It’s a new year and many chiropractors are evaluating what will enhance their respective practices, particularly as it relates to their bottom line. One of the most common questions I get is: “Do I need to be credentialed to bill insurance, and what are the best plans to join?” It’s a loaded question – but one every DC ponders. Whether you're already in-network or pondering whether to join, here's what you need to know.
DOs Not Doing Much Manipulation
A recent study revealed that osteopathic patients don't receive much "osteopathic manipulative treatment" (OMT):
| Percentage of Patients Receiving OMT | DOs |
| <5 | 32.1% |
| 5 - 15 | 39.6% |
| 26 - 50 | 12.7% |
| 51 - 75 | 3.5% |
| 76 - 100 | 2.7% |
| No response | 9.4% |
According to this study, on average, only 18% of osteopathic patients received manipulation. These numbers seem to reflect the sad state of much of health care: the "give them a pill mentality" over hands-on care.
-------------- Johnson SM, Kurtz ME, Kurtz JC. Variables influencing the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment in family practice. JAOA, 1997;97:80-87.