Review Without Bias

The February 2003 issue of Orthopedics Today contains an article that should be read by every nonchiropractic provider, particularly those in the medical community. (Please see "Chiropractic Recognized by Orthopedics Today" on the front page of this issue.)

The article delivers three messages that should be heard loud and clear:

Most of the bad things you've heard about chiropractic have little or no basis today.

The potential side-effects of a chiropractic adjustment are minimal.

Medical providers, particularly spine surgeons, should be working with doctors of chiropractic.

But the article says more.

It talks about establishing a relationship:

"Manipulation is extremely operator dependent," according to noted physiatrist Andrew Cole, MD. "Know the people you refer to. Know what they are doing and how they are doing it. And make sure what they are doing works with the model of care that you provide."

If this is what one MD is telling other MDs to do, perhaps it would be good advice for us to heed, as well.

Think about it.

The steps are relatively easy, and could result in relationships that generate referrals:

"Know the people you refer to." This means that to get medical referrals, you need to get out there and meet the MDs in your community, particularly the ones who specialize in spine surgery and who have recently read this article!

"Know what they are doing and how they are doing it." If you want them to refer, you'll need to spend some time teaching them about chiropractic. Let them sit in on an adjustment of one of your most satisfied patients (with the patient's permission, of course).

Let your patient tell the MD all about the benefits he or she has personally enjoyed from chiropractic. Then give the MD an adjustment; let him or her see what it feels like, and what it does. This will help the MD gain a personal understanding of the power of the adjustment.

"And make sure what they are doing works with the model of care that you provide." If at all possible, you will want to work with the MD. Find out what the MD's goal is for each patient, and assure him or her that you will work within that model. If you have a disagreement or see things the MD doesn't see, make a call and discuss it.

While you can't please everyone (and wouldn't want to), you can work with most MDs without forsaking your chiropractic philosophy.

The medical world is waking up to chiropractic, but understanding and appreciation of what we offer comes on an individual basis. Take some time to reach out to those in the medical profession who want to work with DCs, but don't know where to begin.

In doing so, you will be helping your practice and the chiropractic profession grow to their true potential.

DMP Jr.