Today’s chiropractic physicians are managing increasingly complex patients with prior spinal surgery, implanted devices, chronic medications, and multiple comorbidities. This evidence-based three-hour Risk Management course equips attendees with practical strategies to identify contraindications, select appropriate imaging, communicate effectively with patients, and determine when to treat, modify care, co-manage, or refer.

Drawing on current research, including collaborative initiatives within the University of South Florida Department of Neurosurgery, this course explores interdisciplinary spine care, conservative treatment decision-making, risk reduction, documentation, informed consent, and real-world case studies to strengthen clinical confidence while reducing professional liability.

Saleem Musallam, MSE, is an Adjunct Professor of Medical Engineering at the University of South Florida and a Johns Hopkins-trained biomedical systems engineer with more than 20 years of experience in medical device innovation, clinical research, regulatory strategy, and evidence-based spine care. A four-time Inc. 5000 honoree and founder of multiple FDA-registered medical technology companies, he is recognized internationally for advancing non-surgical spine technologies and healthcare innovation through research, education, and clinical collaboration.

This comprehensive 7-hour training is designed for Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) and Chiropractic Assistants (CAs) who want practical, real-world guidance on navigating the facts behind insurance, policy, and compliance. Solving billing and compliance challenges requires the whole team working from the same evidence. By learning together, DCs and CAs can connect the clinical, documentation, and billing pieces to create a more consistent and compliant approach.

The session begins with a focused 3-hour deep dive into Medicare, where we will examine the chiropractic benefit, how documentation supports medical necessity, when services fall outside of coverage, and how to reduce denials and audits.

The remaining 4 hours expand beyond Medicare to investigate the payer and compliance questions that create the most confusion for chiropractic offices. Through common and uncommon scenarios involving commercial plans, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Workers’ Compensation, and Auto No-Fault claims, attendees will examine the evidence behind payer decisions, documentation requirements, denials, and payment challenges. This section will focus on uncovering the “why” behind payer policies, strengthening medical necessity documentation, avoiding compliance pitfalls such as improper discounting or dual fee schedules, and exploring considerations for practices evaluating cash-based or out-of-network models.

If you have attended a session with Carl and Stephanie before, you know there will be ample opportunity to discuss real issues happening in your office. This session is designed to allow attendees to ask questions, share scenarios, and learn from both the presenters and their peers. Participants should leave with greater confidence that their current processes are compliant, along with practical strategies to strengthen areas that may need attention. 

Key Topics Include:

• Medicare chiropractic coverage: rules, limitations, and documentation
• Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: key differences
• Workers’ Compensation and Auto No-Fault considerations
• Commercial payer policies and bundling issues
• Handling denials and medical necessity disputes
• Avoiding dual fee schedules and improper discounting
• Practice model transitions: cash-based and out-of-network considerations
• Real-world and payer-specific scenarios

He’s back! You knew we couldn’t keep him away! Carl Alden has stepped away from retirement, and even grandparent duty, to once again share his pearls of wisdom as one of the MAC’s trusted insurance experts. A longtime MAC staple, Carl spent more than 30 years serving the association and continues to consult with and support our members. A graduate of Michigan State University, his practical knowledge and real-world experience make him one of our most valued presenters.

 Looks like Stephanie has to share the spotlight with Carl once again! Fortunately for MAC members, that means two insurance experts on one stage. As the MAC Insurance Relations Director and coding specialist, Stephanie works alongside our members every day to navigate the ever-changing world of insurance, coding, and billing. A familiar face at MAC events, she’s known for providing practical solutions nd healthcare innovation through research, education, and clinical collaboration.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is transforming the way healthcare providers approach rehabilitation by helping patients build strength, improve mobility, and accelerate recovery—without the need for heavy loads or excessive stress on healing tissues.

This practical course introduces Doctors of Chiropractic to the science, safety, and clinical application of BFR as an effective tool for patients recovering from injury, surgery, or conditions where traditional resistance training may not be appropriate. Participants will explore the history and mechanisms behind BFR, research-supported benefits, equipment considerations, indications and contraindications, and real-world protocols for incorporating BFR into rehabilitation and exercise programs.

Through hands-on demonstration and practical application, attendees will gain the confidence to safely and effectively implement BFR strategies into their practice, helping patients achieve better outcomes while expanding their clinical skill set in today’s evolving rehabilitation landscape.

Dr. Mike DeBord is an internationally recognized expert in Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training and founder of B3 Sciences, a leader in BFR education and implementation. With extensive experience in chiropractic and performance-based care, Dr. Mike has dedicated his career to helping healthcare providers and athletes improve rehabilitation, strength, and recovery.

Since discovering BFR in 2014, he has become a leading educator in the field, reviewing more than 1,000 studies and training healthcare professionals, trainers, and athletes nationwide on the safe and effective application of BFR. He also serves as a consultant to sports organizations at the high school, collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels.

Drawing on current research, including collaborative initiatives within the University of South Florida Department of Neurosurgery, this course explores interdisciplinary spine care, conservative treatment decision-making, risk reduction, documentation, informed consent, and real-world case studies to strengthen clinical confidence while reducing professional liability.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare, and chiropractic is no exception. This timely course explores how AI is reshaping reimbursement, documentation, coding, compliance, and claims review, while highlighting the growing role of predictive analytics, automated medical necessity determinations, and provider risk scoring. Attendees will learn practical strategies to strengthen documentation, reduce audit exposure, improve claim submissions, and leverage AI as a tool to support practice efficiency and compliance.

The course also examines the documentation and coding requirements for emerging technologies such as Shockwave Therapy, Laser Therapy, and Decompression Therapy. Participants will review Medicare, commercial, and personal injury payer guidelines while learning best practices for accurate coding, documentation, and reimbursement.

Designed for today’s practicing chiropractor, this session provides practical, evidence-informed strategies to help navigate an increasingly technology-driven reimbursement environment while protecting both compliance and practice sustainability.

David Klein is the co-founder of PayDC, a web-based practice management EHR system that focuses on keeping Providers compliant and getting Providers paid.  He is a certified professional coder (CPC) and certified medical auditor (CPMA) through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and is certified in healthcare compliance (CHC) through the Health Care Compliance Board (HCCB). 

His expertise in coding and compliance consulting stretches over thirty years in the healthcare arena.  He is also the Founder and President of DK Coding & Compliance, Inc. a health care consulting firm that focuses on audit defense, education, compliance and reimbursement issues.

Energetic Manual Therapy: Clinical Applications is a dynamic four-hour, hands-on workshop designed for chiropractors seeking practical strategies to enhance patient outcomes through energetic assessment and balancing techniques.

Built around the clinical questions: Where do I Treat? What do I Treat? How do I Treat?, this structured, principle-based system integrates concepts from manual therapy, energy medicine, and contemporary scientific models to support clinical decision-making. Participants will learn to evaluate patients, identify priority treatment areas, apply energetic balancing techniques, and measure treatment outcomes through re-evaluation.

Through live demonstrations and supervised hands-on training, attendees will learn Grounding, Biofeedback Testing, Tapping, Calibration, communication with the Inner Guidance System (IGS), and the EMT Foundations Protocol. Participants will leave with practical assessment and treatment strategies that complement their existing chiropractic techniques and can be immediately integrated into everyday clinical practice.

Dr. Kerry D’Ambrogio, DOM, AP, PT, DO-MTP, has over 35 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist, osteopath, and acupuncture physician. His work is based on a simple idea: The body is not just structure; it is an organized system of energy.

Using principles from quantum physics, energetic medicine, and manual therapy, he teaches clinicians how to improve clinical results by determining where to treat and what to treat.

Over the past three decades, he has trained thousands of healthcare professionals, including chiropractors, helping them improve outcomes, especially in patients who are not responding as expected.

Every profession has a story. This thought-provoking course explores the individuals, ideas, and defining moments that shaped the chiropractic profession and continue to influence its identity today. Through an engaging look at our pioneers, philosophy, and shared heritage, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the principles that have guided chiropractic for generations.

By understanding where we’ve been, participants will strengthen their understanding of who we are as a profession, the values that unite us, and the responsibility we share in shaping chiropractic’s future. Whether you’re new to practice or a seasoned chiropractor, this session offers a renewed perspective on the profession’s past, present, and future.

Dr. Barry Hobbs is known for his dedication and commitment to the Chiropractic principles and profession.  He is known for preserving its past and safeguarding the legacy that has been left.  Dr. Barry Hobbs is a 1997 graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic.  While in school, he was President of the Kale Club, was a clinic leader, and was on the Dean’s List.  Dr. Hobbs immediately started studying under Dr. Michael U. Kale in his first tri-semester in 1994, at the age of 20, until 1999.  

Dr. Hobbs moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1999 and has been in private KC practice since.   He also has had satellite clinics with other KC/UC docs and enjoys doing house calls.  His greatest joy is teaching people about INNATE.  

In his spare time, he enjoys promoting the great science of Chiropractic by serving on boards and committees at state, national, and international levels. He currently serves on the MAC Board.  He is often found preserving our past in his extensive collection of historical items and writings.  Dr. Hobbs is seen protecting the integrity and lexicon of the science, art, and philosophy of Chiropractic through his service within multiple Chiropractic organizations.

The future of chiropractic depends on ensuring patients have access to safe, effective, and evidence-informed care. This course explores the chiropractor’s role as a patient advocate, providing practical strategies for communicating the value of chiropractic, navigating an evolving healthcare landscape, and promoting policies that support quality patient care.

Participants will learn how to effectively advocate for their patients at the grassroots level while strengthening collaboration with other healthcare providers and decision-makers. Emphasis will be placed on legislative, legal, and communication tools available at the state and federal level, to improve access to care, and ensure your voice is heard where it matters most. Attendees will leave with advocacy tools to champion quality care and better serve their patients and communities who depend on them.

Dr. Dan Spencer is a respected chiropractic leader, educator, and advocate whose influence extends throughout Michigan and across the nation. A past President of the MAC  and current Chairman of the Chiropractic Summit, he has dedicated his career to advancing the profession through legislative advocacy, organizational leadership, and strategic planning. Recognized for his commitment to the future of chiropractic, Dr. Spencer continues to help shape key national initiatives while championing policies that strengthen the profession and improve patient access to quality chiropractic care.

Kristine Dowell has served as Executive Director since 1995, bringing more than three decades of leadership, advocacy, and strategic vision to the chiropractic profession. Under her guidance, MAC has experienced significant growth, including historic legislative advancements and initiatives that have strengthened the profession in Michigan. Recognized for her expertise in association management, policy, legal, and professional advocacy, Kris has also contributed nationally through her leadership with organizations focused on advancing the future of chiropractic. Her experience and insight continue to help shape the direction of the profession at both the state and national levels.