Letter from the Editor In Chief

back to Dec 09 Issue

Bruce Gundersen, DC, FACO
Editor-In-Chief, Academy of Chiropractic  Orthopedists Journal

A New Decade in Health Care

We look forward to a new decade in the health care delivery industry with great anticipation and with some fear. Perhaps the fear comes from the uncertainty of change. We know the environment will change for each of us. We know that how we approach reimbursement will likely charge a great deal. We know that how our patients come to us will also change a lot. One thing is for certain and that is that our attention to caring for patients must not change. If we are to endure this transition period, we need to make certain that we do everything a little better.

My advice to you is simple and proven to be effective at every level of delivery. Be a little kinder to each patient, to each staff member, to each billing clerk and to each carrier. Be a little more attentive to casual complaints, be a little more diligent in examining each area; be a little more aware of the patient’s pain. Be just a little more interested in every ache and pain that walks into your office. Be a little more interested in the family and friends of each patient. Be a little better at reading the current literature and be a little more interested in submitting your work to the JACO. Be a little better at explaining the newest information to your patient regarding his condition. Be a little better in quickly defining, treating and resolving the complaints of your patients. Be a little better at getting them well as fast as you can, out the door and happy about it. Be a little better in working as a competent member of the health care delivery community and establishing for yourself, a reputation as such.

As we approach our fears of the future, rest assured that patients will always need what we have to provide for them. We will always be needed if we do a little better at serving our patients. That is the main focus and the premise from which we must continue. Do a little better in serving your patients and your fears will gradually fade away. There will always be a place for the provider who cares the most.

As Always your friend,

Bruce Gundersen, DC, FACO
Editor-In-Chief