Fragmentation of Patient Care Between Chiropractors and Family Physicians Vol.
Most patients using alternative practitioners also receive care from physicians.
It is unclear, however, how well alternative practitioners and physicians communicate and coordinate the care of shared patients. Objective To describe the communication and coordination of care for shared patients between chiropractors and family physicians as well as potential barriers to effectively sharing care. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional national random sample survey of 400 chiropractors and 400 family physicians. Main Outcome Measures Reports on shared patients including information on adverse events, treatment, and health status. Attitudes toward perceived expertise as well as perceived liability and economic competition involved in sharing care were also assessed.