"Basic health benefits should include coverage for any licensed health care professional, such as naturopaths, acupuncturists and chiropractors, as long as they are certified and licensed by the state and by their profession."
Just two months ago (September 2007), the Gilmore Research Group released its findings from a survey of Iowa voters.1 The telephone survey sampled registered voters' opinions from around the state. The demographic mix was similar to that of the state. The survey was commissioned by CodeBlueNow!
The topic of the survey was "Iowa Health Care Issues." The purpose of the survey was "to obtain their opinions regarding health care in the United States." When asked about the above statement, approximately two-thirds (68 percent) of the registered voters agreed. Only 11 percent disagreed, with 19 percent remaining neutral.
This current attitude reflects the continued growth of the importance of chiropractic in the minds of the public. In the minds of two-thirds of the Iowa public, chiropractic isn't "alternative," nor is it "complementary." In the minds of the voters/patients, chiropractic is a "basic health benefit."
At this point you may be thinking "OK, but how does this affect me and my practice?" Good question. The answer is that the opinion your patients and the public have about the necessity and importance of chiropractic care is a major determinant in defining your relationship with your patients and with your community. There is a difference in how you communicate and what you expect, based upon the relationship you have. Consider these statements:
To use a sports analogy, the public is like the football coach who moves chiropractic from the second string to the starting lineup. This means that you can interact with your patients, the public and other health care providers with a sense of security in knowing that most of them (finally) understand the importance of the knowledge and expertise you hold. You can speak more authoritatively and expect your opinion to be appreciated. You can hold a different, or even conflicting, opinion and still expect it to be recognized as valid.
In addition, this survey sends a political message. According to its Web site, "CodeBlueNow! is a national, nonpartisan, grassroots, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to giving the public a voice in shaping a new health care system." Their goal is to make the public and the political candidates aware of our country's health care needs.
No doubt, there will be additional surveys that reflect this same concern for chiropractic to be established as a basic health benefit. Chiropractic's place in the health care arena will continue to grow over the next year as the politicians begin to better appreciate what the public wants. We can expect to have more exposure as the 2008 elections draw closer.
Reference
DMP Jr.
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?
