Survey questions #1 & #2 I think these are important points that almost everyone can agree on. no matter how you practice. If you are musculoskeletal based and DO diagnosis, it doesn't prevent you from doing that. It just recognizes that the body of knowledge that holds all of us together is about detection and correction of VSC (vertebral subluxation complex). As far as [exclusion] of drugs and surgery—they are the antithesis of chiropractic. That doesn't mean I would never take a drug. It DOES mean it's not a chiropractor's place to prescribe them. Leave that to the MD's. Let them be the 4"' leading cause of death in our country. Why should we WANT that role? Continued on Page 42 ...from I'd^c IH As for direct access |for palicnts to care| and |participation open to any willing chiropractor]—these are fundamental necessities. MD's don't understand what we do: and. while educating them should he a goal, they are still unlikely lo recommend chiropractic care lor anything other than acute LBP. The clay an MD sends me an asthmatic kid is the day I'll consider changing my mind on that. Until then. I'll keep adjusting kids and getting them oft their asthma drugs! Why would vou want to restrict access? "NMS (ncuro-musculoskeletal) conditions" | as proposed by the AC A. cl ul..\ is too restrictive lor me. The public doesn't understand what it means, the insurance companies take it as "MS" (muscular sclerosis) without the N, and there are a lot of conditions that we can affect that don't have a muscular component. I see asthmatic kids. ADD kids, kids with ear infections, adults and kids with digestive trouble, high blood pressure, etc.. etc. I also see many people on a WEEKLY basis for wellness. I have patients that are healthier now. as a result of 10 years of chiropractic care, than they have EVER been in their lives. Legislation and language that speaks only of NMS conditions doesn't cover that. Chiropractic isn't about NMS conditions: it's about tinning on the power that gives life! II someone wants to restrict themselves to just dealing with NMS conditions, there is nothing to stop them. But there is no reason to force the rest of us to do that. I commend you for putting this survey together. I hope it will accomplish something positive. II we can find points we all agree on. then we can begin to move forward. Leslie Kastmojf, D.C. o
