Implications for Access to Chiropractic Services in the Workers' Compensation System: A State-by-State Coverage...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Policy Analysis
• Chiropractic Medicine

Background:

• Chiropractic care aligns with workers' compensation (WC) goals for timely, safe, and cost-effective return to work.
• WC coverage policies significantly influence the utilization of chiropractic services and patient access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare U.S. state-specific workers' compensation chiropractic coverage policies.
• To identify trends, divergences, and common models in WC chiropractic coverage.

Main Methods:

• Utilized artificial intelligence tools and search engines to access online U.S. WC chiropractic coverage policies.
• Conducted a comparative analysis of state-by-state policies, examining trends and divergences.

Main Results:

• Chiropractic utilization in WC settings shows high variability across states, despite common coverage elements.
• Most states provide chiropractic coverage, but with diverse stipulations and limitations.

Conclusions:

• Significant opportunities exist for chiropractors within WC, as coverage is often more comprehensive than other national plans.
• Increased chiropractic utilization can benefit employers and jurisdictions through improved patient satisfaction, safety, and cost-effective musculoskeletal care.