Cost of care for common back pain conditions initiated with chiropractic doctor vs medical doctor/doctor of osteopathy as first physician: experience of one Tennessee-based general health insurer.

Great study!

This recent study compares the costs for managing chronic low back pain between medical management and chiropractic management.  The study based in Tennessee, demonstrates cost savings based on the current utilization and reimbursement system.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21109053

Effects of a Managed Chiropractic Benefit on the Use of Specific Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures in the Treatment of Low Back and Neck Pain

Here is yet another study, with clear evidence of the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic services. 

Basically, the study confirms that for the treatment of low back and neck pain, the inclusion of a chiropractic benefit resulted in a reduction in the rates of surgery, advanced imaging, inpatient care, and plain-film radiographs. This effect was greater on a per-episode basis than on a per-patient basis.  Dr. Press

http://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754%2805%2900240-X/abstract

Chiropractic Services in a Hospital Setting

A growing number of small and large hospitals currently or are considering providing chiropractic services.

This recent study demonstrates how evidence can be applied in a real-world enviornment in complex health care systems through the team-work of all health care providers. The results suggest that chiropractors can play a major role in initiating and steering this process to the benefit of patients and payers.  Dr. Press

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21334541