Still, Blessley said, misconceptions that date back decades leave many people unfamiliar with what chiropractors do.
“Chiropractors have been around since 1895. It’s not a new fad,” Blessley remarked. “We are considered physicians; we can be primary care providers.”
Blessley estimated that about 70 percent of patients are covered by insurance, with around 30 percent paying out of pocket.
Chiropractic physicians are best known for their treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, but they are also educated in nutrition, exercise, physical therapy/rehabilitation and lifestyle counseling.
“There are some medical needs we can’t meet, so we refer people, if they need surgery, for example,” Blessley explained.
He cites medical malpractice insurance rates as evidence that chiropractors must be doing something right. The clinic’s annual insurance cost is about $2,500 a year, he said. Malpractice costs vary widely by specialty, but it’s not unusual for a Washington physician to pay $20,000 or more.
“Any insurance company charges a rate that is appropriate for the risk,” Blessley said. “Our malpractice rate is low because we have satisfied customers. Our profession is fairly low risk.”
Good Health Naturally has been focused on expanding the depth of whole-person care it can provide within the business’ scope of practice, Blessley said. For instance, the clinic now offers phone and email health coaching and recently launched an iPhone and Android app that includes information about Good Health Naturally, as well as videos about healthy living. And Blessley has been speaking about healthy living at community groups in Clark County.
Blessley acknowledged that these efforts act as marketing by increasing the visibility of the clinic, but said that’s not the ultimate goal.
“We want to have a nice well-rounded program that helps people eat, move and live healthfully,” he said.
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