The KMC University Podcast

Is your patient's shoulder pain actually coming from the shoulder, or could the cervical spine be the source?In this KMC University HelpDesk episode, Dr. Richard Mason shares practical clinical clues that can help chiropractors differentiate cervical-origin symptoms from primary shoulder conditions.Dr. Mason discusses Spurling's test, cervical distraction, Bakody's sign, painful arc, functional shoulder complaints, and even the sometimes-confusing presentation of pain around the shoulder blade.The important takeaway: don't rely on the location of the pain, or one orthopedic test, to make the decision. Look at the complete pattern of findings.Watch now for quick clinical tips you can incorporate into your examination process.⁠Watch the full video on KMCUniversity.com!

How far behind are you on your chiropractic documentation?If unfinished notes are piling up and your billing team is waiting for completed records, it may be time to rethink your documentation workflow.In this KMC University HelpDesk episode, we discuss why timely, or contemporaneous, documentation matters, what to consider when signing and amending records, and practical ways busy chiropractors can stay current.You'll also learn how scribes, AI-assisted documentation, dictation, and smarter EHR workflows can reduce the burden, plus why over-documenting may actually be part of the problem.Finally, we discuss an important consideration when selecting office/outpatient E/M codes based on time and why chiropractors should understand both time and medical decision making.Watch the full video on KMCUniversity.com!

Are the X-rays you're taking medically necessary, and does your documentation prove it?In this KMC University HelpDesk episode, Dr. Erin Stubblefield discusses why routine imaging protocols can create reimbursement and compliance concerns when there isn't an individualized clinical reason for taking the films.Learn how findings from the patient's history and physical examination should drive imaging decisions, why your documentation needs to clearly explain the clinical rationale, and why the radiology interpretation is an important part of the record.Dr. Erin also explains something many practices overlook: documenting when X-rays are not indicated can help demonstrate your clinical reasoning if the patient's condition changes and imaging becomes necessary later.Before you take the X-ray, make sure your chart answers one important question: Why does this patient need it?Watch the full video on KMCUniversity.com!

Does your EHR make every patient visit look exactly the same?That convenience could be creating a documentation problem.In this KMC University HelpDesk episode, Dr. Erin Stubblefield explains the important differences between documenting the beginning of a new episode of care and documenting a routine chiropractic office visit.You'll learn why "initial" doesn't necessarily mean a brand-new patient, what information should be captured when evaluating a new episode of care, how routine SOAP notes differ, and why relying too heavily on copy-and-paste EHR templates can leave important gaps in the clinical story.Strong documentation isn't about making every note longer. It's about making sure every chart clearly supports the care provided.Want to strengthen your documentation? Explore the KMC University Library or schedule a FREE Discovery Assessment to identify opportunities to improve your practice's documentation and compliance systems.Watch the full video on KMCUniversity.com!

How can you recognize a lumbar disc herniation before ordering an MRI?In this KMC University HelpDesk episode, Dr. Richard Mason reviews the clinical history, orthopedic examination findings, neurological assessment, and red flag symptoms that help chiropractors develop an accurate working diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation.Learn how to distinguish disc herniations from disc bulges and muscular strains, understand the difference between radicular pain and lumbar radiculopathy, and identify situations that require immediate imaging before treatment begins.Whether you're a new chiropractor or an experienced clinician, these practical diagnostic pearls can help improve patient assessment and clinical decision-making.Watch the full video on KMCUniversity.com!

Can chiropractors bill insurance for treating family members?In this KMC University HelpDesk episode, we answer one of the most frequently asked compliance questions in chiropractic practices. Learn what Medicare says about treating spouses and other family members, why professional courtesy policies matter, and how improper billing can lead to audits, recoupments, and network participation issues.We'll also discuss how to develop a clear Professional Courtesy Policy, avoid common billing mistakes, and know when to seek guidance before submitting claims.If you want to protect your practice from unnecessary compliance risks, this episode is essential viewing.Watch the full video on KMCUniversity.com!⁠

What does it really mean to build a cash-based chiropractic practice? Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't mean giving up insurance. It means creating a practice that isn't dependent on insurance reimbursement to thrive.In this episode of the KMC University Interview Series, host Kathy Weidner sits down with Holly Jensen, Chief Operations Officer at Cash Practice Systems, for an insightful conversation about the systems, strategies, and mindset that help chiropractors build ethical, compliant, and financially sustainable practices.Together, they explore common misconceptions about cash-based practices, why compliance should be the foundation of every financial system, and how effective patient communication can improve both retention and clinical outcomes.You'll also hear practical advice on:What a cash-based chiropractic practice really isWhy separating clinical and financial report of findings mattersHow compliant payment plans and automated billing create a better patient experienceThe importance of team training and consistent communicationWhy patient retention is one of the most effective ways to improve practice profitabilityHow KMC University and Cash Practice Systems work together to help chiropractors reduce risk while growing their practices ethicallyWhether you're considering transitioning to a cash-based model or simply want to strengthen the financial systems in your current practice, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can begin applying immediately.

Is your Electronic Health Record (EHR) helping your practice, or quietly costing you time and money?In this KMC University HelpDesk episode, Dr. Erin Stubblefield explains how inefficient documentation systems create hidden financial leaks inside chiropractic practices. Learn why repetitive charting, incomplete intake forms, and poorly optimized workflows reduce productivity, increase compliance risk, and steal valuable clinical time.Discover practical ways to improve your documentation process through automation, EHR macros, digital intake systems, and better office workflows, allowing you to spend less time behind a computer and more time caring for patients.If administrative overload is slowing your practice down, this episode is for you.Watch the full video on KMCUniversity.com!

At the end of a busy day, it's tempting to leave balancing for tomorrow, but that small decision can create costly financial problems.In this KMC University HelpDesk episode, Rebecca explains why end-of-day balancing is one of the most important daily habits for every chiropractic practice. Learn how just five to ten minutes each day can help prevent missing payments, inaccurate deposits, billing errors, and financial leaks that impact your bottom line.You'll also discover the key steps every office should complete before closing, plus practical tips for building consistent financial systems that support long-term success.If you're looking to improve your office procedures and protect your practice's financial health, this episode is a must.⁠⁠Watch the full video on KMCUniversity.com!

Are your patients fully committed to the care you recommend, or are they leaving with unanswered questions?In this KMC HelpDesk episode, Kathy Weidner (KMC) explains why the chiropractic Report of Findings remains one of the most valuable patient education tools in your practice. Learn how a thoughtful ROF helps improve treatment acceptance, strengthens patient understanding, increases case completion, and creates better clinical outcomes.Kathy also discusses the importance of the Financial Report of Findings (FROF), patient recommitment after re-evaluations, and resources available through KMC University, Bill Esteb, and Cash Practice® to help improve your process.Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your existing approach, this episode offers practical ideas that can help your patients receive the full benefit of chiropractic care.⁠Watch the full video on KMCUniversity.com!⁠