Keep up with the latest chiropractic news and insights from the industry's trusted legal partner, Ged Lawyers. Here is an overview of what happened this month in the chiropractic care field.
In a recent interview with ABC Action News sports anchor Kyle Burger, Dr. Tim Bain shed some light on how he helps the Tampa Bay Lighting players stay fit for the game. Dr. Bain has been the Lightning's team chiropractor for over ten years.
When asked about his role in getting Lightning players back on the rink after an injury, Dr. Bain reported that they focused on soft tissue work, flushes, and muscle energy work. Additionally, they help players protect themselves from injury during games by encouraging them to use their pads to block shots.
Dr. Bain also affirmed in the interview that staff members have similar playoff superstitions to players and, in some cases, even more than players. He said that getting into the correct pattern ahead of the playoffs ensures that everyone's timing is on point and, in so doing, ensures that the team does not mess anything up.
The leading global cause of disability is lower back pain. In the United States alone, low back pain is the second most common reason to visit a doctor's office. The statistics around spine pain treatment and opioid usage are staggering. Around 61% of spine pain patients receive an opiate subscription, and 19% of those end up with an episode of long-term opiate use. One out of 550 patients who are prescribed opiates die of an overdose within 2.6 years after their first prescription.
In this article, Dr. Travis McKay, a chiropractor and the clinical director of Advanced Back & Neck Pain Center in Newark, mentioned a study conducted by New Hampshire researchers, which revealed that patients who went to a chiropractor reduced opioid usage by 55% compared to those who did not. Treating spine pains through chiropractic is safer and more cost-efficient. The article also highlighted another study that found that chiropractic patients spent 85% less on pharmaceutical treatment than non-patients.
Delaware policymakers are aware of this fact. To promote alternative pain management therapies, they passed Senate Bill 225, a bill prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage for chiropractic treatment for chronic back pain. The bill aims to provide patients more access to alternative pain management methods, such as chiropractors, that reduce the need for an opiate subscription.
(Image courtesy of Verywell Health)
Social media provides an excellent platform where anyone can showcase their skill sets and attract customers to their business. Chiropractors have not been left behind. This article by Verywell Health features two chiropractors who leverage TikTok to share pain relief tips and, in the process, draw attention to their practice.
The first chiropractor featured is Smolich, based in Tukwila, Washington. Smolich narrates how chiropractic changed his life after a paralyzing breakdancing accident in his younger years. He currently showcases various chiropractic skills and shares pain relief tips with his 300-thousand-plus followers.
The other chiropractor featured is Tyler Bigenho, based in Newport Beach, California. Tyler has gained over 1.7 million followers on Tiktok through his videos, showcasing his work and various chiropractic tips. Both medical Tiktokers share stories of what got them into chiropractics and the common misconceptions about chiropractic care.
The number of people with musculoskeletal issues rose steeply following the pandemic, making it an excellent time for chiropractors to leverage social media marketing. This poll by the American Chiropractic Association revealed that more than 90% of the poll's respondents had increased musculoskeletal problems as a result of staying home due to the pandemic.
The Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires healthcare providers and chiropractors to protect their patients' identifiable information. Healthcare providers must get into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with any contractor who might receive access to a patient's Protected Health Information (PHI), including attorneys.
Failure to do so could cost your chiropractic practice fines as high as $50000 per file, among other civil damages. This article by Ged Lawyers highlights the elements required by federal law in a Business Associate Agreement and examples of medical providers who were fined for violating HIPAA.
Our Ged Lawyers team has vast experience in recovering personal injury protection claims on behalf of chiropractors in Florida. In addition to recovering claims, we offer a 25% referral fee on litigated claims meaning that your practice can build an extra income stream without incurring additional expenses.
Our BAA is in full compliance with HIPAA to ensure that your data is safe from misuse and that you are also in compliance with HIPAA. Contact us today at (561) 510-7787 or schedule a free consultation at your most convenient time.