This September, the International Skeletal Society (ISS), one of the world’s most selective professional organizations in musculoskeletal imaging will induct a chiropractic radiologist into its ranks for the first time. The honoree, Dr. Terry Yochum, DACBR represents decades of advancement in chiropractic diagnostic imaging and is now recognized on the global stage.
While his induction is rightly celebrated, it also underscores a bigger story:Â the growing importance of chiropractic radiology and the essential role of diagnostic imaging experts (DACBRs) in modern chiropractic practice.
This development offers a timely opportunity to examine how chiropractors across the country can access this level of expertise every day and how groups like Kinetic Radiology are making it accessible.
AÂ Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology (DACBR)Â is a board-certified chiropractic radiologist who has:
Completed a rigorous 3–4 year imaging residency after chiropractic school.
Passed demanding board examinations in diagnostic radiology.
Specialized in interpreting X-ray, MRI, and CT for musculoskeletal conditions.
With fewer than 300 DACBRs practicing worldwide, they represent an elite group of specialists. Their reports guide chiropractors in patient care, improve diagnostic accuracy, and serve as a safeguard against missed findings.
In short, DACBRs give chiropractors the clinical confidence to manage patients effectively, communicate clearly, and collaborate seamlessly with other healthcare providers.
Many chiropractors either take their own images or receive patient imaging ordered through outside providers. The challenge arises in interpretation:
Subtle findings in bone or soft tissue can be overlooked without advanced training.
Red flags (tumors, fractures, systemic disease) must not be missed.
Patients deserve accurate explanations supported by detailed imaging insights.
This is where DACBRs and services like Kinetic Radiology come in. The benefits of integrating radiology expertise include:
Accurate Diagnosis – ensuring treatment plans are built on the right foundation.
Earlier Detection of Serious Conditions – protecting patients and reducing liability.
Evidence-Based Care – aligning chiropractic with the highest standards of musculoskeletal healthcare.
Enhanced Patient Trust – detailed imaging reports improve communication and credibility.
Professional Edge – positioning chiropractic offices as modern, patient-centered practices.
Kinetic Radiology was founded on a simple mission:Â to make DACBR-level expertise accessible to every chiropractor, everywhere.
Traditionally, only large institutions or chiropractic colleges had consistent access to a DACBR. Now, through secure digital platforms, Kinetic Radiology provides on-demand radiology reports that integrate seamlessly into daily practice.
Quick Turnaround
Reports are delivered rapidly, ensuring chiropractors can move forward on care decisions without delay.
Board-Certified Accuracy
Every study is interpreted by a DACBR — guaranteeing the highest professional standards.
Chiropractic-Specific Insights
Reports aren’t watered down or generic; they’re tailored to chiropractic practice, highlighting clinically relevant findings for effective hands-on care.
Risk Reduction
With expert oversight, chiropractors protect themselves against the risks of missed diagnoses or medico-legal issues.
Patient Education Support
Clear reports make it easier for chiropractors to explain findings confidently, building trust and compliance.
Practice Differentiation
Having DACBR-reviewed imaging elevates a clinic’s profile in its community and reassures patients that they are receiving cutting-edge, evidence-based care.
The International Skeletal Society (ISS) is an exclusive global organization of elite imaging and musculoskeletal care specialists. Its mission is to push forward research, education, and best practices in radiology, orthopedic surgery, and skeletal pathology.
Dr. Yochum’s induction this year is symbolic for the chiropractic profession: it shows that chiropractic radiologists are increasingly recognized on the world stage. But for everyday chiropractors, the bigger message is this: radiology expertise is essential, valued, and respected at the highest levels of healthcare.
And thanks to companies like Kinetic Radiology, that same level of expertise can be brought directly into daily chiropractic practice.
Let’s look at some real-world practice scenarios where having DACBR reports through Kinetic Radiology makes an impact:
Scenario 1: The Hidden Fracture
A patient presents after a low-speed car accident. Standard films look unremarkable, but a DACBR reader identifies a subtle vertebral fracture, preventing inappropriate manual care and instead leading to referral.
Scenario 2: Red Flag Discovery
An X-ray ordered for chronic low back pain reveals suspicious shadows. The DACBR flags potential metastatic disease, prompting early referral — potentially life-saving.
Scenario 3: Supporting Chiropractic Care
MRI findings are interpreted with emphasis on chiropractic-relevant features like disc hydration, degenerative changes, or facet joint involvement. A precise, detailed report supports personalized adjustments and rehabilitative care.
Each case underlines the same truth:Â access to expert radiology reports can change outcomes, protect patients, and elevate practice.
Chiropractors today are operating in a healthcare environment that increasingly emphasizes accuracy, accountability, and collaboration. Kinetic Radiology acts as a strategic partner by:
Raising Standards of Care within chiropractic practices.
Strengthening Interdisciplinary Respect by producing polished, evidence-based reports that hold up in medical circles.
Empowering Growth by freeing chiropractors to focus on patient care while still leveraging specialty-level diagnostic insight.
In essence, Kinetic Radiology is helping chiropractors align their clinics with the future of healthcare: collaborative, data-driven, and patient-focused.
Dr. Terry Yochum’s ISS induction is an important milestone in chiropractic history, showing the world that chiropractic radiologists belong at the same table as the top orthopedic surgeons and medical radiologists. But for everyday practice, the lesson is clear: chiropractors don’t have to wait for recognition to benefit from radiology expertise today.
Through Kinetic Radiology, any chiropractor can access DACBR-level reporting on-demand, bringing world-class imaging interpretation directly into their practice.
The chiropractic profession is moving into a future where imaging, evidence, and interdisciplinary respect matter more than ever. Partnering with Kinetic Radiology is more than a clinical choice — it’s a statement: We’re raising the bar in patient care.
Fractures, arthritis, scoliosis, postural changes, anomalies.
X-rays in chiropractic practice are most useful for evaluating suspected fractures, degenerative joint disease, scoliosis, congenital anomalies, and structural changes that may affect treatment plans. For example, if a chiropractor suspects disc degeneration or spinal instability, radiographs provide an essential baseline. By partnering with a DACBR through a teleradiology service like Diagnostic Imaging Consultants, chiropractors can obtain detailed radiology reports that not only confirm findings but also provide legally defensible documentation for personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.
Chiropractors can read X-rays, but radiologists add expertise and defensibility.
Chiropractors are trained to interpret X-rays within their scope, but complex or high-liability cases often benefit from a specialist’s review. A DACBR is specifically trained to identify subtle pathologies that may be overlooked in a busy office setting. Many chiropractors now use Diagnostic Imaging Consultants for outsourced radiology interpretation, ensuring that their imaging studies include a comprehensive radiology report. This improves clinical accuracy, strengthens medico-legal documentation, and reassures patients that their care is backed by expert diagnostic imaging support.
A DACBR is a board-certified chiropractic radiologist who provides expert imaging interpretation.
A DACBR (Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology) is a chiropractic radiologist with advanced training in musculoskeletal imaging. They provide detailed reviews of X-rays, MRI, CT, and CBCT studies. Chiropractors often partner with a DACBR or Diagnostic Imaging Consultant because the radiology reports produced are more thorough, defensible in personal injury cases, and reduce malpractice risk. Having a DACBR on your team demonstrates a higher standard of care, ensuring patients and attorneys know that imaging has been interpreted by an expert.
Yes, in most states, if clinically justified.
Chiropractors in most U.S. states can order advanced imaging such as MRI and CT scans, particularly when evaluating disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or complex musculoskeletal conditions. Insurance restrictions sometimes apply, but chiropractors often use a DACBR or Diagnostic Imaging Consultant to interpret the studies and generate a comprehensive radiology report. This ensures accuracy, helps justify medical necessity, and supports both clinical care and medico-legal documentation.
Document necessity, follow guidelines, and use expert radiology reports.
Compliance comes down to three essentials: (1) ordering X-rays only when clinically indicated, (2) following established imaging guidelines, and (3) maintaining accurate records. Chiropractors who use Diagnostic Imaging Consultants or a DACBR gain access to comprehensive radiology reports that clearly document clinical findings and medical necessity. This provides strong legal protection and helps prevent insurance disputes or board complaints. A compliance-first approach ensures chiropractic imaging is both effective and defensible.
Yes, for upper cervical, TMJ, and detailed spine imaging.
Cone-beam CT (CBCT) is becoming more common in chiropractic offices, particularly for upper cervical evaluations, TMJ assessments, and detailed spine imaging. Upper cervical chiropractors such as NUCCA, Blair, Orthospinology and atlas orthogonal frequently utilize CBCT imaging. Partnering with a DACBR or Diagnostic Imaging Consultant ensures that every CBCT scan is accompanied by a detailed radiology report, protecting the chiropractor from compliance risks and ensuring patients receive the highest standard of diagnostic care.
Remote radiology reports from experts, fast and defensible.
Teleradiology allows chiropractors to upload imaging studies securely and receive expert reports from a DACBR without needing an in-house radiologist. Many chiropractic offices use Diagnostic Imaging Consultants to provide same-day or next-day radiology reports, giving them quick access to expert interpretations. This not only improves clinical outcomes but also adds a layer of legal defensibility in PI and workers’ compensation cases. For practices looking to scale efficiently, teleradiology has become a critical tool.
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Copyright 2024 Kinetic Radiology
All Rights Reserved
Receive timely resources to keep you and your practice on the cutting edge of Chiropractic Radiology.