Spinal Chat with The PCA

Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association
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The Spinal Chat – A Service of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association Welcome to The Spinal Chat, the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association (PCA), your front-row seat to everything shaping Pennsylvania’s $800 million chiropractic industry. Each episode brings you insights from industry luminaries, conversations with PCA’s Strategic Business Partners, and practical guidance to help chiropractors strengthen their practice, elevate patient care, and thrive in today’s evolving healthcare landscape. From study breakdowns and legislative updates to member spotlights and stories that celebrate the power of chiropractic, The Spinal Chat is your trusted source for connection, knowledge, and advocacy in the Commonwealth and beyond. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the movement advancing chiropractic in Pennsylvania. Contact the PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org PCA: https://pennchiro.org/

  1. 4h ago

    PCA Deep Dive: Medicare Stuck in 1972—The Updated Case for Chiropractic Modernization

    PCA Deep Dive: Medicare Stuck in 1972—The Updated Case for Chiropractic Modernization This episode examines H.R. 539 and S. 106, the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, and the limitations of Medicare’s current chiropractic coverage policy. Medicare generally covers spinal manipulation but does not reimburse doctors of chiropractic for many evaluation, diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic services they may be authorized to provide under state law. H.R. 539 and S. 106 would expand patient access to existing Medicare-covered benefits when those services fall within a chiropractor’s licensed scope. The legislation does not add new services to Medicare. Review the legislation: H.R. 539 | S. 106 Take Action: Help Modernize Medicare Complete the action form and ask your federal elected officials to support and advance H.R. 539 and S. 106. Contact Your Elected Officials Episode Chapters 00:00 — Why Medicare Matters 02:26 — The Clunking Engine Analogy 03:49 — What Medicare Covers Now 05:37 — Meet Brenda 07:30 — Fragmentation and Treatment Cascades 09:52 — The First-Door Effect 10:27 — Evidence and Outcomes 13:22 — What H.R. 539 and S. 106 Would Do 14:50 — Why the Legislation Has Not Passed 16:56 — Pennsylvania’s Advocacy Progress 18:25 — Your Advocacy Checklist 19:53 — Artificial Intelligence and the Data Trap 21:29 — Final Summary and Call to Action The American Chiropractic Association, International Chiropractors Association, and Make America Healthy Again Chiropractic Hub have aligned around Medicare modernization. ChiroCongress is supporting the broader effort through advocacy resources and its national action campaign. Additional proposed amendments must still move through drafting, review, scoring, committee consideration, and congressional action. PCA reports that its advocacy has helped secure support from 16 of Pennsylvania’s 17 U.S. House members. PCA continues working with Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick to build bipartisan support for S. 106. Research and Evidence Referenced Whedon et al.: chiropractic care and prescription opioid use among patients with spinal pain.Weeks et al.: chiropractic care and healthcare costs among older Medicare patients with chronic low-back pain.Whedon et al.: long-term Medicare costs and adverse drug events associated with opioid and spinal-manipulative care pathways.Research examining access to chiropractic care and Medicare spending on spine-related conditions.Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Noninvasive Treatments for Low-Back Pain.Contact PCA Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association www.pennchiro.org pca@pennchiro.org Created and produced by Mike Barba for the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. AI-assisted tools were used in the production of this content. Final content was reviewed and approved by PCA.

    PCA Deep Dive: Medicare Stuck in 1972—The Updated Case for Chiropractic Modernization

  2. Jul 14

    PCA Deep Dive:When Innovation Meets Coverage Rules; P-Stim, TENS, and Coding Integrity

    When Innovation Meets Coverage Rules: P-Stim, TENS, and Coding Integrity Episode Summary In this Deep Dive, we examine the May 2026 P-Stim billing issue and what chiropractic practices should learn from it. This episode is not an indictment of electrical stimulation, TENS, ancillary services, cash-based care, vendors, or innovation. The issue is narrower: the billing code must match the service performed. Electrical stimulation has helped many patients and remains an important conservative care tool when clinically appropriate, clearly documented, and accurately billed. TENS and standard e-stim are not the issue. The P-Stim cases focused on allegations that surface-applied auricular stimulation devices were billed under codes intended for surgically implanted neurostimulators, creating a major compliance exposure. This episode explains the difference between clinical value and payer coverage, why FDA clearance is not Medicare coverage, and how non-covered services may still be appropriate when offered transparently and responsibly. Key Takeaways The device was not the problem. The billing pathway was. Electrical stimulation is not on trial. TENS, standard e-stim, and other conservative tools can support patient care when used properly. Non-covered does not mean inappropriate. Cash-based and ancillary services can be ethical when clinically justified, transparently priced, documented, and explained before care is provided. FDA clearance is not Medicare coverage. A device may be legally marketed but still not qualify for reimbursement. A clinical theory is not a billing code. The claim form must accurately describe what happened in the treatment room. Marketing materials are not payer guidance. Practices should independently verify coding and coverage. Practice Questions Before adopting or billing for a new device or ancillary service, ask: What service was actually performed? What code accurately describes it? Does the payer cover it? Has coverage been independently verified? Does the documentation match the service? If non-covered, was the patient clearly informed before care? PCA Message Chiropractic should not fear innovation. It should adopt innovation with discipline. Responsible use of technology protects patients, strengthens practices, and supports the credibility of conservative care. Accurate coding, clear documentation, patient transparency, and independent verification are not barriers to innovation. They are how innovation survives. Educational Disclaimer This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, billing, coding, or compliance advice. Practices should consult qualified counsel, billing professionals, and payer guidance for practice-specific questions. PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org Created and produced by Mike Barba for the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. AI-assisted tools were used in the production of this content. Final content was reviewed and approved by PCA. Tags P-Stim, TENS, Electrical Stimulation, E-Stim, Auricular Stimulation, Chiropractic Billing, Coding Integrity, Medicare Compliance, Payer Coverage, False Claims Act, Ancillary Services, Cash-Based Care, FDA Clearance, Documentation, Patient Transparency, Conservative Care, Non-Drug Pain Management, Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, Responsible Innovation.

    PCA Deep Dive:When Innovation Meets Coverage Rules; P-Stim, TENS, and Coding Integrity

  3. Jul 7

    PCA June President’s Address: Insurance Updates, Sports Chiropractic Progress, and University Partnerships

    PCA June President’s Address: Insurance Updates, Sports Chiropractic Progress, and University Partnerships In this June President’s Address on Spinal Chat, Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association President Dr. Kris Arnold shares updates on insurance and advocacy efforts, sports chiropractic, and university relationships. He reports that Highmark’s newly rejected codes are not chiropractic-specific, while UPMC has not clarified its denied code set, and he urges precise billing and coding. He notes that Highmark’s Helion system is now updated so Medicare Advantage plans billing only 9894 codes no longer need authorization, though commercial plans and additional modalities still require full authorization. Dr. Arnold highlights PCA insurance resources, including the website insurance help button and the on-demand PCCI coding and compliance course for CE. He describes legislative pressure to address PIAA restrictions preventing chiropractors from return-to-play sign-offs, sports physicals, and sideline care, recognizes sports chiropractor Justin Miller’s X Games work, outlines student outreach and mentoring with chiropractic schools, celebrates Dr. Roy Love’s retirement, and notes Pitt’s chiropractic program has started, joined PCA, and provided legislative support. 00:00 Welcome and Overview 00:41 Insurance Updates UPMC Highmark 01:56 Billing Tips and Authorizations 03:54 Member Insurance Resources 05:10 Sports Chiropractic PIAA Fight 07:01 University Outreach and Students 08:28 Retirement Shoutout 08:55 Pitt Program Wins 09:53 Membership Call to Action 10:45 Closing Remarks PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org Created and produced by Mike Barba for the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. AI-assisted tools were used in the production of this content. Final content was reviewed and approved by PCA.

    PCA June President’s Address: Insurance Updates, Sports Chiropractic Progress, and University Partnerships

  4. Jul 1

    PCA Cares: How Chiropractors Can Help Recognize Human Trafficking and Support Survivors

    PCA Cares: How Chiropractors Can Help Recognize Human Trafficking and Support Survivors In this PCA conversation, Mike Barba, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, sits down with Dr. Eric Harrison and Joe Krysiak to discuss the mission of ChiroHeroes and the role chiropractors can play in helping recognize and respond to human trafficking. ChiroHeroes works to educate chiropractors and the public on signs of human trafficking, raise funds for survivor support and aftercare programs, and build a network of chiropractors willing to provide care to survivors. The conversation also highlights why aftercare matters, why trafficking is not only a border-state issue, and why chiropractic offices must be prepared to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately. Learn more and get involved: ChiroHeroes: https://www.chiroheroes.org/ Malouf Foundation: https://malouffoundation.org/ OnWatch Training: https://iamonwatch.org/ National Human Trafficking Hotline: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/ If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected trafficking or seek help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BEFREE to 233733. Thank you to Dr. Eric Harrison, Joe Krysiak, ChiroHeroes, and everyone working to educate, protect, and support survivors. PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org Created and produced by Mike Barba for the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. AI-assisted tools were used in the production of this content. Final content was reviewed and approved by PCA. ChiroHeroesHuman Trafficking AwarenessSurvivor AftercareChiropractic ServicePCA CaresPennsylvania Chiropractic AssociationCommunity ImpactPatient SafetyChiropractic Leadership

    PCA Cares: How Chiropractors Can Help Recognize Human Trafficking and Support Survivors

  5. Jun 16

    PCA Deep Dive: The Pill-First Problem; Ibuprofen, Joint Pain, and Conservative Care

    PCA Deep Dive: The Pill-First Problem; Ibuprofen, Joint Pain, and Conservative Care In this Spinal Chat Deep Dive, the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association explores why joint and musculoskeletal pain often pushes patients toward a medication-first pathway, and why modern care should include earlier access to conservative, non-drug musculoskeletal options. This episode uses recent public-facing articles, patient education resources, federal safety information, and chiropractic research discussions to examine the risks of frequent or long-term NSAID use, the role of movement in joint health, and where chiropractic care fits responsibly within conservative musculoskeletal care. This episode is not anti-medication. Ibuprofen and other medications may be appropriate for some patients. Patients should speak with their healthcare provider before changing medication use. Key Themes: Over-the-counter does not mean risk-free.Frequent or long-term NSAID use can carry gastrointestinal, kidney, cardiovascular, respiratory, fall-risk, and medication-interaction concerns.Movement and exercise are central to joint health and osteoarthritis care.The strongest evidence for chiropractic care is in spine-related pain, especially low back and neck pain.Patients need better pathways, not fewer choices.Conservative care should be easier to access, not harder.Sources and Credits: “A Common Joint Pain Medicine Has Risks Many People Overlook” Author: Anthony Paul Smith Publisher: ScienceAlert, republished from The Conversation Date: June 4, 2026“Beyond Ibuprofen: Conservative Care for Joint Health” Source Type: Text excerpt focused on conservative care and reducing unnecessary reliance on medication-heavy pathways.“How New Research Is Advancing the Field of Chiropractic Medicine” Author: Dr. Gregory Cramer Publisher: National University of Health Sciences Date: June 7, 2023“Joint Pain: An Expert Reveals the Really Effective Remedy... Not the One You Think” Publisher: Thot Cursus Date: Published and updated November 25, 2025“Millions With Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis Are Missing the Most Powerful Treatment” Author: Clodagh Toomey Publisher: ScienceDaily, based on materials provided by The Conversation Date: March 4, 2026NCHM Key Messages / Talking Points Publisher: American Chiropractic Association“Pain and Arthritis Products Containing Hidden Ingredients” Publisher: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Content current as of June 1, 2026“The Best Medicine For Joint Pain Isn’t What You Think, Experts Say” Author: Carly Cassella Publisher: ScienceAlert Date: May 23, 2026“Treating Osteoarthritis Pain: What Works, What Doesn’t” Author: Rachel Nania Publisher: AARP Updated December 22, 2025“Pain Medication and Fall Risks Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Arthritis” Authors: Aya Yoshikawa and Richard Fortinsky Source: Academic abstract included in igad104.2564.pdfPCA Note: Spinal Chat Deep Dive is a service of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. These episodes are designed to be shared with patients, healthcare colleagues, elected officials, employers, and the public as educational resources. PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org Created and produced by Mike Barba for the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. AI-assisted tools were used in the production of this content. Final content was reviewed and approved by PCA.

    PCA Deep Dive: The Pill-First Problem; Ibuprofen, Joint Pain, and Conservative Care

  6. Jun 9

    PCA May President's Address with Dr. Kris Arnold

    PCA May President's Address with Dr. Kris Arnold PCA President Dr. Kris Arnold’s First Address: Unity, Communication, CE, and Advocacy In the first President’s Address on Spinal Chat, Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association President Dr. Kris Arnold outlines goals to strengthen chiropractic in Pennsylvania through greater unity, improved communication, member engagement, and a stronger shared voice. He highlights the sold-out Northeast Chiropractic Summit at Kalahari, encourages members to attend the next Summit on May 1–2, 2027, in Seven Springs, and urges participation via PCA emails, social media, the members-only Facebook page, YouTube, and the Spinal Chat podcast. Dr. Arnold reminds doctors that it is a CE renewal year, requiring 24 credits plus two child abuse credits, and promotes PCA-approved in-person and online options, including PCCI billing/documentation training. He notes upcoming insurance pre-authorization changes affecting United, Highmark, and UPMC, invites members to fill open board seats, recognizes the sports working group’s involvement in the Pittsburgh Marathon, and references upcoming legislative victories in Harrisburg. 00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup 00:51 Meet Dr Kris Arnold 01:25 Unity and Summit Highlights 02:16 Next Summit Save the Date 02:53 Better Member Communication 03:43 CE Credits and Renewal 05:07 Insurance Preauth Changes 05:37 Open Board Seats 06:07 Sports Group Community Outreach 06:53 Legislative Wins and Wrap Up 07:24 PCA Community Call to Action PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org Created and produced by Mike Barba for the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. AI-assisted tools were used in the production of this content. Final content was reviewed and approved by PCA.

    PCA May President's Address with Dr. Kris Arnold

  7. Jun 2

    PCA Strategic Business Member Spotlight: North Payment Processing with Ryan Moss

    PCA Strategic Business Member Spotlight: North Payment Processing with Ryan Moss In this PCA Strategic Business Member Spotlight, Mike Barba of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association interviews Ryan Moss, Senior Director of Enterprise Sales at North, a payment processing company vetted by PCA to help chiropractors understand and reduce credit card processing costs. North, in payment processing since 1992, specializes in medical merchants, owns its in-house processing platform, and emphasizes dedicated service, integrations with practice management software, and a user-friendly portal for statements, deposits, and transaction visibility. The discussion highlights how hidden “junk fees,” padded interchange, and unclear statements can drive effective rates to 4–5%, while understanding total fees divided by monthly volume helps identify overpaying; North aims for transparent pricing and offers options including traditional pricing and a dual pricing “Edge” program that can pass acceptance costs to patients. Members are encouraged to review agreements, watch for long-term contracts and cancellation fees, and contact Moss for statement-based comparisons; using PCA partners also supports PCA advocacy and education, with a portion of transactions benefiting the association. 00:00 Member Spotlight Intro 00:57 Meet Mike and North 02:09 What North Does 03:11 Why Switch Processors 04:33 Technology and Service 05:49 Hidden Fees Explained 07:18 Reading Your Statement 10:15 Payment Options for Clinics 11:19 Training and Support 12:47 Comparing Providers 15:23 Contracts to Avoid 17:18 How to Get Started 18:21 Partnering Supports PCA 18:54 Final Pitch and Wrap 21:15 Key Takeaways Outro Contact North, Ryan Moss Senior Director, Enterprise Sales P: 818-825-7500 E: ryan.moss@north.com PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org Created and produced by Mike Barba for the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. AI-assisted tools were used in the production of this content. Final content was reviewed and approved by PCA.

    PCA Strategic Business Member Spotlight: North Payment Processing with Ryan Moss

  8. May 27

    PCA Study Review: Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tears, and the Problem with One Test Thinking

    PCA Study Review: Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tears, and the Problem with One Test Thinking In this episode of PCA Study Review, a service of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, we review research on shoulder exams, rotator cuff tears, and subacromial impingement. Shoulder exams can get crowded quickly: Neer, Hawkins, Jobe, Drop Arm, Lift Off, Painful Arc, and lag signs. Most doctors know the names. The deeper issue is whether we understand what each test actually tells us. The literature reinforces one clear point: no single shoulder test is perfect. This review focuses on lag signs, particularly the External Rotation Lag Sign at 90 Degrees and the Internal Rotation Lag Sign, to identify full-thickness rotator cuff tears. The larger lesson is not that doctors need one magic test. Better clinical reasoning requires test clusters, context, documentation, and knowing when referral, imaging, or co-management may be appropriate. For chiropractors, this matters because musculoskeletal care depends on skilled examination early in the care pathway. The opportunity is to evaluate carefully, recognize red flags, document clearly, and treat conservatively when appropriate. In This Episode Why one test thinking can weaken the shoulder diagnosisWhy lag signs deserve attention in shoulder evaluationHow high specificity and low sensitivity should affect interpretationWhy familiar tests are not always the strongest testsHow test clusters improve clinical reasoningWhen shoulder findings may require referral, imaging, or co-managementWhy evidence-informed documentation strengthens care and credibilityReference Articles Zhao, Q., Palani, P., Kassab, N. S., Terzic, M., Olejnik, M., Wang, S., Tomassini-Lopez, Y., Dean, C., & Shellenberger, R. A. Evidence-based approach to the shoulder examination for subacromial bursitis and rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25, Article 1028, 2024. Hermans, J., Luime, J. J., Meuffels, D. E., Reijman, M., Simel, D. L., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M. A. Does This Patient With Shoulder Pain Have Rotator Cuff Disease? The Rational Clinical Examination Systematic Review. JAMA, 310(8), 837–847, 2013. Castoldi, F., Blonna, D., & Hertel, R. External rotation lag sign revisited: Accuracy for diagnosis of full-thickness supraspinatus tear—Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 18(4), 529–534, 2009. Miller, C. A., Forrester, G. A., & Lewis, J. S. The Validity of the Lag Signs in Diagnosing Full-Thickness Tears of the Rotator Cuff: A Preliminary Investigation. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 89(6), 1162–1168, 2008. The shoulder is complex. Rotator cuff disease is common. Pain provocation tests can mislead when used carelessly. The opportunity is to read the research, revisit the exam, and sharpen the clinical reasoning that protects patients and strengthens the profession. PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/ PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org

    PCA Study Review: Shoulder Pain, Rotator Cuff Tears, and the Problem with One Test Thinking
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

The Spinal Chat – A Service of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association Welcome to The Spinal Chat, the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association (PCA), your front-row seat to everything shaping Pennsylvania’s $800 million chiropractic industry. Each episode brings you insights from industry luminaries, conversations with PCA’s Strategic Business Partners, and practical guidance to help chiropractors strengthen their practice, elevate patient care, and thrive in today’s evolving healthcare landscape. From study breakdowns and legislative updates to member spotlights and stories that celebrate the power of chiropractic, The Spinal Chat is your trusted source for connection, knowledge, and advocacy in the Commonwealth and beyond. Tune in, stay informed, and be part of the movement advancing chiropractic in Pennsylvania. Contact the PCA Email: pca@pennchiro.org PCA: https://pennchiro.org/

Information

  • Creator
    Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PCA 2025
  • Show Website
    Spinal Chat with The PCA