Armed with these five steps and the world-wide push for MDs to avoid prescribing opioids, Chiropractors have a new chance to stimulate referrals from Physicians.
1. Understand the new American College of Physicians guidelines for low back pain
Because the misuse of prescription opioid pills is a leading cause of opioid addiction, the American College of Physicians (ACP) updated its guidelines for acute and chronic low back pain in 2017 to promote conservative treatments offered by chiropractors such as spinal manipulation. Read more in this article from Practical Pain Management.
The ACP guidelines make strong recommendations for the use of nonpharmacological treatments. But as the article explains, for a potential referring Primary Care Physician, “the evidence base behind many nonpharmacological treatments [such as chiropractic] is weak.”
2. Step out of your comfort zone and meet some Primary Care Physician Practice Groups
Watch this 4-minute video from DC, Dr. Maggio to get some tips for stimulating referrals from MDs.
Armed with new evidence, and the world-wide push avoid opioids for treating low back pain you have a remarkable new chance to gain new patients.
3. Provide evidence of the effectiveness of the chiropractic treatments you offer
Chiropractic is already a recommended alternative to pain pills meaning more potential Physician-referred patients. But, how will you provide evidence to research-savvy physicians supporting your non-pharmacological manual approaches?
Since the PulStar is a computer-based adjusting system, generating automatic patient reports is built into the system. So, you can show Primary Care Physician groups a printed pre and post analysis report, demonstrating more of the science behind the art of chiropractic. Download a copy of the PulStar report here. These reports can be printed or emailed via HIPAA compliant interface. Learn more here.
Your chiropractic track record might be above reproach, but nothing proves effectiveness to a MD more than published clinical study.
Recently we reported four clinical studies done by independent parties with no involvement from Sense Technology, makers of the PulStar, that support the effectiveness of Multiple Impulse Therapy compared to other chiropractic techniques. Get the PulStar’s research bundle here.
If you want a clinically proven system to differentiate your practice, and be in good stead to obtain physician referrals, choose the PulStar.
4. New faces at your practice
Baby boomers are the largest generation, and they are of the age where they are most likely to experience musculoskeletal strain. As more physicians begin recommending chiropractic as a non-drug alternative, you should be seeing more patients, especially baby boomers at your practice. It is important that you make these patients comfortable, particularly those who may be afraid of receiving a manual adjustment. Read about how the PulStar treats patients without any popping, twisting or cracking.
5. Chiropractic may be in for some continued positive press
Stories about non-drug pain treatments are making headlines and that is not likely to stop while the opioid epidemic continues to affect millions of Americans. By promoting the benefits of chiropractic and offering the most up-to-date, effective treatments to your patients, you may become part of the story, too.
Have you noticed any positive changes at your practice? Let us know in the comments below.
