Chiropractic radiology benefits and risks

Chiropractic radiology is a reliable resource for chiropractors looking for treatments and technologies to offer their patients and expand their practices.

If you’ve yet to work with or see the need for chiropractic radiology in your practice, this article can help you make the decision.

As specialized DCs, chiropractic radiologists can bring benefits to your practice, but the practice itself is often associated with risks. This article explores the necessity of chiropractic radiology, the potential risks and the benefits this type of specialty can bring to your practice. With this information, we hope you can make an informed decision on whether to include chiropractic radiology in your practice and how it can help your patients.

What is chiropractic radiology?

The American Chiropractic Board of Radiology defines chiropractic radiology as a “referral specialty that provides consultation services at the request of other qualified doctors.” They also state that chiropractic radiologists recommend, supervise and interpret radiologic studies as well as other advanced imaging procedures. The point of their service? To provide insight and advice on the necessity and appropriateness of radiologic services.

What are the benefits of chiropractic radiology?

What are the benefits of working directly with a chiropractic radiologist as opposed to a different kind of radiology provider? The answer lies in the specifics of the expertise of chiropractic radiologists.

Chiropractic radiology, like other types of radiology, provides insight that can inform health care providers and advise on treatment options. Unlike general radiologists, chiropractic radiologists have a specific focus.

They offer a neuromusculoskeletal approach to radiology, whereas other specialties take a more general approach. Further, chiropractic radiologists are chiropractors, not MDs, giving them a unique, chiropractic-first approach toward diagnosing, understanding and evaluating this type of imaging.

One of the major practice-related benefits of offering chiropractic radiology or hiring a chiropractic radiologist is greater consistency in diagnostic accuracy. You’ll be able to rely on these experts to read and interpret as needed without concern that you potentially missed something.

Further, the chance of misdiagnoses is decreased. You won’t be the only chiropractic expert with input on a patient’s readings. You will rely on a trained and trusted chiropractic radiology expert. You can gain peace of mind knowing malpractice is further prevented with an extra set of trained eyes and expertise guiding your treatment paths.

Regular spinal X-rays from chiropractic radiologists can also provide key insight and information into overall health, catch diagnoses early and provide information DCs need for adequate treatment plans.

What are the risks of chiropractic radiology?

Though there are many benefits to chiropractic radiology, there are also a few risks associated with radiology, in general, that you and your patients should be aware of. According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, “strong evidence demonstrates risks of imaging such as excessive radiation exposure, overdiagnosis, subsequent low-value investigation and treatment procedures, and increased costs.”

The risks and benefits of radiology are up to individual health care providers to weigh for themselves, and to explain to their patients so they can make informed decisions about their care.

Your choice

As in most branches of chiropractic practice, chiropractic radiology is highly specialized. While this might not be a service you choose to provide in your practice, outsourcing to a trusted chiropractic radiologist could be a beneficial choice for some of your patients. Ultimately, though, the choice is up to you and what you think is best for the patients.

Chiropractic Economics is committed to providing talented and committed DCs like you with the advice, information and education needed to continue building their practice and serving their patients. Keep up with our resources, join our email list, and subscribe to our magazine to stay updated and in the loop on our latest.