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Worker’s compensation and chiropractic care in 2024

Chiropractic care has been gaining recognition in the realm of workers’ compensation, offering a non-invasive, drug-free, and cost-effective treatment option for work-related injuries. This article will explore the benefits of chiropractic care for workers’ compensation patients, citing insights from various experts in the field.

According to the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), chiropractic care has shown promising results in treating work-related injuries, particularly low-back pain. Dongchun Wang, an economist at WCRI, found that costs were 47% less in low back pain claims treated exclusively with chiropractic care, and indemnity payments were 35% lower for claims that received chiropractic care.

Dr. Ray Foxworth, President & Founder of ChiroHealthUSA, highlighted a report from WCRI titled “Chiropractic Care for Workers with Low Back Pain,” which pointed to the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care based on over 2 million medical claims. The report suggested that chiropractic care could provide relief from escalating healthcare costs, a significant concern for both individuals and businesses.

In Florida, workers’ compensation can cover chiropractic care if it is deemed medically necessary and related to a work accident. This coverage can extend to up to 24 treatments or 12 weeks from the date of the first chiropractic treatment, with the possibility of additional care in cases of catastrophic injuries.

Dr. Mohamed Raychouni, a chiropractor at MiSpine Chiropractic in Dearborn, Michigan, provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized care plans for patients seeking workers’ compensation[8]. He emphasizes the importance of chiropractic care in treating job-related musculoskeletal injuries, which can help patients recover fully and return to work as quickly as possible.

According to a study published by the Florida Injury Chiropractor Wesley Chapel, chiropractic care can result in significant cost savings for workers’ compensation claims. The study found an average savings of $2,156 per claim for low back pain injuries treated exclusively with chiropractic care.

Dr. John Ruser, CEO of WCRI, moderated a Q&A session about Wang’s research, further highlighting the role of chiropractic care in workers’ compensation. He noted that Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, New York, and Delaware were among the top five states that utilized chiropractic care in workers’ compensation.

In New York, the 2024 Worker’s Compensation & No-Fault Fee Schedule expanded the list of providers authorized to treat injured workers under the Workers’ Compensation Law, including chiropractors. This expansion aimed to provide more access to care for injured workers and align the chiropractic fee schedule with similar types of care.

Finally, a blog post from Metro Health NYC outlined how chiropractic treatment can help workers recover from work-related injuries, emphasizing the benefits of chiropractic care as a non-invasive, drug-free, and safe approach to health. The post also noted that chiropractic care is part of workers’ compensation coverage for medical expenses in New York.

In conclusion, chiropractic care offers a promising solution for workers’ compensation patients, providing effective treatment for work-related injuries and potential cost savings. As more states recognize the benefits of chiropractic care, it is likely to become an increasingly important part of workers’ compensation coverage.