President of Assoc. of New Jersey Chiropractors Says we are "Primary Care Chiropractic Physicians"

The President of the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors (ANJC) Michael Kirk DC sent out a letter to members urging them to respond to the CCE's proposed revisions to the Standards.

Kirk mistakenly contends that: 

"The proposed revisions include removing the words 'physician' and 'primary care' from the document, instead using the term 'doctor of chiropractic.'"

He continues in his letter to ANJC members to stress the importance of this is based on money: 

"The ANJC Board of Directors believes the term 'primary care chiropractic physician' clearly, accurately, and completely defines a Doctor of Chiropractic upon completion of his or her education, and deletion of the words would be detrimental to the profession’s ability to receive reimbursement for all services covered under the scope of practice, to testify on behalf of patients in court, and to lobby for practice rights."

Several years ago the CCE was in danger of losing its federal recognition due to its lack of inclusion and lack of consideration of differing viewpoints - especially among the subluxation centered chiropractic community. These concerns were dismissed by the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and they bargained with the CCE in exchange for supporting them before the US Department of Education.  

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Now, claims are being made that the traditional, conservative faction of the profession got its way as evidenced by these proposed changes. However any such claims should be met with suspicion as much as Kirk's claims should be.

Despite Kirk's assertions and the bragging of conservatives in the profession, the concept of the chiropractor as a primary care provider remains even in the revised Foreward to the Standards as follows:

"Accreditation requirements focus on student learning outcomes that prepare DCP graduates to serve as competent, caring, patient-centered and ethical primary health care professionals."

And when one reviews the Meta-Competencies it becomes perfectly clear that the CCE is still focused on training chiropractors to be broad body diagnosticians who can treat patients beyond spinal conditions. 

Several groups and individuals along with the ANJC are telling chiropractors that the sky is falling because they believe the concept of the chiropractor as a primary care provider is being removed from the Standards and that this is going to effect reimbursement. Even a cursory review of them, including the Meta-Competencies, reveals that nothing is farther from the truth. Primary care remains alive and well in the proposed revisions to the Standards.    

According to his website Kirk practices “Functional Medicine” and lists a host of diseases he claims he can help people with. He also brags that he is “not a high-volume practice” and that “We cherish our patients and give you the quality time you deserve.” 

CLICK HERE for a list of the Board of Directors of the ANJC

The following is the full text of Kirk's letter.

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From: ANJC - Jane Martinez
Sent: Sep 23, 2016 12:55 PM
To: ANJC - Jane Martinez
Subject: Message from ANJC President Dr. Michael Kirk

Dear ANJC Members,

We have learned that the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) is proposing revisions to its Accreditation Standards which could negatively impact the profession, in our opinion. The CCE is the accreditation body of Doctor of Chiropractic programs and colleges.

The proposed revisions include removing the words “physician” and “primary care” from the document, instead using the term “doctor of chiropractic.”

The ANJC Board of Directors believes the term “primary care chiropractic physician” clearly, accurately, and completely defines a Doctor of Chiropractic upon completion of his or her education, and deletion of the words would be detrimental to the profession’s ability to receive reimbursement for all services covered under the scope of practice, to testify on behalf of patients in court, and to lobby for practice rights.

The CCE is seeking comments until Sept. 30 on the proposed changes.  The state Board of Directors will submit comments on behalf of the ANJC objecting to the proposed revisions. 

The CCE document and proposed revisions can be viewed here: http://www.cce-usa.org/uploads/2016-08-01_Final_Draft_CCE_Accreditation_Standards_-_Track_Changes_Version.pdf

We will send you updates as they become available.

Best Regards,

Dr. Michael Kirk

President, ANJC