Kindermann SL
J Occup Environ Med. 2014 Aug 21. [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE::
To compare the influence of employer-sponsored, on-site chiropractic care against community-obtained care on health care utilization.
METHODS::
This was a retrospective claims analysis of members of a single employee health plan receiving chiropractic care on-site or off-site from 2010 to 2012. Utilization differences were evaluated by having 1 health care event or more, including radiology or clinical visits.
RESULTS::
There were 876 on-site and 759 off-site participants. The off-site group received more radiology services overall (55.5% vs 38.2%; P < 0.001) including magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and radiograph (all P < 0.0001); had higher outpatient (P < 0.0001) and emergency department (P = 0.022) utilization; and demonstrated greater use of chiropractic care and physical therapy (both P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS::
Compared with off-site care, on-site chiropractic services are associated with lower health care utilization. These results support the value of chiropractic services offered at on-site health centers.