ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to explore concerns regarding sections of the federal workers' compensation law that apply to the treatment and management of work-related injuries of federal employees by chiropractors, and to offer a call to action for change. DISCUSSION: A 1974 amendment to the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) stipulates that chiropractic services rendered to injured federal workers are reimbursable. However, the only reimbursable chiropractic treatment is "manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation as demonstrated by X-ray to exist." This means the chiropractor must take radiographs in order to be reimbursed. As with other health care professions, chiropractors are expected to practice according to best practices guided by studies in the scientific literature. Yet in the federal workers' compensation arena, this law requires chiropractors to practice in a manner that is fiscally wasteful, contradicts current radiology standards, and may expose patients to unnecessary X-ray radiation. Presently, there is discord between what the law mandates, chiropractic training and scope, and what professional guidelines recommend. In this article we discuss how FECA creates problems in the following 7 categories: direct harm, indirect harm, contradiction of best practices, ethical dilemma, barriers to conservative treatment, fiscal waste, and discrimination. CONCLUSION: The 1974 FECA provision requiring chiropractors to take radiographs regardless of presenting medical necessity should be updated to reflect current chiropractic education, training, and best practice. To resolve this discrepancy, we suggest that the radiographic requirement and the limitations placed on chiropractic physicians should be removed.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This report summarizes the closing plenary session of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference-Research Agenda Conference 2014. The purpose of this session was to examine patient-centered medical homes and accountable care organizations from various speakers' viewpoints and to discuss how chiropractic could possibly work within, and successfully contribute to, the changing health care environment. DISCUSSION: The speakers addressed the complex topic of patient-centered medical homes and accountable care organizations and provided suggestions for what leadership strategies the chiropractic profession may need to enhance chiropractic participation and contribution to improving our nation's health. CONCLUSION: There are many factors involved in the complex topic of chiropractic inclusion in health care models. Major themes resulting from this panel included the importance of building relationships with other professionals, demonstrating data and evidence for what is done in chiropractic practice, improving quality of care, improving health of populations, and reducing costs of health care.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This report describes the process, participation, and recommendations of a set of consensus conferences on strategy for professional growth that emphasized elements of public trust and alignment between the chiropractic profession and its stakeholders. METHODS: In February and August 2006, an invitational group of leaders in the chiropractic profession convened an ad hoc Chiropractic Strategic Planning Conference. Public notice was given and support solicited through the Foundation of Chiropractic Education and Research. A series of international and interdisciplinary speakers gave presentations on the shifting of external social dynamics and medical culture, illuminating opportunities for the profession to extend its privilege and service. A systematic round-robin discussion was followed by group breakout sessions to develop recommendations on priorities for the profession to respond to challenges and opportunities. Recommendations were reviewed by the group as a whole and voted to consensus requiring more than 70% agreement. RESULTS: Participants determined a series of recommendations within 5 key domains for improving health professions practice: education, research, regulation, workplace, and leadership. CONCLUSION: The action steps proposed by the Strategic Planning Committee are first steps to provide better service to the public while making use of the inherent strengths of the profession.
