The Price of Medical Technology
The opening remarks of the monograph presented by the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Related Disorders1 included an interesting comment on medical technology as it relates to third-party reimbursement:
"Since World War II, there has been pressure to depend more on sophisticated technology. Such technology often goes through a trendy 'fad phase' and is not always subjected to rigorous scientific evaluation before its use becomes widespread. The price paid by society for such shortcomings is aggravated by procedure-oriented fee-for-service reimbursement schemes that reward 'doing' much more than 'thinking.'"Reference
1. Spitzer WO, et al. Scientific monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Related Disorders: Redefining "whiplash and its management." Spine 1995;8S:10S
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
