Issue 12 - September 2004

In support of evidence-based chiropractic
What's new in diagnostics?

With managed-care’s growing insistence on objective findings, the use of diagnostic equipment becomes more important to chiropractors.

In this issue, Chiropractic Economics introduces a roundup of diagnostic equipment specially provided for the chiropractic profession. We asked diagnostics manufacturers and distributors to provide us with information on their latest and most innovative equipment. Chiropractic Economics does not test nor endorse any equipment listed. We encourage readers to research products and contact the companies directly for full information.

For a full listing of diagnostic equipment, visit our directory on page 60.

Hand Evaluation Set
The Saunders Group 3-Piece Hand Evaluation Set is a hard-molded carrying case that contains and protects three essential instruments for measuring hand and finger strength and range-of-motion. The set includes the Hydraulic 5-Position Hand Dynamometer, which accurately measures grip strength in five positions; the Hydraulic Pinch Gauge, which offers the same features and advanced hydraulic system of the hand dynamometer for pinch tests; and the Stainless Steel Goniometer, sized for measuring hand and finger range of motion.

For more information, call 800-778-1864 or visit www.thesaundersgroup.com.

Insight Subluxation Station
Chiropractic Leadership Alliance’s Insight Subluxation Station performs a scan of the nerve system and objectively demonstrates to patients the effectiveness of chiropractic care.

Because patients can see their problems, the Subluxation Station increases patient retention and referrals and develops a way to communicate the chiropractic message of wellness more clearly. The Insight is registered with both the FDA and Health Canada, and is HIPAA-compliant. It contains both static and dynamic EMG technology, built-in adjustable settings for infants, children and adults and can display more than 20 views on one piece of paper.

Visit www.subluxation.com or call 800-285-2001 for more information.

Tracker Functional Testing Systems
JTECH Medical’s Tracker Functional Testing Systems provide objective testing and documentation. The Tracker module collects objective data to demonstrate the need for care and to track progress during care for patients, payers and referrals.

The range-of-motion module features dual inclinometry for spine and extremity measurements and built-in AMA-based validity criteria. The muscle-testing module helps identify involved nerves and automatically generates force curves for better interpretation of results.

Reporting capabilities for the system include data reports, narratives and pro-gress charts. Tracker’s modular design allows the system to grow with a practice.

Call 801-478-0680 or visit www.jtechmedical.com for more information.

ChiroEz Plus
The ChiroEz Plus by Universal/Del Medical Systems accomplishes upright radiographs with single-motion positioning. The design allows the cabinet to be put in a horizontal position for ease and comfort of producing extremity views. A choice of the new state-of-the-art 500 mA high frequency generator, with optional APR or AEC, or a 400 mA single phase generator is available.

Visit www.delmedical.com or call 800-800-6006 for more information.

S.A.M.
The Spinal Analysis Machine from S.A.M. Co. offers a complete spinal screening system. The photo print system provides a quick, efficient way to document posture for in-office exams and progress reports. The AP-only view produces images in 30 seconds, while the AP-Lateral view produces images in less than 60 seconds.

Call 800-752-3263 or visit www.MoreNewPatients.com for more information.

DXAnalyzer
International Diagnostic Technologies DXAnalyzer Professional computer-aided digitizing software is an x-ray digitizing program built on the com-pany’s Digital Radiographic Mensuration Technology. It is used to digitize dynamic motion x-rays and static x-ray images stored in many formats.

DXAnalyzer specializes in providing objective biomechanical line drawing analysis to identify spinal injuries which can occur due to auto accidents and/or industrial work related injuries.

For more information, call 888-926-2774 or visit www.dxanalyzer.com.

Health Management System
The Health Management System from BioAnalogics is a complete hardware and software system for wellness promotion, preventive medicine, disease management and weight management. The Windows-based software provides full-color, individualized nutrition recommendations, exercise/activity plans and body com-position analysis with the ElectroLipoGraph (ELGII) bioelectrical impedance meter.

The ELGII analyzes the percentage of body fat, lean body mass and basal metabolic rate in the patient. Additional software modules are available for health risk analysis, fitness testing, nutrition analysis, longevity index and medical risk analysis.

For more information, call 800-327-7953 or visit www.bioanalogics.com.

Neurodiagnostic Testing
Integrated Medical Diagnostics’ Neurodiagnostic Testing provides cost efficiency and convenience and combines the expertise of board-certified neurologists, radiologists and experienced technicians with state-of-the-art technology.

Integrated Medical Diagnostics enables chiropractors to offer a broad spectrum of on-site specialized neurological and musculoskeletal diagnostic services to ensure quality care and practice profitability. Board-certified neurologists and radiologists interpret each study, aiding in a definitive diagnosis.

Visit www.imdiagnostics.com or call 866-463-8378 for more information.

Phase
The Phase contrast microscope developed by Optimal Health Systems allows chiropractors to take a finger stick of blood and visually examine it with a patient on a color television screen. Even if a license is limited in the practicing chiropractor’s state, he or she can use the microscope to teach what the blood should look like and how it looks when food is digested poorly. Research has shown that nutritional conditions such as liver stress, poor protein digestion, excess fat and sugar intake and vitamin and mineral deficiencies are easily seen in the live blood sample.

For more information, call 800-890-2221 or visit www.ohs4life.com.

MyoVision
MyoVision provides quality instrumentation available for surface electromyography, thermography and range-of-motion diagnosis.

MyoVision’s modular design allows doctors to select and configure a system to meet precise requirements. Some of the modules include the M8, M 8000 Static Surface EMG; the D4, Dynamic Surface EMG for use in practices that include personal injury, workers compensation or the need to prove presence or absence of injury; the DynaProbe, which makes the Dynamic SEMG process fast and simple; and the ROM-1, Dual Inclinometer Range Of Motion, a computerized, insurance-billable dual-inclinometry system.

For more information, call 800-969-6961 or visit www.myovision.com.

Electrodiagnostic Testing Services
Diagnostic Testing Centers of America is a network of affiliated physician practices providing on-site precision diagnostic testing services across the country. DTCA was formed in response to the chiropractic profession’s demand to attain on-site neurological electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing capabilities.

DTCA is not a testing company but is a cooperative marketing and revenue enhancement program that brings together chiropractors to provide quality-assured, state-of-the-art EDX and ultrasound imaging services.

Call 866-302-3822 or visit www.dtca.org for more information.

Neurological consultations
Neurolink Diagnostics is a group of neurologists and physiatrists who provide chiropractors with a neurology program consisting of neurological consultations, needle EMGs and NCVs that are performed by physicians. The group visits a chiropractic practice on a designated day to see patients for problem-focused examinations and possible EMG/NCV studies, if indicated.

Call 888-777-6639 or visit www.neurolinkdx.com for more information.

Pro-Adjuster/Pro-Soft
Pro-Adjuster from Pro-Solutions for Chiropractic is an FDA-approved adjusting instrument which introduces a small, gentle force into the body and measures the response through a system of sensors and software.

Pro-Soft offers practitioners an effective chiropractic-specific documentation system. Utilizing an extensive chiropractic and medical database, Pro-Soft generates the diagnosis and justifies medical necessity based on the exam and translates it into a language third parties can understand.

For more information, call 724-942-4284 or visit www.pro-adjuster.us or www.pro-soft.us.

CyberCare Plan
The HealthPORT CyberCare Plan provides online delivery of low-cost, high-impact, personalized preventive medicine services directly to patients. The CyberCare Plan is tailored to a physician's diagnosis and the patient's health risks, individualizing the nutrition, activity plans and education to each patient's requirements.

This is not a generic program that patients visit on the Internet without doctor supervision. It is an individualized 12-week weight management program, designed to leverage physician knowledge and to enhance patient care. Chiropractors have the ability to interact and monitor patients via a secure message e-mail server. The site is HIPAA-compliant.

For more information, call 800-327-7953 or visit www.cybercareplan.com.

Universal Evaluation System
VerNova’s Universal Evaluation System is a single, compact unit that can evaluate virtually every functional ability: muscle testing, algometry for pain threshold monitoring, grip- and pinch-strength assessment, spine and extremity range-of-motion, dynamic lifting capacity, heart-rate response and job-site analysis for completion of job-demand analysis. The system is wireless with an onboard display for field measurements and internal memory for testing off-site.

For more information, call 800-532-7266 or visit www.vernova.com.

Noromed
Noromed, part of Myotrincis-Noromed, provides musculoskeletal evaluation technologies for chiropractic, physical medicine, physical therapy and university research.

Noromed products offer a full range of capabilities for measuring and recording dynamic range of motion, surface electromyography and muscle testing. Each of these products can be ordered individually or as part of a modular system to accommodate a growing practice.

For more information, go to www.noromed.com or call 800-426-0316.