Chiropractors as safety net providers: first report of findings and methods from a US survey of chiropractors.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the actual or potential contribution of the chiropractic profession in meeting US healthcare workforce needs.


METHODS
The authors performed a descriptive cross-sectional mail survey of US chiropractors in 2002 to 2003.


RESULTS
The amount of charity care provided by chiropractors closely approximates that of medical physicians; on a weekly basis, approximately 2 weekly hours of chiropractic care are provided for free, and 4 weekly hours are provided at a reduced fee.


CONCLUSIONS
Chiropractors serve a vital, though often overlooked, role in the US health care safety net.
Smith
Monica
M
Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Davenport, Iava. monica.smith@palmer.edu
Carber
Lynne A
LA
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002608:Charities / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002684:Chiropractic / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017046:Cost Savings; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018588:Fee-for-Service Plans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017664:Uncompensated Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States