Chiropractic SWOT Analysis, Part II

A SWOT analysis is a useful tool for auditing organizations and the environment they exist in. It is an important stage in developing a plan for the future and helps the participants focus on key issues. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are considered factors internal to an organization. Opportunities and threats exist in the external environment.

Last month, I took a look at our strengths and weaknesses. This month, the focus is on the other two parts of the analysis.

Our Opportunities

Chiropractic Delivers What the Baby Boomers Demand

As the first wave of Baby Boomers reaches retirement age, predictions for the nation's health care system have been nothing short of apocalyptic. Many predict the surge in demand for medical care associated with the aging population will so strain our resources that future generations will face permanently higher inflation, higher taxes – or both. While the news that the first wave of Baby Boomers to hit 65 is bad news for the bankrupt medical health care delivery model, it will be a true boom for the chiropractic profession. What's been labeled the "Silver Tsunami" began in 2011, as the first of the 76 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 celebrated their 65th birthday. The Boomers are motivated to look and feel their best and have the means and willingness to pay for it. Boomers are expected to spend upwards of $110 billion annually on wellness products and services. They are disenchanted with the traditional medical model and seek natural, non-invasive ways to improve the quality of their lives. Chiropractors should stop wondering if they will survive health care reform and realize that they are health care reform.

Chiropractic and Non-Discrimination in Healthcare Law

PPACA Section 2706 is a landmark provision of the health care reform law that effectively mandates that chiropractors can not be discriminated against in the provision of any "essential benefit" that is within their scope of practice. Section 2706 has been a major focus of chiropractic's legislative efforts, as it represents the first time in the history of the profession that assures non-discrimination in terms of participation and coverage. The Congressional Research Service has confirmed the reach of Section 2706 as including chiropractic. The National Association of Chiropractic Attorneys recognized the Section 2706 provision as having "historic and profoundly positive legal ramifications for the chiropractic profession and the patient community it serves." As the case to mandate certain provisions of the health care reform law moves into the venue of the Supreme Court, it is positive to note that, due to our concerted efforts, chiropractic wasn't sidelined before deliberations ever began.

Chiropractic is an Essential Benefit

A key piece of the health reform law – one that will affect millions of consumers – is taking shape. It's known as the "essential benefits" package. This is the bundle of benefits that will have to be offered through insurance exchanges, which must be up and running by 2014. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is the organization that was charged with making recommendations about what factors the government should consider in drawing up the package. For example, how many visits should a patient receive for a particular disease or injury? According to the recommendations published by the IOM this October, the essential benefits package will be based upon a typical small employer health plan. According to the IOM, 72% of small employers include chiropractic care in the benefits packages. This is a very positive and inclusive clarification for chiropractic.

Chiropractic Has a Role in the Patient-Centered Medical Home

A Patient-Centered Medical Home is a team-based model of care led by a personal physician who provides continuous and coordinated care throughout a patient's lifetime to maximize health outcomes. In October 2011, Health and Human Services (HHS) announced 500 community health centers in 44 States across the country will receive approximately $42 million over three years to improve the coordination and quality of care they deliver to people with Medicare. Under this program, Medicare payment can be used for such things as helping patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. In addition, health centers can use this funding to expand their hours, make same day appointments and accommodate patients with urgent care needs. There are many opportunities for doctors of chiropractic to be fundamental figures within the medical home model. By integrating chiropractic care, medical home care teams are better able to effectively care for patients, and therefore meet the criteria and goals of the Patient-Centered Medical Home.

Chiropractic is an Integrated Profession

Integrated care is also known as coordinated care, continuous care and multidisciplinary care. It is a worldwide trend in health care reform and is a response to the fragmented delivery of health care services prevalent today. As chiropractors define and clarify their role in the overall health care delivery system, they work seamlessly with their medical and CAM counterparts. Chiropractors play an important role in each component of integrated care. First, chiropractors provide coordination of information through shared records. Next, chiropractors coordinate continuity across the secondary-primary care interface by providing case management from specialist to generalist care. Finally, chiropractors coordinate provider continuity through the therapeutic, trusting relationships they develop with their patients. The opportunities for integration have never been greater for chiropractic.