Value of Chiropractic Services at an On-Site Health Center

Abstract

Objective: 

Chiropractic care offered at an on-site health center could reduce the economic and clinical burden of musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods: 

A retrospective claims analysis and clinical evaluation were performed to assess the influence of on-site chiropractic services on health care utilization and outcomes.

Results: 

Patients treated off-site were significantly more likely to have physical therapy (P < 0.0001) and outpatient visits (P < 0.0001). In addition, the average total number of health care visits, radiology procedures, and musculoskeletal medication use per patient with each event were significantly higher for the off-site group (all P < 0.0001). Last, headache, neck pain, and low back pain–functional status improved significantly (all P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: 

These results suggest that chiropractic services offered at on-site health centers may promote lower utilization of certain health care services, while improving musculoskeletal function.