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THE PROVEN COST EFFECTIVENESS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Writer's picture: Beth A Reddy DCBeth A Reddy DC

Did you know?


For the average family of four, health care costs went up 7.3%, or $1,319 from 2012 to 2013, according to independent actuarial and health care consulting firm, Milliman Inc. Overall healthcare costs — including all private and public spending — are anticipated to rise by an average of 5.5 percent per year over the next decade — growing from $3.5 trillion in 2017 to $6 trillion by 2027. Healthcare spending is projected to grow faster than the economy, increasing from 17.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017 to 19.4 percent of GDP in 2027. In studies comparing health plans with chiropractic benefits to those without them, overall care expenditures are lower for those with Chiropractic benefits. Chiropractic users tend to have substantially lower total health care costs. Chiropractic care reduces the use of both physician and hospital care. WIth this much proven effectiveness on its side, it is a wonder it isn't a mandatory part of preventative health care!


A 1992 review of data from over 2,000,000 users of chiropractic care in the U.S., reported in the Journal of American Health Policy, concluded that, “chiropractic users tend to have substantially lower total health care costs,” and “chiropractic care reduces the use of both physician and hospital care.” In my Southern Maine Chiropractic Practice, I see this daily. People who have substantial health issues discover that chiropractic care lessens their illnesses, reduces their health care costs, and improves their overall health!


At Parker College, a landmark study was conducted by Dr. Ron Rupert and his team. The study surveyed 311 chiropractic patients, aged 65 years and older, who had received chiropractic care for 5 years or longer. Despite similar health status, chiropractic patients receiving “maintenance or wellness care” for five years or longer, spent only 31% of the national average for health care services. These chiropractic patients also experienced 50% fewer medical provider visits than their comparable peers. These are staggering statistics.


A health insurance plan with a chiropractic benefit had lower costs than a plan without it. A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that health plans that included a chiropractic benefit had 31% fewer back surgeries and 15% lower (per capita) hospital costs. The study compared 700,000 health plan members with chiropractic benefits to 1 million members without chiropractic benefits in California. The results demonstrated that overall health care expenditures were lower in the group with chiropractic coverage. Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, October 2004.


Oakland University’s Cost Comparison Study, which analyzed 395,641 patients with one or more of 493 neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, compared the health care costs of patients who had received chiropractic treatment to those treated solely by medical or osteopathic physicians. The results showed that patients receiving chiropractic care experienced significantly lower health care costs. Over the course of the two-year study, the chiropractic patients saved over $1000 per patient in health care costs.


Immediate access to chiropractic care after an injury results in the most effective outcome, medically and financially. A peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, from January 2004, stated: “. . . We found that patients who were seen by chiropractors during the initial episode of care were less likely to have a surgery, and had a shorter average duration of the initial episode." By getting regular chiropractic adjustments after injury, immunity is improved, infection reduced, pain lessened, and healing expediated.


Chiropractors who serve as primary care providers (PCPs) save clients’ money and have high patient satisfaction rates: A study in the 5/07 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics tracked data from a unique Independent Physicians Association (IPA) where chiropractors serve as first-contact, primary care physicians. The report analyzes data from 2003-2005 and found that clients visiting chiropractors had 60% fewer hospitalizations, 62% fewer surgeries and used 85% fewer pharmaceuticals than HMO clients who received traditional medical care. In addition, clients reported on the quality of care they received using annual patient satisfaction surveys. During the 3 years of data collection, clients demonstrated a high degree of satisfaction with their care (96%, 94% and 91%, respectively).


But don't just rely on the studies to prove it to you. Come and see me, Dr. Beth Reddy, at my South Berwick, Maine chiropractic office to discover for yourself how good you can feel and how much you can save! Call me today to set up your initial appointment--(207) 200-3113.


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