued support of the CCGPP's iterative best practices process.

Abstract Little is known about how people with pain seek relief. To estimate the proportion of the population reporting recent pain, to identify ways people seek pain relief, and to report the perceived effectiveness of pain relief methods, we conducted a secondary analysis of results from a nationwide survey of the general U.S. population. Of the 1204 respondents, 31% had experienced moderate to very severe pain within the past 2 weeks and 75% of these had sought medical attention. Only 56% of those who sought medical attention got significant pain relief. Although seeking medical attention was the primary pain relief strategy, almost all of those with pain had tried multiple alternative methods for pain control, with 92% of pain sufferers having tried 3 or more alternative strategies. People who did not seek medical attention were more likely to report pain relief from prayer and going to a chiropractor than were those who sought medical attention. Factors leading to inadequate pain relief included difficulty communicating with a health professional and lack of health insurance. People who perceive that their pain is not understood by medical providers and those without health care insurance coverage are at greater risk for poor pain control. Perspective This article presents an analysis of data from a national survey on pain and the effectiveness of ways people seek pain relief. Difficulty communicating with health professionals and lack of health insurance contributed to inadequate pain relief. Almost all people with pain used multiple methods to control their pain. Volume 8, Issue 8, Pages 624-636 (August 2007)

Summary Background Whether calcium supplementation can reduce osteoporotic fractures is uncertain. We did a meta-analysis to include all the randomised trials in which calcium, or calcium in combination with vitamin D, was used to prevent fracture and osteoporotic bone loss. Methods We identified 29 randomised trials (n=63 897) using electronic databases, supplemented by a hand-search of reference lists, review articles, and conference abstracts. All randomised trials that recruited people aged 50 years or older were eligible. The main outcomes were fractures of all types and percentage change of bone-mineral density from baseline. Data were pooled by use of a random-effect model. Findings In trials that reported fracture as an outcome (17 trials, n=52 625), treatment was associated with a 12% risk reduction in fractures of all types (risk ratio 0•88, 95% CI 0•83–0•95; p=0•0004). In trials that reported bone-mineral density as an outcome (23 trials, n=41 419), the treatment was associated with a reduced rate of bone loss of 0•54% (0•35–0•73; p<0•0001) at the hip and 1•19% (0•76–1•61%; p<0•0001) in the spine. The fracture risk reduction was significantly greater (24%) in trials in which the compliance rate was high (p<0•0001). The treatment effect was better with calcium doses of 1200 mg or more than with doses less than 1200 mg (0•80 vs 0•94; p=0•006), and with vitamin D doses of 800 IU or more than with doses less than 800 IU (0•84 vs 0•87; p=0•03). Interpretation Evidence supports the use of calcium, or calcium in combination with vitamin D supplementation, in the preventive treatment of osteoporosis in people aged 50 years or older. For best therapeutic effect, we recommend minimum doses of 1200 mg of calcium, and 800 IU of vitamin D (for combined calcium plus vitamin D supplementation). Affiliations: Dr Benjamin MP Tang MD a b, Guy D Eslick PhD b, Prof Caryl Nowson PhD c, Caroline Smith PhD a and Prof Alan Bensoussan PhD a a. Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, University of Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia b. University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia c. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia

Abstract: Study Design. An economic evaluation alongside a randomized clinical trial in primary care. A total of 135 patients were randomly allocated to physical therapy added to general practitioners' care (n = 67) or to general practitioners' care alone (n = 68). Objective. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy and general practitioner care for patients with an acute lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS, also called sciatica) compared with general practitioner care only. Summary of Background Data. There is a lack of knowledge concerning the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy in patients with sciatica. Methods. The clinical outcomes were global perceived effect and quality of life. The direct and indirect costs were measured by means of questionnaires. The follow-up period was 1 year. The Incremental Cost-effectiveness Ratio (ICER) between both study arms was constructed. Confidence intervals for the ICER were calculated using Fieller's method and using bootstrapping. Results. There was a significant difference on perceived recovery at 1-year follow-up in favor of the physical therapy group. The additional physical therapy did not have an incremental effect on quality of life. At 1-year follow-up, the ICER for the total costs was [Euro sign]6224 (95% confidence interval, -10419, 27551) per improved patient gained. For direct costs only, the ICER was [Euro sign]837 (95% confidence interval, -731, 3186). Conclusion. The treatment of patients with LRS with physical therapy and general practitioners'care is not more cost-effective than general practitioners'care alone. Spine. 32(18):1942-1948, August 15, 2007. (C) 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress is pleased to unveil three new ads to communicate to the chiropractic profession and the general public. These advertisements present both the purpose and successes of the Foundation over the last twelve months. With a focus on the range of methods used to reach the consumer public on the benefits of chiropractic, these ads are another key to help unlock the best kept secret in health care - chiropractic. ”We encourage every state association and chiropractic publication to utilize these ads on a rotating basis,” stated Kent S. Greenawalt, Foundation Chairman. “In doing this, the chiropractic profession can see what is being achieved and more importantly what can be achieved if the entire profession supports the public relations campaign.” Mr. Thomas Collins, known as one of the best copywriters in the world, prepared the ads for the Foundation. Co-founder and creative director of Rapp & Collins, an advertising agency specializing in direct marketing and fundraising appeals, Mr. Collins writes The Makeover Maven, a monthly column in Direct Magazine. In addition, he has compiled 40 advertising makeovers into a book, How I Would Have Done These Ads. The number of positive messages generated by the Foundations’ public relations efforts has exceeded thirty million and continues to grow. The combination of a prominent public relations agency, generating monthly press releases and public service announcements, along with positive ads in national publications is having an enormous impact on this effort. The Foundation for Chiropractic’s public relations campaign is the longest, continuous public relations campaign in the history of the profession. Every dollar received from vendors and doctors will go directly to the advertising/public relations campaign. We invite you to join the Foundation and build on the positive press of this campaign. Contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 560, Carmichael, California 95609-0560 or please visit: www.foundation4cp.com.

Fifteen months after the release of the first draft of the low back evidence stratification for public comment, the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) is poised to release additional components of the Chiropractic Clinical Compass beginning immediately with the Preface, a revised Introduction, and a newly created chapter on Methodology. Each of these three sections will be available for review on the CCGPP website next week at www.ccgpp.org. The next draft of evidence stratification scheduled for release for public comment is Wellness, Non-musculoskeletal and Special Populations, which will be posted at www.ccgpp.org on September 1. CCGPP anticipates the release of one additional draft approximately every 30 days beginning with "Upper Extremity Conditions" on October 1 followed by Low Back Part A, Cervical Spine, Soft Tissue, Thoracic Spine, and Lower Extremities. As was done previously, drafts will be posted on the CCGPP website (www.ccgpp.org) for 60 days of comment. Notification of each release and instructions for submitting comments will be distributed to stakeholders prior to posting via traditional communication outlets. Interested constituent members are urged to organize review efforts now. A previous draft of the low back evidence stratification released for public comment a year ago was the subject of a significant amount of very helpful feedback, much of which was discussed and worked through in a constructive session with stakeholders at the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations annual meeting in Baltimore last November. Based on suggestions received, the low back team has elected to perform a more comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to diagnostic issues, which will further delay re-release of portions of the low back chapter. Over 600 comments have been received, reviewed and addressed, using methodology similar to that used to address public comments to statutory or workers' compensation regulations in states like Texas. Similar comments were collapsed and addressed with one of three possible responses: 1. agreement with the criticism and appropriate revision of the document 2. no response, when no supporting evidence was provided for the critique 3. disagreement with the criticism, with rationale for the disagreement A large number of urgent requests have been voiced by the profession for high quality evidence of efficacy to support care, particularly in addressing third party payor denials and to assist with regulatory hearings. The literature review to date demonstrates excellent quality of literature support for the primary chiropractic treatment approaches to low back pain, which are unlikely to be changed by review of additional literature at this time; therefore the commission has elected to re-release the low back chapter in two parts. Part A will consist of treatment approaches and other aspects which generated little or no comment. Part B, which will consist of diagnostics and related issues, will be deferred pending additional literature review and synthesis. A new chapter concerning the vertebral subluxation has been commissioned by the Association of Chiropractic Colleges. A committee, headed by Drs. Carl Cleveland III and Meridel Gatterman and comprised of content experts from the various colleges, has been charged with developing the chapter following CCGPP methodology, which is outlined in the introduction. In keeping with the agreements reached with COCSA members in Baltimore last year, the recommendations of constituents have been revisited and addressed. Among other suggestions was the need to improve formatting, and to that end professional assistance has been retained to make the document more readable and user friendly. The Council is quick to point out, however, that editing is for the purpose of clarity and readability and not for any content or conclusion edits. The Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Cheryl Hawk, DC, PhD, of Cleveland Chiropractic College, as new Chair of the CCGPP Research Commission. Dr. Hawk is currently Vice President of Research and Scholarship at Cleveland Chiropractic College. She is a 1976 graduate of National College of Chiropractic and practiced full-time for 12 years. In 1991, she earned a PhD in Preventive Medicine from the University of Iowa and also became a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). She has been the primary writer of successful grant and contract proposals totaling over $5 million. She is also an author on over 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Currently Dr. Hawk serves on the ACA Wellness Campaign Committee and as the CCGPP Team Leader for "Wellness, Non-musculoskeletal Conditions and Special Populations." From 2003-2006, she served as the appointed chiropractic representative on the National Advisory Committee for Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages of the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration Bureau of Health Professions. In 2005, she was named "Researcher of the Year" by the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research. "We are very fortunate to have someone of Dr Hawk's caliber take over the reins. Dr Hawk brings a fresh perspective, as well as years of clinical experience and research expertise. We're very excited to have her on board," noted Dr. Whalen. Dr Hawk replaces outgoing Chair Jay Triano, DC, PhD, who stepped down on the heels of his appointment as professor and Interim Dean of Graduate Education and Research for the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He has also been appointed as Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitative Science at McMaster University. Dr. Triano, a biomechanist and formerly a clinician and researcher at the Texas Back Institute, served as CCGPP Research Commission Chair since 2003 and was instrumental in orchestrating the broad and diverse pool of researchers from across the country and internationally who collaborated to review and rate the literature on the various conditions. Simply finding doctors with the special skills necessary for the task, much less convincing them to volunteer hundreds of hours of their time was a Herculean task. Organizing the massive effort among dozens of clinicians and academic topic volunteer experts was a major undertaking, and now that framework has been established, Dr Triano felt comfortable in turning over the reins. "While this project has required the collective efforts and sacrifice of dozens of the profession's best and brightest, no one involved would dispute that without the persistence and vision of Dr Triano, the project would ever have made it this far. We all owe Dr Triano a debt of gratitude," noted CCGPP Chairman Dr Wayne Whalen. Dr. Triano now joins the ranks of prior Research Commission chairs Charles Lantz, D.C., Ph.D., Dana Lawrence, D.C. and William Meeker, D.C., M.P.H., who have all served CCGPP with distinction. Dr Alan Adams, an expert on literature evaluation, continues to serve as Commission Vice Chair in a primarily advisory role. Further information, as well as the draft chapters when released, is available at the CCGPP web site below:

As part of its ongoing effort to provide a diversity of clinical education experiences for its students, New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) recently signed an internship agreement with Stony Brook University, New York’s second largest university. The agreement will enable NYCC’s chiropractic students to experience hands-on clinical training at the Stony Brook University student health centers as Stony Brook’s students get to discover chiropractic’s many benefits. NYCC currently affiliates with SUNY Farmingdale, and with New York’s largest university, the University of Buffalo. Stony Brook University is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, the invitation-only organization of the best research universities in the country, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine lists it as one of the “100 Best Values in Higher Education” among public universities. NYCC continues to pursue similar arrangements with private colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Seneca Falls: On July 28 and 29, New York Chiropractic College held commencement exercises, conferring upon candidates the Doctor of Chiropractic, and Master of Science in Acupuncture, or Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree. On Saturday, July 28, at 10 AM, 27 candidates for the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic were awarded their diplomas in a ceremony held in the campus’s Delavan Theater. The commencement address was delivered by Serge Nerli, D.C., a 1983 NYCC alumnus. Nerli earned a Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport in 1999, has a private practice in Fresh Meadows, N.Y., and currently serves on the NYCC Board of Trustees. Valedictorian Rachel A. Streit had the honor of addressing her classmates and the assembled audience. Christa Marie Whiteman was named Salutatorian for the Spring 2007 graduating class. On Sunday, July 29, at 10 AM, the NYCC School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) graduated 31 master’s candidates. The commencement address was delivered by Dainel Seitz, chair of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and executive director of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education. Former president of New England School of AOM and former chief of the Acupuncture Unit for the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, Seitz earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts for Teachers from the University of Chicago and holds a law degree from Boston University Law School. He served as founding dean of the AOM master’s degree programs at NYCC and currently serves on NYCC’s Oriental Medicine Advisory Committee. For further information about New York Chiropractic College’s degree programs in chiropractic, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and applied clinical nutrition, please visit our Web site at:

In a letter dated July 27, 2007, Dr. Frank J. Nicchi, President of New York Chiropractic College (NYCC), received official notification from the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) reaffirming accreditation for the College’s doctor of chiropractic program. The reaffirmation marks the beginning of the next eight (8) year accreditation cycle for the college’s chiropractic program. Expressing delight at the good news, President Nicchi remarked, “I’m thrilled with the report and extremely proud of the valuable contributions by faculty, staff and students to this significant achievement.”

Company refused fair reimbursement for covered services, Department alleges TRENTON – On Monday the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) filed an administrative order levying $9,475,000 in fines against Aetna Health Inc. for refusing to appropriately cover certain services provided by out-of-network health care providers – including emergency treatment – in violation of New Jersey rules and regulations. In June, DOBI received numerous complaints after Aetna issued a letter to health care providers stating that the company had determined what was “fair payment” for services rendered by non-participating physicians and health care facilities and that “additional reimbursement would not be considered.” This included services by non-participating providers that were required under New Jersey law, such as emergency care, services provided by non-participating providers during an admission to a network hospital, and services rendered as the result of a referral or authorization by Aetna. The letter stated that Aetna determined that 125 percent of the Medicare allowable amount was fair payment, and 75 percent for lab fees and durable medical equipment. As a result, many patients were subject to receiving bills for the amount Aetna would not pay, creating significant financial exposure. Under such circumstances, New Jersey regulations state that members of a health maintenance organization (HMO) have the right to “be free from balance billing by providers for medically necessary services…” DOBI Commissioner Steven M. Goldman signed the order requiring Aetna to cease its limited reimbursement practice, to reprocess all claims for services rendered by non-participating providers adversely affected by Aetna’s unfair practices, and make payment to those providers based on the billed amount plus 12 percent interest from the date the claim was initially paid, in addition to the monetary penalty. Aetna has 30 days to request an administrative hearing objecting to the order. If no hearing is requested, the order will then become final.

New York Attorney General sent a letter to the insurer’s UnitedHealthcare unit to cease the implementation of a program design to rank doctors according to quality and cost effectiveness. The attorney general is prepared to seek an injunction if UnitedHealthcare fails to comply with the request TO READ ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO'S LETTER TO UNITEDHEALTHCARE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW