CONTRIBUTING WRITERS


Melissa D. Carter, Attorney at Law is a partner at Adler Giersch, a WSCA Leadership Level Corporate Partner. In this issue, Melissa discusses hope for improvement in upper extremity motor strength and function for survivors of cervical spine injury. She graduated from the University of


Washington and attended law school at Suffolk University in 1999. Fired up to get into the courtroom, she accepted a job as trial counsel for a prestigious insurance defense firm, defending large cases involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death and insurance coverage disputes. It was one of the best ways to build up her courtroom experience, because they fought so many claims. To succeed as an insurance attorney, she had to convince herself that every case she defended involved some level of fraud or exaggeration to justify her “win” for the insurance company (which always meant a loss to someone who was injured). She saw firsthand how insurance rules are stacked against victims. Seeking inspiration and meaning in her work, she took all that experience and knowledge of how insurance companies work and switched sides. Almost instantly, she knew she was home.


Stephan P. Ediss, DC, PAK, FIACA collaborates with Nutri-West Pacific, a WSCA Platinum Level Corporate Partner to contribute the article “The Doctor of the Future” in this issue. Dr. Ediss has over 300 hours of certified training as a professional applied kinesiologist and has been in


practice for 31 years. All his knowledge is compiled in an organized, easy- to-follow, step-by-step protocol resulting in amazing clinical outcomes. He can be reached at edisschiropractic@yahoo.com.


Evan Gwilliam, DC, MBA, QCC, CPC, CCPC, CPMA, CPCO, AAPC Fellow is Senior Vice President of Practisync, a WSCA Silver Level Corporate Parter. Practisync is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Illinois Chiropractic Society dedicated to providing economies of scale to chiropractic physicians. Dr. Gwilliam is well known for his expertise in clinical documentation, compliant coding, and healthcare management, and leverages his experience to help chiropractic practices streamline their processes, maintain compliance, and optimize patient care efficiency. Among his impressive credentials, he has also earned the esteemed title of AAPC Fellow, showcasing his dedication and contribution to the field of medical coding and compliance. In this issue he updates us on ICD-10-CM changes that bring clarity to disc degeneration codes.


Plexus Plexus is published by the Washington State Chiropractic Association as a member benefit.


WSCA, 1120 Pacific Avenue, Suite 206, Tacoma, WA 98402 206-878-6055 or 800-824-4918 • Fax 206-878-8699 e-mail: wsca@chirohealth.org • website: www.chirohealth.org


For display advertising rates, go to www.chirohealth.org to download


the WSCA 2024 Plexus Display Advertising Guide. For more information, contact Jane Rial at jane@rialpublicationdesign.com or 541-480-1949.


For classified advertising rates, call 206-878-6055 or 800-824-4918


Editorial Board


David Butters, DC Skylar Gemmer, DC Lori Grassi


Writers


WSCA Staff & Volunteers Editor, Layout & Design


Jane Rial, Rial Marketing Communications WSCA Staff Members Executive Director


Executive of Legislation and Policy Membership Director Finance Manager


WSCA Officers


President: David Stemp, DC Past President: Chad Hurst, DC President Elect: Robert Perkes, DC


Legislative Director/Treasurer: David Butters, DC Secretary (vacant)


WSCA Board Members Dist. 1: John Sim, DC


Dist. 2: Sarah Kotlerman, DC Dist. 3: Paul Reed, DC


Dist. 4: (vacant) Dist. 5: Mark Jones, DC Dist. 6: Luther Chau, DC


Dist. 7: Diane Sherwood-Palmer, DC Dist. 8: Thomas Ovenell Dist. 9: C. Randy Baze, DC Dist. 10: Ron Wilcox, DC


425-743-9460 360-982-1368 360-601-8408


509-928-1400 253-254-5653 206-242-3700 509-886-0131 425-251-5715 360-352-8112


It is the policy of the WSCA to produce publications for the following purposes: to keep the membership informed on issues of concern and current news; to improve communication and cooperation between members of the profession, and between the profession and the WSCA; to promote and advance the activities, goals and objectives of the WSCA; to provide a forum for input and exchange regarding the direction of healthcare and the chiropractic profession; and to provide a venue for promotion of the WSCA’s corporate membership while providing financial support to the WSCA.


Display Advertising Policy


It is the policy of the WSCA to extend display advertising opportunities in Plexus only to those companies and/or individuals who choose to affiliate with the WSCA as Corporate Partners. DCs who maintain outside business interests in addition to their chiropractic practice are invited to increase their involvement as Corporate Partners and thus enjoy the privilege of advertising their products in Plexus. See Seminars & Events page for information on WSCA’s policy for advertising events that conflict with WSCA events.


Editorial Submissions


Submit news releases, articles, and photos for consideration by email to: jane@rialpublicationdesign.com


253-472-2225 509-884-7163 509-967-2225 206-723-2820


Jeff Curwen, CAE Lori Grassi Shaka Forest Kathy Leehan


541-480-1949


Lorri Nichols, DC Robert Perkes, DC Paul Reed, DC


6 www .ch ir oh ealth.or g


Printed with recycled paper


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