Initiating Back Pain Care with MD results in Higher Costs

A study titled “Cost of Care for Common Back Pain Conditions Initiated With Chiropractic Doctor vs Medical Doctor / Doctor of Osteopathy as First Physician,” was published last month. This study showed evidence that if a patient seeks low back pain care from a chiropractor first, their paid costs were 40% lower, compared to an allopathic provider. What this means is that there is growing support that chiropractic treatment of low back pain is less expensive than traditional medical care. In this study the total episode cost for each episode of low back pain (visiting an MD vs Chiropractor) were compared using Blue Cross Shield of Teneessee. Costs per episode were $452.33 (paid) for patients intiating care with a chiropractor vs. $1,037.04 for patients initiating care with a medical provider first.

So many people seek a Medical Provider for their back pain instead of going to the chiropractor first. Usually when you do this first, many tests need to be run to find a source of the problem, surgery is sometimes done without necessity and this also results in more fees. The office visit alone is often more expensive. Insurance companies are more often than not, paying more to cover your MD care than your chiropractic care.

Head to the chiropractor first. He/she will do what they can to find the problem and fix it. If they are unable to fix it, then referrals may need to be made. Try to save your back and your pocketbook by heading there first!

*This information was obtained in the January 1st, 2011 issue of “Dynamic Chiropractic”  – Written by Peter W. Crownfield.