Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is the second most frequent reason patients take time off work in the United States. Research has been conducted examining the effectiveness in both chiropractic and physical therapy in the treatment of cervical spine dysfunction. To this date, no research can be found that directly compares reimbursement rates and patient costs between the two professions. Recent healthcare reform makes the analysis of reimbursement and patient costs vital for the future of the profession of physical therapy. METHODOLOGY: Personal interviews were conducted at (3) physical therapy and (3) chiropractic clinics in the Southwest Florida area. Data collected included reimbursement rates/fee schedules and patient costs for the copay, initial evaluation, manual therapy/chiropractic manipulative therapy, neuromuscular reeducation, mechanical traction, and therapeutic exercise. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Patient costs and reimbursement rates between the two professions, as well as between automobile and non-automobile insurance reimbursements rates, was analyzed. RESULTS: Reimbursement rates between the two professions does not show significant difference in the mean reimbursement rate for patient copay, initial evaluation, manual/chiropractic manipulative therapy, neuromuscular re-education, traction, nor therapeutic exercise. Chiropractic cash-for-services are cheaper in initial evaluation, traction, and therapeutic exercise. Manual therapy and neuromuscular re-education cash for- service rates are cheaper in physical therapy compared to chiropractic clinics. Automobile insurance companies also reimburse more in both physical therapy and chiropractic clinics when compared to non-automobile insurance companies. DISCUSSION: The large difference in chiropractic and physical therapy reimbursement rates for the initial evaluation is due to the (3) chiropractic clinics provided rates for initial evaluations that do not take as long as physical therapy. Therefore, the cost is cheaper, but the time spent with patient is not as much as physical therapy.