Indian River Health Center

More About Dr. Hess

Dr. Hess has completed extensive training at the Spine Research Institute of San Diego for spinal correction following whiplash trauma. His widespread training also includes treatment for sports-related injuries, weight loss counseling and management, and hormone balancing therapies. Second opinions, MRI reviews, failed back surgery, and non-responsive hormone replacement therapy is given detailed attention by Dr. Hess.

Loving the great outdoors is one of Dr. Hess’ favorite things to do when not in the office. He enjoys time with his family and friends hiking, fishing and touring beautiful scenery on his motorcycle. Dr. Hess is a regular at supporting local charities and can be found volunteering at youth sporting events.

Physician, Owner

12/2014-current
Indian River Health Center (formerly Indian River Chiropractic)
Vero Beach, FL

Physician

03/2012-03/2014
Elite Health Centers
Palm Bay, FL

Physician

04/2010-01/2012
Align Health Center
Carbondale, IL

Physician

08/2006-04/2010
Hess Alternative Health Center
Carbondale, IL

Assistant Professor

08/2005 – 12/2005
Department of Biology
Logan College – 205/206
Carterville, IL

Consultant Physician

Miller Spinal Health Center
07/2005 – 07/2006
Marion, IL

Assistant Professor

08/2003 – 04/2005
Department of Spinal Technique
Logan University – College of Chiropractic
Chesterfield, MO

Assistant Professor

08/2003 – 04/2005
Department of Radiology
Logan University – College of Chiropractic
Chesterfield, MO

Logan University – College of Chiropractic

DC – Doctor of Chiropractic (04/2005)
Chesterfield, MO

Logan University – College of Life Science

BS – Human Biology (08/2003)
Chesterfield, MO

Logan College

AS – Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Biology
Carterville, IL (08/2000)

Board Certification

• National Board of Chiropractic Medicine
• Parts I, II, III, IV, and Physiotherapy

Medical Licensure

Illinois State License (07/2005), Inactive 2014
038010453
Florida State License (05/2012), Active 2011
CH 10678

Malpractice Professional Liability

National Chiropractic Council
Policy No: APIC-280074
Claims Made Policy
$1,000,000 Each Claim / $3,000,000 aggregate

Internship

Chiropractic (01/2002-07/2003)
Logan University Outpatient Clinic, Chesterfield, MO

Residency

Chiropractic (08/2003-04/2005)
Salvation Army – Harbor Light Clinic, St. Louis, MO

Residency

Chiropractic (08/2003-04/2005)
St. Patrick Center, St. Louis, MO

Residency

Chiropractic (08/2003-2005)
Logan University – St. Peter’s, Chesterfield, MO

Life University Postgraduate Department (03/2024 – 20 hours)

Florida Chiropractic Physician Association (08/2022 – 20 hours, Orlando FL)

Sherman College of Chiropractic – 13 Hours (03/2022)

Florida Chiropractic Physician Association (02/2022 – 27 HOURS)

Florida Chiropractic Physician Association (02/2022 – 27 HOURS)

National University of Health Sciences
(05/2021 – 12 HOURS, St. Pete Beach FL)

• Adjustment procedures of the Upper Extremity: wrist, elbow, shoulder – R Fennel DC
• Adjustment procedures of the Lower Extremity: knee, ankle, foot – R Fennel DC

Florida Chiropractic Physician Association (03/2018 – 10 HOURS, Orlando FL)

• Deconstructing a Malpractice Suit – B Heyser DC MD DABCN DACBN
• Tendinopathy as Adverse Effect to Medication – B Heyser DC MD DABCN DACBN
• OTC Drug and Herb Interactions – B Heyser DC MD DABCN DACBN
• Ethical Boundaries – A Ovadia JD
• FL Law on Personal Injury Claims – A Ovadia JD

Sherman College of Chiropractic (04/2018 – 14 HOURS, Jacksonville FL)

• Ethical Boundaries – K Ross DC JD PA
• FL Laws on Personal Injury Claims – M Champion JD
• Recordkeeping, Documentation, Coding for PI – K Ross DC JD PA
• Risk Management – K Ross DC JD PA
• Medical Errors and Malpractice – K Ross DC JD PA

Active Release Technique (08/2005) – 50 hours

Logan University, Chesterfield, MO

Acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine (07/2005) – 100 hours

Logan University, Chesterfield, MO

DOT physical and Drug Testing (09/2007) – 20 hours

National University, Lombard, IL

Degenerative Disc Disease: Neurosurgical Diagnosis & Treatment (11/2008 – 4 HOURS)

St. Francis Hospital Department of Neurosurgery, Cape Girardeau, MOHow degenerative disc disease develops, how doctors diagnose the condition, treatment options available. Physical therapy, decompression, manipulative therapy parameters, and outcome assessment. Risk assessment vs benefits of posterior lumbar fusion, disc replacement, microdiscectomy, combined fusion, laminectomy. Post surgery options for the patient: prescriptions, physical therapy, and pain management.

Management Principles in Personal Injury and Forensic Documentation (02/2009 – 20 HOURS)

San Diego Institute of Spine Research, CA

• In-depth training on all aspects of management of trauma, from beginning to end; a comprehensive primer on crash reconstruction.
• Auto crash reconstruction in low speed crashes: critical knowledge for today’s forensic practitioners
• Historical documentation in personal injury and forensic medicine applications
• Comprehensive physical examination of whiplash and traumatic brain injury
• Special laboratory methods, such as the S-100 protein
• The latest radiographic examination methods and analysis techniques
• CT examination of brain and soft tissue injuries
• MRI examination of brain and soft tissue injuries; latest techniques
• Special diagnostic imaging modalities (SPECT, PET, fMRI, MRA, VF, etc.); how and when to use
• Electrodiagnostics (EMG, sEMG, SSEP, VEP, etc…); how and when to use

Medicolegal Fundamentals for Practitioners and Forensic Experts (06/2009 – 20 HOURS)

San Diego Institute of Spine Research, CA

• Essentials of documentation and records keeping; what you need vs. what you don’t
• Medical photography; when and how to use it and incorporate it
• Taking the pain out of depositions, arbitrations, and testifying in court
• Preparing for the classic cross-examination strategies
• Critical differences between chiropractic and medical approaches that literally make or break a case
• Using evidence effectively; models, charts, diagrams, photos, movies, and more
• Daubert and Frye rules; how they affect your testimony and how they can exclude opposing experts
• Disabusing the MIST myth; Colossus
• Learned treatises and reliable authorities; other federal rules of evidence experts should know

Whiplash Advanced Topics: The Fundamental Science (12/2008 – 20 HOURS)

San Diego Institute of Spine Research, CA

• Requisite and comprehensive biomechanics knowledge for forensic experts
• Whiplash and brain injuries: the real reasons they are on the rise
• The minimal property damage = minimal injury risk myth exposed
• In-depth analysis of brain, neck, and cervical spine trauma mechanisms
• Soft tissue injuries: a comprehensive and cutting-edge analysis
• All clinical syndromes and conditions resulting from whiplash (WAD/CAD)
• What forensic experts need to know about the various pain syndromes
• Risk assessment: the fundamental key to modern forensic practice

Principles of Impairment Rating and Forensic Reporting (04/2009 – 20 HOURS)

San Diego Institute of Spine Research, CA

• Critical documentation from day 1; What every personal injury and forensic expert needs to know
• The fundamental of expository, scientific writing you were never taught; common dos and don’ts
• The essential craft of narrative report preparation from A-Z; style, strategy, methods, organization, and common pitfalls
• Incorporating outcomes assessment and disability instruments into your reports (SCL-90-R, Oswestry, Roland-Morris, Rivermead PCS, and more)
• The application of AMA guidelines in personal injury and forensic practice
• Modern guidelines and best practices (Presley Reed, Mercy, QTF, ACOEM, Croft); How they are commonly abused and how and when to use them correctly
• Critical rebuttal methods and strategies in today’s modern forensic practice
• Special software applications: managing data, information, graphics; saving time

Physical Diagnosis, Radiograph Interpretation, Pediatric Disease, Boundary Training (02/2009 – 18 HOURS)

Missouri State Chiropractic Association, St. Louis, MO

• Review of Systems
• Exam requirements and red flags
• Differential diagnosis and referral protocol
• Review of Abnormal radiographs
• Cancers: Benign and malignant
• Illnesses that are of unclear cause, have prolonged fever, or are recurrent
• Respiratory infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Hepatitis
• Meningitis

Medicare: Documentation, Diagnosis, Treatment (03/2011 – 10 HOURS)

Illinois Chiropractic Society, IL

• Explain the purpose of documentation
• Define assessment, clinician, episode, evaluation, and interval based on CMS definitions
• Identify the required components of documentation
• List the requirements for a Clinician and Assistant’s Progress Reports and Treatment Encounter Notes
• Identify the criteria for performing and documenting an evaluation and re-evaluation and the components of Medicare discharge documentation
• HIPAA standards, implementation guidelines, and rules
• Discuss the top reasons Medicare claims are denied
• Describe the new Medicare claims appeal process.

Selling a Healthcare Practice: Ethical, Legal, Financial and Tax Considerations (06/2013 – 3 HOURS)

• Evaluate a sample sale agreement and sample letter issued to patients upon dissolution of practice
• Explain components of any well drafted buy-sell agreement including noncompetes
• Identify how to handle patient records vis-à-vis the sale
• Understanding forms and laws relating to the transfer of logos, trademarks and Internet Domain Names
• HIPAA Considerations
• Acquaint oneself with the tax consequences of particular types of practice sales
• Discuss valuation methods used for determining an appropriate practice sales price
• Identify legal concerns associated with the dissolution of a healthcare practice
• Recognize how sales can trigger violations: fee splitting, patient abandonment, kickback, and anti-trust

Imaging of the Pediatric Athlete (12/2009 – 4 HOURS)

Logan University – College of Radiology

• The unique patterns of sports-related injury of the upper extremity that radiologists are likely to encounter in children and adolescents. The injuries are classified as acute “use” injuries or chronic “overuse” injuries and reviewed separately for the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Recommendations for imaging strategies are provided and characteristic imaging findings are discussed and illustrated.
• Pediatric sports and exercise medicine for diagnosis and treatment of lower back pain. Differential diagnosis of spondylosis, posterior element overuse syndrome, vertebral body apophyseal avulsion fracture, disc herniation, inflammation, infection, tumors, prevention. MRI vs Bone scan for evaluation and management of spondylosis in the acute vs chronic stages.

Florida Chiropractic Physician Association (07/2015 – 18 HOURS)

University of Bridgeport – College of Chiropractic

• ICD 10 Conversion of diagnosis from ICD9 to ICD10
• Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Conditions for Clinical Outcomes
• Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
• Florida Law Updates on the PIP laws – Abraham Ovadia, JD
• Risk Management for the Chiropractic Office – Kenneth Ross, JD, DC
• Ultimate Brain – Focus on Neurotransmitters
• Medical Errors in the Chiropractic Office and the Practice of Chiropractic – Kenneth Ross, JD, DC
• Risk Management Independent Medical Exams – Abraham Ovadia JD

Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education (11/2015 – 7 HOURS)

Basic Personal Injury 2015 Tampa Regional Conference

• General Personal Injury Causes of Action – Teresa Jones JD
• Case Evaluation & Initial Investigation – David Prather JD
• Discovery – Kurt Alexander JD
• Trial Preparation – Dale Swope JD
• Trial of Personal Injury Case – William Hahn JD
• Post-trial Motions and Appeals – Raymond Elligett JD
• Judicial Perspective of Personal Injury Litigation – Manuel Menendex, Jr JD (Former Chief Judge), Judge Michelle Sisco JD, Judge Amy Williams JD

Medicare DMEPOS Accreditation (01/2016 – 40 HOURS)

Certification of Certified Orthotic Fitter (COF) via Board of Certification/Accreditation International (BOC) Frederick, MDFull spectrum study in Orthotics

• OFC – Anatomy and Physiology
• OFC – Biomechanics
• OFC – Cervical Anatomy
• OFC – Compliance
• OFC – Diabetic Foot – Therapeutic Shoe Fitting
• OFC – Ethics – Risk Management
• OFC – Gait Analysis
• OFC – Hazard Communication
• OFC – HIPA
• OFC – Kinesiology Lower Quarter
• OFC – Kinesiology Upper Quarter

• OFC – Lower Extremity Anatomy
• OFC – Lymphedema
• OFC – Medical Terminology
• OFC – Practice Management
• OFC – SOAP Notes
• OFC – Spinal Anatomy
• OFC – Tools and Techniques
• OFC – Upper Extremity Anatomy
• OFC – Venous Insufficiencies
• OFC – Hip Anatomy and Orthotic Applications
• OFC – Hands-on Application and Trouble Shooting

Florida Chiropractic Physician Association (08/2017 – 20 HOURS, Orlando FL)

• Critical Steps to Protect Against Audits – D. Klein CPC CHC
• Recognizing Threatening Conditions – B Steele BS BA DC
• No-Fault PIP FL Law – JD Underwood JD
• Vitamin K2-7 Anti Aging – T Bayne DC
• Functional Medicine – J Cima DC
• OTC Drug and Herb Interactions – B Heyser DC MD DABCN DACBN
• Ethical Boundaries – A Ovadia JD
• FL PIP Law Updates – A Ovadia JD
• Medical Errors – A Ovadia JD
• Occipital Neuralgia Presentations/Reactions – B Heyser DC MD DABCN DACBN
• Fl Laws and Rules – B Perkins JD DC

Continuing Education (07/2005-current) – 500 hours

• Multiple Practice Parameters

Memberships and Associations

• American Chiropractic Association (2010-2011)
• Florida Chiropractic Society (2012-2013)
• Florida Chiropractic Physician Association (2014-2018)

Functional Medicine University (07/2018)

• Introduction to Functional Diagnostic Medicine – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N, MS
• Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Balancing Body Chemistry with Nutrition – Harry Eidenier, PhD
• Introduction to Advanced FDM Testing – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N, MS
• The Triad of Gut Destruction – Cheryl Burdette, N.D.
• The Gut-Brain Connection: Exploring the Vital Role of the Gut in Optimal Brain Function – Court Vreeland D.C., D.A.C.B.N.
• Autoimmunity and the Gut: A detailed examination of various triggers to immune system dysfunction and the development of autoimmunity – Jill Carnahan M.D
• Physiology of the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue, Enteric Nervous System and Mucosal Barrier – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N, MS
• Advanced FDM Testing — Interpretation and Treatment: Stool analysis – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N, MS
• Advanced FDM Testing — Interpretation and Treatment: Stool pathogens – Bacteria, Parasites, and Yeast – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N, MS
• Advanced FDM Testing — Interpretation and Treatment of the Intestinal Permeability Test – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N, MS
• Advanced FDM Testing — Interpretation and Treatment of the GI Portion of the Organic Acid Test – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N, MS
• Advanced FDM Testing — Interpretation and Treatment Intestinal Barrier Function Test – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N, MS
• Clostridia Species as a Major Factor in Mental and Gastrointestinal Health – William Shaw PhD
• Gluten Certification – Dr. Peter Osborne
• Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – Steven Sandberg-Lewis, ND, DHANP; Allison Siebecker, ND, MSOM, LAc
• The Causes and Diverse Clinical Presentations of Gluten-Related Disorders – Tom Alexander M.D.
• Functional Approach to GERD Diagnosis and Treatment – Steven Sandberg-Lewis, ND, DHANP
• Breast Cancer: Integrative Management Strategies – Lise Alschuler N.D., FABNO

• Uncover the Splinters in Autoimmunity – Michelle Corey C.N.W.C.
• Advanced FDM Testing – Interpretation and treatment of food allergy/sensitivity/intolerance testing – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N., MS
• Advanced FDM Testing – Secretory IgA testing – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N., MS
• Advanced FDM Testing – Interpretation and treatment: Viral screening – Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N., MS
• Functional Tests for Immune Tolerance: LRA by ELISA/ACT – Dr. Russell Jaffe M.D
• Food Immune Reactivity and Autoimmunity – Dr. Aristo Vojdani M.Sc, PhD
• Becoming Immune to Cancer: Winning with Integrative Solutions for Prevention and Survival – Jay Mead M.D.
• Shifting the Paradigm of Depression: Psychoneuroimmunology – Kelly Brogan M.D.
• Cancer Survivorship – Lise Alschuler N.D., FABNO & Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO
• Creating Health — The Most Effective Treatment for Chronic Disease – Terry Wahls M.D.
• Insulin Resistance: Causes, Consequences and Solutions – Dr. Dan Murphy
• Understanding Methylation: The Roadmap to Wellness “How the Perfect Storm of Methylation Defects, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Predisposes You to Chronic Medical & Psychiatric Disorders” – Dr Chas Gant, M.D., Ph.D.
• Advanced FDM Testing — Interpretation and treatment of Organic Acid Panel — Energy and Oxidative Markers – Ronald Grisanti D.C.,D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N, MS
• MTHFR and Genetic Testing – Benjamin Lynch, ND
• Neurotransmitter Primer – Lylen Ferris N.D.
• Inflammation and Oxidative Stress; Major Players in Clinical Conditions – Dr. Gottfried Kellermann
• A Clinician’s Guide to Mitochondrial Medicine – Jon Kaiser M.D.
• Demystifying chronic illness: Allostatic load as a unified model of chronic illness – Jeffrey Moss, DDS, CNS, DACBN
• Diabetes: Blood Sugar Blues – Jack Wolfson D.O.

Objective Measurement of Alteration of Motion Segment Integrity (AOMSI) / Ligament Laxity (02/2019 – 6 HOURS, St. Petersburg, FL)

• Objective Quantification of Spinal Injuries in Translation and Angulation Motions – Kelley Mulhern DC
• Evidence Based Objective Documentation Software Review (CRMA) – Kelley Mulhern DC
• AMA Guidelines to Permanent Impairment – 5th Edition (p. 378-79) and 6th Edition (p. 578-79) – Kelley Mulhern DC
• Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharm Inc, 509 U.S. 579 (1193) case review – Kelley Mulhern DC

University of Bridgeport (07/2019 – 8 HOURS, Ft. Lauderdale FL)

• Advanced Orthopedic Surgical Procedures- Jeffrey Katzell MD
• Chiropractic Ethical and Legal Procedures – A Ovadia JD