Let's Bring Back The Congenial
Doctor-Patient Relationship.

Not too long ago, patients trusted in their doctor to make the best health recommendations for them. In recent years, managing this relationship by a third party payer has distanced the doctor-patient bond and has caused much concern in the patient's mind as to whether best decisions are made on their behalf. On one hand, managed care has undeniably improved the overall standards of healthcare in this country. On the other hand, a third "person" in a two-way relationship can cause a chilling effect between the original two parties.

The facts are in - according to managed care studies, seeing a chiropractor for your back problems actually lowers your overall healthcare spending by 30% a year[1]. However, whether or not a chiropractor is in your "Insurance Book" or you no longer have chiropractic coverage, it is important that you decide what's most important for you by choosing a doctor that most suitably fits your needs, and not just your budget, or insurance plan. Before making any healthcare decisions based on financial considerations only, determine who you think will approach your problem in the most scientific, professional and caring way. To properly select a chiropractor, follow the recommendations below:

  • Is the goal of the chiropractor to cover-up symptoms, or correct the cause of my pain?
  • If and when necessary, does the chiropractor refer the patient to a radiologist for MRI, or neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, or other specialist?
  • Does the chiropractor perform a detailed examination to rule-out other possible causes of my problem?
  • Does the chiropractor specialize in the most effective techniques that concentrate on pain relief and correcting the cause of the problem?
  • What is the chiropractor's track record for patients with similar conditions?
  • If x-rays are taken, does the chiropractor take precautions to decrease radiation exposure with rare-earth screens and fast film.
  • Does the chiropractor offer exercise programs to strengthen and stretch the back and neck joints and muscles?
  • What are the chiropractor's days and hours of operation and are they convenient?

With a median household income of $50,000[2], per person, Long Islanders spend $2,500 in restaurants and fast food, $9,000 on transportation, $2,000 on entertainment, and $2,700 on healthcare[3]. One less cup of coffee a day can afford you a preventive and maintenance visit at this office each month, and that's without insurance coverage.

References:

1. Chiropractic Research, http://www.chiropracticresearch.org/NEWS_chiropractic_inclusion_in_manage.htm
2. 2000 census, U.S. Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/income.html
3. U.S. Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/cex/

At CarePlus Chiropractic, we accept all types of cases. The following carriers pay for chiropractic services:

  • Auto No-Fault Accident Insurance
  • Worker's Compensation Insurance
  • Medicare
  • Empire
  • Vytra
  • Empire BlueCross BlueShield
  • CIGNA
  • GHI
  • Local 1199
  • United Health Care
  • Oxford
  • ICM
  • Aetna
  • Maloney & O'Sullivan
  • Guardian (PHCS)
  • Horizon Health
  • Multiplan
  • CNA

and many more...

In 2005, a medical study examined the effects of chiropractic benefits in the treatment of low back and neck pain. The following is a brief synopsis of the study, which demonstrated that treatment of low back and neck pain, the inclusion of a chiropractic benefit in a managed care program resulted in a reduction in the rates of surgery, CT and MRI imaging, inpatient care, and X-rays.

Click here for the complete abstract at PubMed the National Library of Medicine (Nelson CF, et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. October 2005; Vol. 28, Iss. 8, pp. 564-569)

The aim of this study was to measure the effects of a managed chiropractic benefit on the rates of specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for the treatment of back pain and neck pain.

This study is a retrospective analysis of claims data from the American Specialty Health Plan plan over a 4-year period. The use rates of advanced imaging, surgery, inpatient care, and plain-film radiographs were compared between employer groups with and without a chiropractic benefit.

The results indicated that for patients with low back pain, the use rates of all 4 studied procedures were lower in the group with chiropractic coverage.

On a per-episode basis, the rates in the group with coverage were reduced by the following: surgery (-32.1%); computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (-37.2%); plain-film radiography (-23.1%); and inpatient care (-40.1%).

On a per-patient basis, the rates were reduced by the following: surgery (-13.7%); CT/MRI (-20.3%); plain-film radiography (-2.2%); and inpatient care (-24.8%).

For patients with neck pain, the use rates were reduced per episode in the group with chiropractic coverage as follows: surgery (-49.4%); CT/MRI (-45.6%); plain-film radiography (-36.0%); and inpatient care (-49.5%).

Per patient, the rates were surgery (-31.1%); CT/MRI (-25.7%); plain-film radiography (-12.5%); and inpatient care (31.1%). All group differences were statistically significant.

Conservative Chiropractic care should be considered first to determine if your problem is spine and nerve related. If your problem falls within the scope of chiropractic practice, chiropractic can offer you relief and good health for many years to come. Learn more about chiropractic through our interactive "Back to Basics" Movie.

What Our Patients Say...

 I must admit I was skeptical to use the services of a chiropractor, but you have made a believer out of me. I'm happy to say that I'm back at work, bending and lifting, and not in continuous pain. Thank you! 
N.P. - Bay Shore, NY
I used to go to bed in pain and wake up in pain. Thanks to Dr. Furshpan and CarePlus Chiropractic, my back is pain free for the last 19 years. 
T. W. - Brentwood, NY
I came to CarePlus and was greeted by a nice staff and state of the art facility.  After a short time of treatment, I am feeling much better and ready to return to construction work.
M. D. - Farmingdale, NY
I am a teacher and I had such pain in my knees and back that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle all the standing.  After about two months of treatment, I am pain free and stronger.  The staff at CarePlus is professional and caring.  They truly live up to their name.
A. D. - Babylon, NY
Since I began treatment at CarePlus, I feel 100% better.  Within 3 weeks, I was involved in a car accident and an injury at work.  WIthin  days of treatment, I felt better.
T. T. - Babylon, NY
When I came in to CarePlus, I had been in constant pain for over 9 years.  Thanks to Dr. Furshpan and his staff, I am now able to walk andget around 100% better than the day I first came in.  It really works!
M. B. - Babylon, NY
For years, I had pain in my right shoulder and had difficulty sleeping.  After one treatment, I haven't had any pain.
M. P. - Brentwood, NY
For years, my back pain prevented me from exercising, walking and sleeping.  Since I began treatment, I am exercising again at a health spa and I feel like a whole person again.
D. W. - W.Islip, NY
Shots and pain killers never really helped me on a long term basis.  After a week of treatment at CarePlus, I felt so much better.  It is truly unbelievable what a difference just a few spinal adjustments can make.
J. P. - Bohemia, NY
Experience, Caring, and Humor... that's CarePlus.  This is the only place I want to be in when I feel down or in pain.  You feel like family here.  There are no strangers at CarePlus.
N. R. - N. Babylon, NY

 
 
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