Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2024/09, 30(9):902-906. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0759, type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2023.0759)

Keywords:

cross sectional study [894]
economics [58]
physical therapy [43]
Medicare [9]
nonpharmacological therapies [1]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
USA [1751]
utilization [28]

Abstract:

Background: Many clinical practice guidelines for management of pain disorders now favor first-line use of nonpharmacological therapies (NPT). However, Medicare coverage of NPT is limited. Methods: Using a serial cross-sectional design, we examined temporal trends in the utilization and cost of NPT procedures commonly used to treat pain under Medicare. Results: Utilization and costs for physical therapy increased while those for spinal and osteopathic manipulation declined. Discussion: Future research on NPT under Medicare should focus on equity of patient access and comparative outcomes.