Published: 2009-06-16 22:37:49
Author: Bonnie S. Hillsberg | Dynamic Chiropractic | June 3, 2009
On Jan. 5, 2009, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration(HRSA) announced yet another chiropractic demonstration project. Haven't we been there before? Isn't this the third demonstration project? Why a demonstration project after full facts, research and empirical evidence indicate that chiropractic works and is already a fixture of the public health delivery system in the United States? Isn't it time we were included as a permanent part of the National Health Service Corps?
What More Do We Need to Prove?
For more than 100 years, chiropractors have raised awareness of musculoskeletal and structural issues impacting the health of our society. The chiropractic profession has made valiant efforts to join with our communities to actively support public health programs. As professional health care providers, chiropractors promote the impact of structure on health, prevention and wellness.
In recent years, the profession has made giant strides as a partner in the health care delivery system at local, state and federal levels. Chiropractic is licensed in every state and the District of Columbia. Chiropractors pass national exams and undergo rigorous testing prior to licensure. For the past decade, the chiropractic profession has been working diligently to provide care in poor, underserved and rural areas through the National Health Service Corps. In addition, the chiropractic profession is trying to gain parity in the U.S. Public Health Service Corps. Here are some important facts to substantiate our inclusion in these programs:
- In 1992, Prevention magazine reported chiropractic as the most popular form of alternative care in the U.S., according to a survey reported by the American Medical Association.
- Up to 100 million Americans have used chiropractic care, including 27 million in 1999 alone.
- Chiropractic treatment is covered by many major health insurance plans.
- In 1999, coverage for chiropractic was offered by 78 percent of employer health plans. This represents a jump of 17 percent in that year alone. The study was conducted by a consulting firm, William M. Mercer, Inc.
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