Prepared with references from the ICA Best Practices and Practice Guidelines
Radiography is a scientifically proven and clinically useful modality to evaluate multiple aspects of human spinal anatomy, biomechanics, postural misalignments, subluxations, pathology, and precision in providing important information and safeguards in rendering care in chiropractic practice. However, there have been different attempts by some third party payers and agencies, including insurance companies and insurance claims reviewers, to deny coverage of radiographic studies to patients and reimbursement to practition- ers, motivated by economic cost-savings on their part. This emerging trend poses serious concerns in potential for reducing the timeliness, quality and clinical effec- tiveness of care, and even place patients at added risk by delaying and/or denying these established and proven services. In response to the situation, the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) has prepared multiple resources and formal position statements based on clinical evidences and scientific references regarding the key benefits and utility of radiographic studies, including the acclaimed professional reference, the ICA Best Practices and Practice Guidelines document, a landmark document developed with the purpose of enhancing the quality of care for countless millions of patients. The radiography section of this reference document underscores that: “Plain Radiography is fully within the Standard of Practice in chiropractic and has been for nearly 100 years. Chiropractors utilize plain film radiography to de- tect and measure subluxations.” In addition, according to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC), “A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health. A subluxa- tion is evaluated, diagnosed, and managed through the use of chiropractic procedures based on the best available rational and empirical evidence.” X-ray studies are a standard clinical tool providing necessary objective clinical evidence. The ICA Guidelines provide extensive scientific references, established clinical and academic for imaging children younger than 10 years old. The ICA Guidelines document has been accepted for inclusion in the United States National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC), a comprehensive database of
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