Texas Chiropractic Association News Newswire

Featured Article: ACA News Release VA Community Care Network Updates Contract Requirements for Chiropractors

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact:
Annette Bernat
abernat@acatoday.org
(703) 812-0226

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2026

VA Community Care Network Updates Contract Requirements for Chiropractors

Arlington, Va. — The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has been engaged with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its third-party administrators, including TriWest Healthcare Alliance, to address concerns raised by doctors of chiropractic (DCs) regarding participation in the VA Community Care Network (CCN).

Members practicing in Regions 4 and 5 identified challenges in contracting requirements that were seemingly not applied to other provider types in the same regions and were inconsistent with contracting requirements for DCs in VA CCN Regions 1-3. These requirements included the imposition of contracting fees and the expectation that DCs accept additional ancillary contracts as a condition of participation in the CCN—both of which created barriers to participation and raised concerns about fairness and access.

In response to member feedback, ACA engaged directly with VA and contractor leadership to seek clarification and advocate for changes that would support equitable participation.

Following these discussions, ACA has been informed of the following updates:

Reassessment of contracting fees for DCs participating in the CCN in Regions 4 and 5 to remove financial barriers for provider participation in the network.

Ability for DCs to contract directly for participation in the CCN without being required to enter into additional ancillary agreements.

These changes represent a meaningful step toward more consistent and equitable contracting processes across regions. Reducing administrative and financial barriers and unfavorable contracting requirements supports provider participation and helps improve access to chiropractic care for veterans in impacted areas. As these changes are implemented, providers should carefully review contract materials to confirm they are participating only in the network(s) of their choosing.

“I am grateful to the members who brought this issue forward," commented ACA President Kris Anderson, DC. "ACA has a great team of experts, and I am pleased that we engaged in these discussions to advocate on behalf of the profession and for the veterans we serve.”

About the American Chiropractic Association

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States. ACA attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors, who understand that it takes more to be called an ACA chiropractor. We are leading our profession in the most constructive and far-reaching ways—by working hand in hand with other health care professionals, by lobbying for pro-chiropractic legislation and policies, by supporting meaningful research, and by using that research to inform our treatment practices. We also provide professional and educational opportunities for all our members and are committed to being a positive and unifying force for the practice of modern chiropractic. To learn more, visit acatoday.org.

Featured Article: Patient Retention Strategies From a Zero-Marketing Clinic

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

This article is brought to you by TCA Bronze Partner Jane. Jane is an all-in-one health and wellness practice management platform designed to be helpful to you, no matter how or where you practice. Available online and on any device, Jane offers branded online booking, beautiful scheduling, insurance management, customizable charting, online intake forms, patient reminders, integrated payment processing, online appointments (telehealth) and more!

If patients aren't coming back after that first visit, more marketing won't help. Most patient retention strategies start in the wrong place, focused on getting people through the door rather than on what happens once they're there.

The drop-off almost always traces back to something that happened (or didn't happen) in that first appointment. Joseph Ibe figured this out early and was able to build his chiropractic practice entirely on referrals and spends almost nothing on marketing as a result.

Here's a peek behind the curtain on what he’s doing differently.

The first-visit fix: eliminate the "ick factor" with a care plan

The single most effective patient retention strategy Joseph uses is also the simplest: on the first visit, he tells every patient exactly what their care looks like.

That means covering required services, how many visits they can expect, and what it will cost, all in the initial consultation. Joseph calls the alternative the "ick factor." And most of the time, what loses patients has nothing to do with the quality of the clinical work, it's everything around it. The uncertainty about what happens next, the awkwardness around cost, the feeling that nobody quite remembered who they were when they walked back through the door. When patients leave uncertain, they just don't come back.

A clear, upfront care plan removes that friction entirely. When everyone is on the same page from the beginning, patients can make an informed decision to commit to the plan rather than disappearing quietly.

Patients in Joseph's clinic also receive about 10 to 12 days of education to support their care in and outside the clinic, keeping them engaged between visits and reinforcing that their treatment is a process, not a one-time fix.

How to improve patient experience: the human touchpoints that build loyalty

Patient loyalty doesn't come from fancy amenities set up around the clinic, it comes from feeling like someone actually knows you. Research from the Beryl Institute shows that communication and feeling respected are what drive patient loyalty, not clinical outcomes alone.

Joseph's approach to how to improve the patient experience is built on small, consistent human moments that compound over time:

Call patients directly after they book to confirm the appointment
Meet them at the door, greet them by name, and walk them out after every visit
Make an effort to remember personal details about their lives and ask about them
Offer 24-hour access communication line for patients who really need it
For at-home exercises, demonstrate them in person first, then use digital tools to support the plan between visits

On the technology side, Joseph uses automated appointment reminders but still makes space for personal phone calls. He's clear that the software handles a lot, and he's equally clear that a real human at the front desk matters just as much. Some patients appreciate the digital convenience, while others just want to hear a voice. His approach is to meet them where they are, and that flexibility is a big part of what keeps them coming back.

How to handle patient cancellations without losing the relationship

One of the more counterintuitive patient experience tips in Joseph's framework is his three-strike cancellation policy. Most clinic owners worry that enforcing boundaries will push patients away, however Joseph's experience is the opposite. Clear, compassionate expectations are what build the trust that keeps patients long-term.

He sets clear expectations and boundaries about his services, time commitments, and pricing from the start. Here's how his compassionate three-strike policy works:

First cancellation: rebook within the same week. Joseph feels anything beyond the first week is extenuating.
Second cancellation: rebook within the same week, mention the first cancellation, and check in to make sure everything is okay.
Third cancellation: rebook the patient, but let them know this is the last time. If they need to reschedule again, it may be best to pause care or find a provider that better fits their schedule.

That's the mindset behind how to handle patient cancellations with integrity. It protects your schedule without burning the relationship, and it signals to patients that you take their care seriously enough to hold them accountable.

"We are in a service-based industry," Joseph says. "And I think the more we lean into that, the more productive and successful our practices will be in terms of retaining the individual."

If you're working on how to put that policy into words, this guide on enforcing a cancellation policy without the guilt covers the practical side of communicating it to patients.

Frequently asked questions

How do I bring up cost at the first visit without making it awkward?

Frame it as part of the care plan conversation rather than a separate money talk. When you are already covering how many visits to expect and what the treatment will look like, cost fits naturally in the same breath. Something like "you are looking at roughly six visits over eight weeks, and each one is X" lands as helpful information rather than a pitch.

Patients can make a real decision when they have real numbers, and that decision is far more likely to stick than one they make later when the uncertainty has had time to build doubt. The discomfort around this conversation usually belongs to the practitioner, not the patient. Most patients would rather know upfront than be surprised.

What patient details are actually worth noting down and remembering?

Anything they mentioned voluntarily that had nothing to do with why they came in. The race they are training for, the kid's tournament coming up, the job stress they dropped into conversation. These details signal what is actually going on in someone's life and what they care about, which matters clinically and relationally. A quick note in their file right after the visit means you are not relying on memory, you are just reading before they walk back through the door.

These are the patient experience tips that cost nothing and compound over time. Patients almost never expect this level of attention, which is exactly why it lands so well when it happens. It is the difference between a practitioner who treated your shoulder and one you actually want to refer your friends to.

Is a 24-hour access line realistic for a small or solo practice?

It is, if you set clear expectations upfront about what it is for. The version that works in practice for Joseph is not a full on call service. It is a channel for patients with real concerns between visits, framed that way from the first appointment. Most patients will never use it, but the value is in the offer itself because knowing it exists signals that you take their care seriously between sessions, not just when they are in the room with you.

This kind of touchpoint is one of the more underrated approaches on how to improve the patient experience in a small or solo setting because it costs so little to offer. Setting the boundaries clearly from the start, specifically what kinds of questions it is for and what the response time looks like, is what keeps it from becoming a burden.

When should I actually start spending money on marketing my clinic?

Once your existing patients are coming back reliably. Spending on acquisition before retention is solid means you are filling a leaky bucket. Every new patient you bring in has a ceiling on their value if they only come once, and no marketing strategy overcomes that math. When patient retention is working, the equation flips: new patients are worth more because they stay, they refer people in, and they reduce your ongoing dependence on paid acquisition.

Practices that run almost entirely on referrals typically get there by getting the in-clinic experience right first and letting word of mouth do the growth work over time. The marketing budget question becomes much easier to answer once you know patients are actually coming back.

by Madison Bennett

Madison Bennett is a writer and editor at Jane. Drawing on her business degree and time spent working at a busy clinic, she roots her writing in firsthand experience and love for supporting care providers. In her downtime, she’s usually lost in a fantasy novel, trying new restaurants, or plotting her next getaway.

Member Spotlight: Shawn McHone, DC, TCA's New Secretary/Treasurer

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Shawn McHone, DC, is a Texas chiropractor who has been practicing since 2008, following his graduation from Texas Chiropractic College. During his time at TCC, he held several leadership roles, including vice president of his class and secretary/treasurer of the Student Body Association.

Originally from the Greater Houston area, Dr. McHone practiced there for 12 years before relocating to Austin, where he opened his current office in 2020. Throughout his career, he has remained actively involved with the Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA), gaining a comprehensive understanding of how the organization serves and supports its members.

Within TCA, Dr. McHone has served multiple terms as District 8 State Director, as well as State Affairs Chair, in addition to contributing to several committees. His dedication and leadership have been recognized with honors, including the 2022 District 8 Doctor of the Year and the 2025 Committee Chair of the Year for his work as State Affairs Chair.

Serving both his patients and the TCA has been a career long passion for Dr. McHone, and he looks forward to continuing that commitment in his role as incoming TCA Secretary/Treasurer.

Dr. McHone has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for 20 years, and together they enjoy spending time with their children, Jake and Claire. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he can often be found on the golf course or traveling with his family.

How long have you been a TCA member and why did you join TCA?

I’ve been a proud member of the TCA for the past 15 years. Serving the chiropractic community and becoming actively involved in the association has always been important to me, but it was the encouragement and example set by several respected colleagues, including past TCA President Devin Pettiet, that truly motivated me to take the next step. They recognized the need for engagement and demonstrated how meaningful involvement can create real impact—helping protect our profession and preserve our ability to do what we care about most: serving our patients and supporting our fellow chiropractors.

What is your favorite thing about being a TCA member?

Getting to work together with fellow leaders and colleagues in our profession who I respect tremendously for their hard work and incredible past success record in protecting, preserving and promoting chiropractic in Texas for our patients.

Why did you decide to run for TCA Secretary/Treasurer and what do you hope to achieve as a TCA Executive Officer?

I decided to run for TCA Secretary/Treasurer because my years of involvement have shown me how important the TCA is in protecting and advancing our profession. I feel a responsibility to continue serving and contributing at a higher level.

As a TCA Executive Officer, I hope to support strong governance and fiscal responsibility, increase member engagement, and help ensure the TCA remains a powerful advocate for chiropractors across Texas.

Currently, you serve as TCA District 8 State Director. Why should TCA members serve in a leadership role in their state association and how has it benefited you personally?

TCA members should serve in leadership roles because it’s the most effective way to protect and advance our profession we all love. Being involved gives you a voice in the decisions that impact your practice and your patients, while also strengthening the profession as a whole.

Personally, serving as District 8 State Director has been incredibly rewarding. It has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face, allowed me to build meaningful relationships with colleagues across the state, and provided the opportunity to make a real impact on the future of chiropractic in Texas.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far as a chiropractor?

Truly focus on your patients’ needs and deliver at the highest level. Serving our patients is the single greatest reward of practice and the return is tenfold.

Who has been the key influence in your chiropractic career?

Before having my own practice, I was an associate for 12 years with Devin Pettiet DC. Working beside him for so many years shaped me into the chiropractor and TCA leader I am today. I learned how to connect with our patients, lead from the front, and how to keep things light and fun while doing so.

What is your chiropractic philosophy and how do you implement it in your practice?

My chiropractic philosophy focuses on getting patients out of pain and back to life as quickly as possible with chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation, and patient education. I want to provide the best evidence-based care possible and empower the patient.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know about you?

I share the same unique characteristic as Dan Aykroyd, Max Scherzer, Jane Seymour, Kate Bosworth, Mila Kunis and Henry Cavill. We all have heterochromia (2 different eye colors). I have one hazel eye matching my Father and one brown eye matching my Mother. It’s a rare occurrence in less than 1% of the population.

TCA President's Message: Don White, DC, FICC

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The countdown is on for Chiro Texpo ’26, the Texas Chiropractic Association’s signature event, and I couldn’t be more excited. After a decade in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, we are headed back to Austin. In fact, we’re calling this year’s state convention The ATX Experience, highlighting the Texas capitol’s unique music, food, and vibe. Come and be part of the biggest weekend of the year for the Texas chiropractic community!

Here are a few reasons why you need to be there:

All-star speakers – Every year, the Chiro Texpo line-up gets stronger, and this year is no exception – especially the main stage! Dr. Sherry McAllister of the Foundation of Chiropractic Progress and neurology expert Dr. Monika Buerger are the headliners along with the Carrick Institute’s Matthew Antonucci, Dr. Tim Bertlesman, Dr. Cindy Howard, and more. Check out the schedule and speakers!
Level up your adjusting skills – One of the things that makes Chiro Texpo different than chiropractic conferences is the Adjust Lab. For the past few years, TCA has dedicated a classroom for hands-on adjusting workshops with renowned instructors. Forget the boring lectures and soak up 2 ½ days with trainers like Dr. Mark Charrette, Dr. Benjamin Fergus, Motion Palpation Institute’s Dr. Mark King, and Hand Alchemy’s Dr. David Bynum and Maurice Isuo. Your hands are your biggest tools, and you can implement the new techniques you’ve learned the following Monday.
Something for the ladies – TCA is thrilled to launch our new Texas Women’s Chiropractic Collaborative, our community for women’s chiropractors. I want to personally invite female DCs and chiropractic students to our popular Women’s Luncheon. More details to come!

Those are just three reasons why Austin needs to be on your summer schedule. Register by May 31 to take advantage of early registration pricing, and book your hotel room.

Finally, I want you to come as my guest to the President’s Gala, my final event as TCA President. This event is the finale for Chiro Texpo where we honor the men and women who serve our profession so well. When you register, get your gala tickets. It will be a spectacular evening!

In the spirit of April’s TCA Membership Month, thank you for being a TCA member. If you’re not a TCA member, join today! Discounted registration for Chiro Texpo ’26 is one of the many benefits of membership.

Best,

Don White, DC, FICC
TCA President