Diagnostic Testing and Its Benefits for You... The Chiropractor!

In today's rapidly changing healthcare environment, chiroprac­tors are taking control of their future by exploring new opportunities with a number of effective pro­grams that will create more comprehensive care and services for their patients, and signif­icantly increase revenue for their practices. Chi- ropractors have been searching for the most efficient tools available to assist them in diagnosing a patient's condi­tion, develop a sound treatment pro­gram, and elevate profitability. As a result, the use of in-office neurodiag-nostic testing has become one of the fastest growing and most useful med­ical services for chiropractors through­out the country. There are many advantages of in-office diagnostic testing for you, the chiropractor. It will assist you with diagnosing the patient, confirmation of diagnosis, pinpointing prob­lems, patient compliance, documentation, and increas­ing revenues. Your patients will feel more comfortable in the familiar surroundings of your office instead of another facility, which may not be a pro-chiropractic facility. Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Somato Sensory Evoked Potential (SSEP), and Spinal Ultrasound are just a few of the tests which can be performed in your office. These tests are very valuable tools which should be utilized to give your patients the best treatment possible. For many years now, the concept of diagnostic testing of the spine, utiliz­ing ultrasound, has been growing in importance and acceptance. For years, the debate has been waged between physicians and diagnostic groups looking to pro­mote musculoskeletal ultrasound, and the insur­ance companies and pri­vate interest groups look­ing to reduce or eliminate its impact. Ultrasound Ultrasound is not a new examination modality, but has been an established tool for viewing the physiological changes of soft tissue for decades. The use of ultrasound in medicine dates back as far as the 1940's. But, with advancement in technology, the addi­tion of B-mode ultrasound allowing for 2 dimensional imaging, multiple shades of gray color to differentiate the soft tissue textures, analog/digital con­version, rapid integration of images, and memory and storage capabilities, ultrasound has become one of the most reliable diagnostic tools available today. In Europe and other parts of the world, sonography is the first line examination technique for many pathologic conditions of the soft tissue. MRI and CT scanners are of major importance to medical experts here in the United States. However, it has been proven that sonography is instru­mental to clinicians and patient care with its high sensitivity to specific pathologies that are not clearly revealed with MRI and CT. Sonogra­phy offers real-time and dynamic information as well as unique patient- friendly features, in that it is non-inva­sive, non-conforming, expeditious, and cost effective. At this point in time, there are physi­cians across the country utilizing mus-culoskeletal ultrasound for the care and treatment of their patients. There are several books available, as well as hundreds of studies in support of the clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound as a safe, non-ionizing, and non-invasive imaging technique with a high degree of sensitivity for diagnosing patients' etiology. Ultrasound is not meant to be a stand-alone examination. Correlation of other diagnostic testing should be utilized for optimal treatment of the patient's condition. Nerve Conduction Velocity Studies and Somato Sensory Evoked Potentials are an excellent test­ing conjunction along with Ultrasound, MRI, CT, and X-ray. Nerve Conduction Studies Nerve Conduction Studies are an effective means for evaluating the integrity of the nerves in both the upper and lower extremities. They are also useful in assisting to diagnose back and neck condi­tions, specific nerve injuries, and certain neurologic diseases. Some conditions that are best evaluated throush Nerve Conduction Veloc- ity would be radiculopathies, neu­ropathies, peripheral nerve damage. spinal cord injuries, muscle diseases, and compressive neuropathies such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Somato Sensory Evoked Potentials Somato Sensory Evoked Potentials monitor sensory nerve pathways from the extremities to the brain. This test is useful in providing helpful informa­tion for conditions relating to central sensory losses, spinal cord injuries. « Continued on Page 46 DIAGNOSIS ..from I'ugc 26 Multiple Sclerosis, and radiculo-pathies. Nerve testing is very safe and, though you may experience, a mild intermittent pulsating sensation, there are no lasting side effects. The concurrence of multiple diag­nostics will ultimately provide you and your patients with the highest degree of patient care and treatment planning, as well as supplying documentation in support of your medical decisions. The implementation of these tests in your office is a simple process and should be welcomed with open arms to maximize your efficiency with the treatment of your patients. Glenn A. Becker is the Presisdent and CEO of Advanced Diagnostics Group, Inc., a leading provider ofneu-roskeletal diagnostics and healthcare sen'ices to the chiropractic profession. For literature or more information about diagnostic testing, contact Advanced Diagnostics Group, Inc.. at (800) 848-8910 or email info@adv-diag. com. Website www,adv-dia a. com. O