Utilization, Cost, and Effects of Chiropractic Care on Medicare Program Costs

“Utilization, Cost, and Effects of Chiropractic Care on Medicare Program Costs” Muse and Associates. American Chiropractic Association 2001.

This study examines utilization and effects of chiropractic services on Medicare costs. The study compared program payments and service utilization for Medicare beneficiaries who visited Doctors of Chiropractic and those who visited other types of physicians. The results indicated that chiropractic care could reduce Medicare costs.

Medicare beneficiaries who had chiropractic care had an average Medicare payment of $4,426. for all services. Those who had other types of care had an average of $8103. for all Medicare services. The per claim average payment was also lower with chiropractic patients having an average of $133 per claim versus individuals who did not have chiropractic care with an average of $210 per claim.

Portion reprinted by permission from the American Chiropractic Association.