How to Find Success as a Chiropractor in a Hospital

Not many chiropractors work in hospitals. However, some speculate that will change as the two worlds — Western medicine and alternative medicine — grow closer together. Already, hospitals are seeing a rise in patients who request alternative treatments, and seek advice and counsel from professionals who can provide them with these alternatives.  In some cases, hospitals are expanding privileges to include chiropractors. So, being a chiropractor on the leading edge of this shift could be an exciting opportunity.

However, hospitals that are willing to extend privileges to chiropractors may also take on the burden of figuring out how to integrate their services into the pre-determined structure of care. This includes determining how to bill for time and patient interactions, figuring out where chiropractic care fits into their processes, as well as becoming more aware of how the addition of chiropractic services in the hospital setting is a benefit to both patients and the hospital.

Tips for Success from Experts

A chiropractor who is interested in taking on this challenge should be aware that it will take some time and ingenuity to build the relationships and structure that will fully benefit all parties. Working alongside the hospital in ways that help, not hinder, their practices, is a good start. For example, there are a few hospitals with chiropractors on call, and who are able to come in and treat back and neck pain, even in the emergency department. This system allows hospitals to use chiropractic services for patients in a way that facilitates care, and they’ve also discovered the kind of training chiropractors need to work in this setting, including hospital protocols.

Benefits of Hospital Privileges

There are many privileges by having chiropractors and doctors work alongside each other in a hospital setting. The American Chiropractic Association published some examples and case studies that are worth reviewing.

Having privileges within a hospital setting can help the continuum of care that a patient receives. Each person involved in care, including the chiropractor, will have access to the individual, the information, and the specialists, who in conjunction help to provide the best care possible. Having this type of complimentary care can help keep patients off some of their medications, while treating their pain and discomfort.

Another benefit is the opportunity for research and innovation. Chiropractors practicing in hospitals and alongside other specialties have the opportunity to develop courses of treatment that are new and beneficial, as well as collaborate with specialists in a mutually influential way. These types of opportunities, and the relationships that are developed are often what lead to breakthroughs and discoveries that are part of tomorrow’s health care.

Lastly, hospital settings are good for developing and expanding chiropractic skills. The complex and unexpected nature of the problems that arise, can help the chiropractor develop more involved and thorough understanding of pain management and patient care, eventually allowing them to influence even highly complex cases.

To gain access to a hospital, a chiropractor needs to win over the cynics and establish working relationships with other health-care professionals. With a hospital affiliation, the chiropractor will reap the many benefits, and the hospital will realize the value of having a chiropractor on staff. But, this normally takes time, energy and a lot of hard work.