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New pilot project for chiropractic patients A new joint initiative between the Department of Health and Community Services, the Newfoundland and Labrador Chiropractic Association and the Newfoundland Association of Radiologists is expected to improve service for chiropractic patients in this province. Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith today announced the pilot project which involves two components now being covered by the provincial health plan: chiropractic ordered hospital x-rays and the radiologists� fee for interpreting those x-rays. "One of the benefits of this project is that it will save time for patients," said Minister Smith. "In the past, chiropractors have had to route patients back to their family doctors to be sent for x-rays or the patients had to pay for the x-rays themselves. This will save patients time and money." "I commend this decision by the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Health," said Dr. Greg Stewart, president of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. "This will also assist our colleagues in medicine and it will assist our practitioners in making diagnoses more efficiently. With this decision, the department has minimized access barriers and ensured timely and expedient care for patients." Minister Smith explained that this new initiative is not expected to increase costs to the health system as family doctors have sent patients of chiropractors for x-rays. "We will be reviewing this pilot project after one year based on quarterly reports that identify the total volume and types of x-rays ordered by both medical doctors and chiropractors, as well as quarterly reports on workload activities for diagnostic imaging staff. After the review, we will make a decision whether or not to continue with the program," said the minister. Dr. Debbie Brake-Patten, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Chiropractic Association, is pleased with the decision to cover chiropractic prescribed hospital x-rays. "This decision shows that the minister recognizes the quality of training and skills of licensed chiropractors. It is a wonderful service to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador who will have early access to hospital x-rays and will free up time in medical clinics. This initiative by the Minister of Health sets a precedent for the rest of the country." "We are always looking for new ways to improve access to health services in this province. With this new initiative we are working towards reducing the amount of time chiropractic patients wait for x-rays without increasing the workload of radiologists and without increasing costs to the system," said Minister Smith. Media contacts: Diane Keough, Department of Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377 Debbie Brake-Patten, Newfoundland and Labrador Chiropractic Association, (709) 643-3111 2003 02 14 3:20 p.m. |
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