The Facts Behind MD Referrals- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

A few years ago, BioMed Central produced a wonderful paper which examined the referral habits of Medical Doctors.  Specifically, they looked at how PCP's refer amongst themselves, and also how they refer to Doctors of Chiropractic.  What they found may be some of the most important information currently available on building interdisciplinary referral relationships. 

Over 500 Primary Care Physicians took part in the study.  Surprisingly, over 80% of Primary Care Physicians reported that their patients requested information regarding Chiropractic.  Additionally, close to 75% had patients request a Chiropractic referral.  This is very good news as it shows the public has significant interest in Chiropractic care despite the fact that Chiropractic utilizations stands at a woeful 10% (on a good day).  

When referring to other Medical Doctors, the studies participants reported initiating a formal referral 99% of the time.  When referring to Chiropractors, the PCP's initiated a formal referral in only 11% of cases.  This proves that nearly all PCP's are comfortable making formal referrals, however, they are not making these formal referrals to Chiropractors.  

Finally, and most significantly, the researchers found that roughly 25% of PCP's have referred a patient to a Chiropractor.  Again, while this number is exceptionally low (considering the research on the safety and efficacy of Chiropractic care), it provides us with the information that-

1) Patients are asking their PCP's about Chiropractic care

2) 1/4 of PCP's have referred patients to Chiropractors

3) Only 10% of these referrals are "formal" referrals

In my opinion this study emphasizes the need for chiropractors to reach out to other physicians in their communities and build referral relationships. The public is inquiring about our services to their most trusted health professionals; their family doctor.  The onus is on us to build the relationships necessary for these PCP's to make the referrals to our offices'.  We have the research to substantiate our place in the health care world; now its time to reach "across the aisle" and make sure our neighbors are receiving the best conservative care possible.  

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-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the leading DC/MD marketing and outreach group in the world.  Our service is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research.  Marketing to medical doctors through research is efficient, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals.  Join us.  Lets grow chiropractic together.

Pediatrician Referring to a Chiropractor?

A mother and father arrive with their young child for his one month check up with their pediatrician.  During the visit they mention the young boy is not opening his jaw all the way, has limited neck motion, and while gaining adequate weight, the feedings are quite uncomfortable for mom due to the lack of jaw extension.  The pediatrician picks up the phone, calls his chiropractic colleague and refers the young boy for a chiropractic evaluation.  Does this seem like fantasy?  Well, this exact situation played out in my office just this week.  And it is due to the relationships that can be built using a systematic approach, like those of The Evidence Based Chiropractor.  

While most of the research provided by The Evidence Based Chiropractor is not pediatric specific, it is still extremely valuable to distribute this literature to your local pediatricians (assuming you are interested in seeing children in your practice).  The research positions you and your practice as one which is current, modern, up to date, and a trusty worthy source of health care for your community.  Then by using additional tools such as those outlined in The MD Meeting Report, you can establish the personal rapport necessary to facilitate these referrals.  

I don’t know about you, but the idea that my local pediatricians will “stand up” and directly refer patients to my office gets me really excited.  This is not about “seeking the approval” of local MD’s, but rather working in collaboration and gaining exposure to patients whom may have not made it to your office on their own.  After all, less than 12% of the population visits chiropractic offices. When other physicians in my community directly refer to my office I take pride in exposing their patients to our wonderful profession.  Join us, and utilize our elegant and effective service designed to facilitate these types of referrals.   

The Evidence Based Chiropractor  is the fastest growing chiropractic marketing group in the profession.  The service, founded and run by Dr. Jeff Langmaid, is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research.  Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us.  Lets grow chiropractic together

SPINE Recommending Maintenance Adjustments for Prevention?

In what may become a "landmark" study in research related to the practice of chiropractic, SPINE Journal emphatically recommends that maintenance (at a frequency of 2x month) adjustments to the lumbar spine may prevent future episodes of lumbar spine pain.   

Pain (VAS Score) and disability (Oswestry) were reduced continually with the group receiving maintenance treatment.  In conclusion they found that "we suggest that maintained SM is beneficial to patients with chronic nonspecific LBP particularly those who gain improvement after initial intensive manipulation to maintain the improved post-treatment pain and disability levels."

When powerful research such as this is produced for prescription medications, the pharm reps are banging down the door of every medical practitioner in country.  However, aside from our promotion at The Evidence Based Chiropractor, I have not seen a single chiropractic organization mount a campaign which promotes this research to the public or to other medical providers.   

Facebook, Google, Health Fairs, etc can all be good marketing for your practice.  But do not neglect perhaps the most valuable outreach and referral generator of interdisciplinary referrals.  We, as chiropractors, have an abundance of high quality research which needs to be promoted and not left dormant!  This library of research will continue to build and it will be our task to make sure that others are aware of the value of our care.  

If you do not have the time or desire to produce research briefs for other physicians in your community, then join us today. 

Join us by January 31st to receive zip code exclusivity and a FREE 30 minute implementation call!

The study- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21245790

The Evidence Based Chiropractor  is the fastest growing chiropractic marketing group in the profession.  The service, founded and run by Dr. Jeff Langmaid, is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research.  Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us.  Lets grow chiropractic together
 

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Orthopedic Surgeon's Attitudes Toward Chiropractic

The article below shows roughly 30% of orthopedic surgeons having a favorable attitude towards chiropractic. However, 81% think we provide effective care. It's time to bridge that gap by building interdisciplinary relationships through education! There has never been a better time.

Increasing interdisciplinary referrals will lead to an increase in chiropractic utilization and a reduction in surgeries on those who can benefit from our care. It all starts with building positive relationships.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19910864

Join us by the end of this month and receive zip code exclusivity AND a 30 minute implementation call in addition to immediate access to our Members Vault and your customized MD Research Brief.  Memberships starts at $25 with no contract!

-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic outreach group in the profession.  The service is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research.  Marketing to medical doctors through research is efficient, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals.  Join us.  Lets grow chiropractic together.