Chiropractic Roots: Dr. John Wheeler
In this heartfelt episode of Chiropractic Roots, Dr. Travis Oller sits down with Dr. John Wheeler of Wichita, Kansas — a dedicated chiropractor whose 30-year career has been defined by faith, perseverance, and connection.
Dr. Wheeler shares his remarkable path from growing up in Ark City to finding his calling in chiropractic after an early experience with healing, and how a life-changing battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma during chiropractic school reshaped his perspective on care, empathy, and gratitude.
Dr. Wheeler reflects on the importance of genuine connection with every patient, his lessons from decades of practice, his service through the Kansas Chiropractic Association, and the wisdom he hopes to pass on to the next generation of chiropractors. It’s a moving conversation about faith, family, and finding purpose in serving others — one adjustment at a time.
Dr. Wheeler can be found at: https://wheelerchiropractic.com/
Chiropractic Roots is available on all major podcast platforms as well as: https://youtu.be/7WaBTDuy29c
HR 4204 (“Medicare Patient Choice Act”) — Empowering DCs & Patients
As part of our ongoing advocacy for greater freedom, fairness, and access in chiropractic care, the Kansas Chiropractic Association (KCA) wants to make our members aware of H.R. 4204, the Medicare Patient Choice Act. This bill would allow doctors of chiropractic (DCs) — along with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists — to opt out of Medicare and privately contract with Medicare beneficiaries.
What is H.R. 4204?
Under current law, many types of providers (e.g. physicians, psychologists, etc.) have the option to formally “opt out” of Medicare, meaning they are not bound by Medicare billing rules and may enter into private contracts with patients. However, certain therapy and rehabilitative providers — including chiropractors — are excluded from that option. H.R. 4204 aims to fix that inequity.
Key points:
- H.R. 4204 would amend the Social Security Act to extend this opt-out flexibility to chiropractors.
- That means DCs who choose to opt out could treat Medicare beneficiaries under private contracts, without being forced into existing Medicare provider participation rules.
- For patients, this provides more choice: if both patient and DC prefer, they can directly contract for care even after Medicare enrollment.
- It does not force any DC to drop Medicare; participation would remain optional.
Supporters argue this restores fairness (giving DCs the same flexibility as other types of providers) and strengthens continuity of care and patient choice.
What H.R. 4204 Means for Kansas DCs
- Professional autonomy – DCs should have the option to choose whether or not to participate in Medicare under its constraints.
- Patient access & choice – Many Medicare beneficiaries value continuity with their preferred DC; they should not be forced to change providers merely because of Medicare rules.
- Leveling the playing field — Chiropractors are currently disadvantaged relative to many other provider types that already enjoy opt-out flexibility.
- No harm to Medicare — Because opting out is voluntary, traditional Medicare coverage remains intact for patients and providers who choose it.
- In short: H.R. 4204 is about giving DCs and patients more flexibility, not rolling back access.
How You Can Help — Reach Out to Your Member of Congress
Advocacy from constituents makes a real difference. Here’s how KCA recommends you act now:
- Identify your U.S. House Representative.
- You can find your member by ZIP code at House.gov or via other “find your member” tools.
- Send a personal message or letter urging them to support H.R. 4204.
Key points you might include:
- Introduce yourself, note you are a constituent and DC (or stakeholder).
- Explain that H.R. 4204 grants DCs the same opt-out flexibility currently afforded many other provider types.
- Emphasize how opt-out helps patients preserve continuity of care and increases provider–patient choice.
- Ask them to co-sponsor and support the bill in committee.
- Follow up and encourage others.
- Call or email the congressional office.
October is National Chiropractic Health Month in Kansas!
We are proud to announce that Governor Laura Kelly has officially proclaimed October 2025 as National Chiropractic Health Month in the state of Kansas.
This year’s theme, “Get Started with Chiropractic,” highlights the critical role chiropractors play in helping patients manage pain, improve musculoskeletal health, and reduce reliance on prescription medications through safe, effective, non-drug approaches.
The Kansas Chiropractic Association thanks Governor Kelly for recognizing the value of chiropractic care in promoting health and wellness for Kansans of all ages.
The Squeaky Wheel Gets the Grease – Insurance Department Complaints Really Do Work
We recently heard from a KCA member who was having a tough time getting paid correctly by several auto insurance companies. Each of them was bundling re-exam codes with chiropractic manipulation codes, refusing to reimburse separately for the re-exam.
After getting nowhere with the insurers, the doctor decided to file complaints with the Kansas Insurance Department. The result? Within days, the companies reversed their denials and paid for the re-exams correctly.
This is a good reminder that complaints to the Insurance Department make a difference. When insurers don’t follow proper payment rules, the Kansas Insurance Department can step in and hold them accountable.
If you run into a similar issue—whether it’s bundling, improper denials, or other payment problems—don’t just let it go. File a complaint. It’s quick, it’s free, and it works.
You can submit a complaint directly through the Kansas Insurance Department website here: https://insurance.kansas.gov/complaint/
The bottom line: when chiropractors speak up, things change.
Upcoming District Meetings
KCA District Map
KCA Sedgwick District Meeting and 2026 Elections
Sponsored by O2 Midwest
1 Hour of Cat 1 CE – Dr. Keith Frederick
October 30, 2025 – 6:30 pm Social, Education Starts at 7:00 pm
3801 N Ridge Rd., Ste 220, Wichita, KS 67205
RSVP to Dr. Brian Asbury at dr.brianasbury@gmail.com
KCA SouthCentral District Meeting and 2026 Elections
Sponsored by O2 Midwest
1 Hour of Cat 1 CE – Dr. Keith Frederick
October 30, 2025 – 6:30 pm Social, Education Starts at 7:00 pm
3801 N Ridge Rd., Ste 220, Wichita, KS 67205
RSVP to Dr. Keith Frederick at kfredfc@gmail.com
KCA NorthWest District Meeting and 2026 Elections
November 5, 2026 – 6:15 pm – Via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84295952765?pwd=IrrJmG9ZD6NLgy8ZGdjPaLQXgRYKWa.1
Meeting ID: 842 9595 2765 Passcode: 521138
RSVP to Dr. Dustin Cheney at dustincheney@hotmail.com
KCA NorthCentral District Meeting and 2026 Elections
2 Hours of Cat 1 CE – Dr. Jeffery Horinek, MD – Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
November 6, 2025 – 6:00 pm Social, Education starts at 6:30 pm
Martinelli’s Little Italy – 158 S. Santa Fe Ave, Salina, KS 67401
RSVP to Dr. Pete Workman at pete_workman@sbcglobal.net or 785-488-8470
Stay Connected with KCA – Now by Text!
The Kansas Chiropractic Association is excited to announce a new way to keep you informed and connected: KCA Text Alerts.
With this service, you’ll receive timely links to our weekly updates, along with important information relevant to your practice. Whether it’s news about compliance, upcoming events, or resources to help you serve your patients, you’ll have KCA updates right at your fingertips.
We know your time is valuable, so we promise not to overwhelm you with messages. Text alerts will only be sent when there is important information to share.
How to Sign Up
Members who wish to receive KCA Text Alerts can enroll quickly and securely HERE.
Stay in the know. Stay connected. Stay ahead with KCA.
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