Survey of accident cases presenting to chiropractors in New Zealand

Abstract

During the months of February and May, 1982, the Council governing the New Zealand Chiropractors' Association conducted two surveys via its members for the purpose of obtaining information relative to accident victims seeking chiropractic care who would be eligible for compensation under New Zealand's unique comprehensive "no fault" personal injury by accident compensation scheme. The survey of each accident victim included information in several categories; personal status, type of accident and body region injured, clinical information, treatment instituted, and patient post-care status. It was found that chiropractors treated a significant number of accident victims in New Zealand who forgo compensation under the existing modual referred scheme. It was concluded that accident victims eligible for compensation should be afforded more direct access to chiropractic services as a primary health contact profession.