Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care in a Managed Care Setting

Mosley, Carrie; Cohen, Llava; Arnold, Roy. “Cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care in a managed care setting.” The American Journal of Managed Care 1996; 2: 280-282.

This study evaluates the relative cost of healthcare for back or neck pain for individuals belonging to an HMO who used chiropractic care compared to other methods of treatment . The cost of surgery, use of diagnostic imaging, and the satisfaction of patients was evaluated. Claims that were paid from October 1, 1994 through October 1, 1995 were evaluated and analyzed. The cost of healthcare for back and neck pain was much lower for patients using chiropractic care than those using other treatments. The conclusion of the study is that chiropractic care yields similar outcomes to other forms of care at a much lower cost. Portion reprinted by permission from the American Chiropractic Association.