A study done in 2010 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee for low back pain care initiated with a Doctor of chiropractic saves 40% on health care costs when compared with care initiated through a medical doctor.
A 2004 study and a followup study in 2007 2007 by a Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO in Illinois utilizing Chiropractic Physicians as primary care providers resulted in a 42% decrease in hospital admissions, a 52% decrease in medication costs, and a 42% reduction in outpatient surgeries and procedures.
Retrospective studies reviewing workman’s compensation claims for the same diagnosis comparing chiropractic care to medical care in Oregon, Florida, and Utah resulted in similar findings. Significant savings in dollars spent and time loss due to injury with chiropractic care was reported.
One answer to our runaway health care bills is staring us in the face. Unfortunately, when you follow the money, decisions are being made that may not be in your best interests, but rather in the interest of the lobbying dollar, advertising dollar,etc.
