A new Gallup-Palmer survey that tested public assumptions about chiropractic care discovered that a lack of knowledge about health insurance coverage for chiropractic care and sensitivity toward costs may be preventing some adults in the United States from using chiropractic services. Nearly half of U.S. adults reported not knowing whether their insurance plans covered chiropractic care. In addition to uncertainty about insurance coverage, the survey found that perceptions about the cost of chiropractic care could also be a factor preventing some individuals from seeking it. About four in 10 adults in the United States were found to believe chiropractic care is too expensive and requires too many visits. However, recent studies have supported chiropractic’s cost-effectiveness in comparison to other forms of treatment.

Misperceptions about costs and the expected number of visits could be barriers to some adults considering the use of chiropractic services. In fact, most insurance plans cover chiropractic services to some extent, making treatment more accessible and affordable than some may have previously thought. In addition, the conservative, non-drug approach of chiropractic services should make economic sense for patients preferring to avoid not only more expensive—but also riskier—approaches to pain, such as prescription drugs and surgery.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.