Looks like the Ontario Chiropractic Association is stepping up the game to get DCs in the province advanced imaging (CT, MRI, DxUS) and laboratory diagnosis (blood, urinalysis, chemistry, microbiology, serology) so we can better make differential diagnoses in the management of our patients. There is a survey that is being sent out to OCA members, so please take the time and fill it out. It took me about 10 min. I am a bit concerned about getting these diagnostic priviledges and having the patient have to pay out of pocket instead of OHIP. IMHO, one of the biggest barriers is the fact patients have to pay out of pocket for our services and requisitions. So, if I have a patient who cannot afford the price of an MRI to investigate a progressive neuropathy then it will be the same old, same old: refer back to MD or NP, wait 3-4 weeks for appointment and depending on the competence of the PCP in spine/NMSK health may not even get the imaging that is clinically recommended. All this in spite of the NP, PA or MD having no significant training in spine care. In short, I hope we achieve these rights, which have been of our standard curriculum in Canada for awhile now, but do hope that OHIP will be involved somehow. If DCs were to become the primary spine care providers, a process that is underway, there would be better outcomes in the patients spinal health and an overall savings to the Ministry of Health. Look what the ISAEC program achieved...
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