OCA Advocacy:
Thriving
Chiropractors,
Healthy Ontarians
The OCA has made positive progress in our advocacy efforts and approach to policy
makers, government officials and legislative bodies. A big part of that progress is due
to the fact that the chiropractic profession is shifting from being recognized as an
alternative medicine to being part of mainstream health care. We are not only part
of the conversation, but we are also shaping the perception of the profession and
influencing decision making.
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Our belief is that chiropractors should be part
of patients’ circle of care, regardless of the
payment model. We are working not only with
government but with extended health care pro-
viders, WSIB, auto insurance stakeholders and
other third party payers to advocate for the ex-
pansion of chiropractic coverage. For context, it’s important to understand the cur-
rent impact MSK conditions have on our health
system and what the OCA is doing for you as an
advocate for positive change.
We are mindful that the market opportunity in
Ontario’s health care system is not only about
salaried system positions; it is about increasing
referral pathways between chiropractors
and other practitioners. The government has
recognized the importance of optimal muscu-
loskeletal (MSK) care and better pain manage-
ment, and the inappropriate use of tests, im-
aging, opioids and surgery for low back pain.
There is a disconnect in our current system in
assessing and managing MSK conditions which
provides chiropractors a proactive opportunity
to increase integration into the health care sys-
tem. With a more expanded role in the system,
chiropractors can thrive. MSK conditions are a burden on Ontario’s health
care system and there are multiple reasons for
this. Physicians have limited access to funded
MSK services for patients with MSK conditions, yet
millions of Ontarians suffer from these conditions
each year.1 Patients often find themselves stuck in
a loop of unsuccessful attempts to manage their
pain and visit multiple funded providers seeking
resolution. 2.3 million Ontarians visit primary care
physicians, over 900,000 consult a specialist and
over 400,000 visit an emergency department. 2 Be-
cause there is a lack of access to MSK care, the
wait times for funded solutions are exhaustive. The
median wait time from physician referral to special-
ist consultation is thirteen weeks, and in the vast
SPRING 2018
The Impact of MSK Conditions
on Ontario’s Health System
majority of low back pain cases