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.
Kids with LBP Become Adults with LBP
A 25-year prospective study discovered that 14-year-olds with low back pain (LBP) in school were more likely to have problems as adults:
| Back Problems at age 39: | LBP Kids | All Kids |
| LBP in Last Week | 47% | 33% |
| LBP in Last Month | 69% | 50% |
| Hospitalization | 17% | 7% |
| Deceased Work Activity | 13% | 5% |
The study we'd like to see is one comparing children with LBP who received chiropractic care, versus kids with LBP who didn't. One tends to believe that the chiropractic kids would have fewer instances of LBP as adults, compared to their chiropractically deprived peers. ...
Harreby M, Neergaard K, Hesselsoe G, Kjer J. Are radiographic changes in the thoracic and lumbar spine of adolescents risk factors for low back pain in adults? Spine 1995;20:2298-2302.