Post Falls chiropractor rebuked for treatment methods

A Post Falls chiropractor using experimental treatments on patients with allergies, parasites and Lyme disease must modify his practices to keep from losing his license, according to a disciplinary action of the Idaho State Board of Chiropractic Physicians.

Michael Anthony Smith, who practices at Dynamic Health, a private membership healthcare association in Coeur d’Alene, has used “controversial and unproven methods” since at least 2012, including making diagnoses without appropriate lab tests and using magnets to treat his patients, the board alleges.

Smith’s practices “constitute an abuse or exploitation of a patient” and promote unnecessary or unhelpful treatment, the board claims.

Smith, a chiropractor since 1980, denies the allegations and maintains that his techniques do not violate the chiropractic standard of care.

On his website, Smith said he developed CranioBiotic Technique, which he calls “an effective and natural treatment for a wide variety of health problems,” after he suffered a major allergic reaction to prescription medication in 1995, resulting in severe, persistent joint pain.

Smith also said he believes his technique “is a gift from God, and that many people’s lives will be dramatically improved by this remarkable treatment.”

Rather than contest the board’s allegations in a hearing, Smith signed a stipulation and consent order saying he will, in part:

• Inform patients that his CranioBiotic Technique and his LymeStop treatment are not medical diagnostic procedures, and instead are experimental, alternative forms of healthcare not yet proven by medical science, subjected to peer review nor generally covered by insurance.
• Inform patients of the risks, side effects and contraindications for his procedures, and that the results and benefits are not guaranteed.
• Refrain from making claims of specific success rates for the effectiveness of these treatments.
• Pay the board $4,943 in investigative costs and attorney fees.

If Smith violates the order, the board could suspend or revoke his state license, according to the action signed Friday by the board’s chairwoman.

A call to Smith’s office was not returned Monday afternoon.