Advancing Chiropractic Together

Greetings, Colleagues, 

Some of the greatest opportunities for improvement begin when we step back and take a broader look at how we serve others. In our practices, constructive feedback from patients often reveals gaps not in the care provided, but in how that care was explained. A diagnosis or the cause of an injury may be clear to us, yet still leave a patient confused or frustrated if we have not communicated it in a way that fully makes sense to them. 

I have experienced this in my own practice. It has taught me to continually evaluate how I explain conditions, treatment plans, and expectations. Clear communication—and a willingness to listen—is essential to building trust. 

The same principle applies to the Indiana State Chiropractic Association. 

The ISCA works diligently to keep members informed about what the association is doing for them and for our profession. One of our greatest strengths is our attention to legislative and regulatory matters that directly affect how chiropractic physicians practice in Indiana. We also respond to concerns involving insurers and other organizations, including the recent issues involving MHS. 

At the same time, we recognize that communication must travel in both directions. In addition to our association director, Jessica Turner Stults, and our association manager, Courtney Mahan, the members of the ISCA leadership team are practicing chiropractic physicians who operate their own offices. Although we work hard to remain aware of developments across Indiana, some issues initially affect only a small group of practices or one part of the state. In those situations, we may not know if a problem exists until a member brings it to our attention. 

When a member contacts the ISCA, we understand that the issue may be urgent and personally significant. However, an immediate answer is not always the most accurate or responsible answer. Some matters require us to gather the relevant facts, determine whether other members are experiencing the same problem, consult the board, and seek guidance from legal, billing, insurance, or other specialists. That process takes time, but it allows us to offer the most thoughtful and reliable information available. 

There are also occasions when a question falls outside the authority or expertise of the ISCA. A legal or highly technical billing question, for example, may require advice from a qualified professional. In those circumstances, the association must be careful not to endorse an answer that could be incomplete or inappropriate for a member’s particular situation. We continue to develop relationships with attorneys, billing professionals, and other specialists so we can provide stronger resources and connections for active ISCA members. 

As leaders, we are continually asking ourselves: Where can we improve? What are we missing? How can we serve our members more effectively? 

In practice, we may see hundreds of patients progress exactly as expected, yet it is often the one difficult case that occupies our thoughts. Those challenging cases cause us to reconsider our assumptions, refine our approach, and become better physicians. Similarly, the concerns and constructive feedback we receive from members can become some of the ISCA’s greatest opportunities for growth. 

As your president, I invite you to help us build a stronger association. Continue bringing concerns to our attention, but also help us understand the complete circumstances surrounding them. Share your experiences, ideas, and constructive feedback. Please recognize that some questions require careful analysis and that a thoughtful response may take time. 

Your continued membership is important, but your engagement is equally valuable. Together, we can shape the ISCA’s future and make membership even more meaningful and powerful for every chiropractic physician we serve. 

In chiropractic, 

Derek J. Dyer, D.C. 
President, Indiana State Chiropractic Association