Because they have yet to pass national legislation protecting the chiropractic profession, Japanese DCs are in a similar situation that U.S. DCs faced. We were fortunate enough to be able to pass chiropractic licensure state by state. The DCs in Japan must accomplish this nationally, which has proved to be an extremely difficult task. And in spite of their efforts, Japanese DCs are currently faced with two chiropractic professions.
I.Q. -- Interesting Quotes
Chiropractic Clout
As hospitals, insurance carriers, managed care organizations, other health care providers, and even venture capitalists are scrutinizing the chiropractic profession, they eventually discover our extensive patient database. While they may never become proponents of chiropractic care, they may be starting to see the chiropractic profession as the key to a new source of potential patients.
A statement made in a recent issue of The Back Letter1 acknowledges this reality:
"With an estimated patient base of 10-20 million Americans, chiropractors wield considerable economic power."Cost-effectiveness and efficacy are more important than ever, and as health care reform continues, economic issues will more than likely continue to override philosophical biases and barriers.
1. U.S. hospitals granting clinical privileges to chiropractors in record numbers, The Back Letter, 1995 (5):51.