Natural Health & Workers Compensation

Minnesota Natural HealthMinnesota Natural HealthLegal Reform ProjectLegal Reform Project

Natural Health Natural Health & Workers Compensation& Workers Compensation

Safe, Effective, and Less Safe, Effective, and Less CostlyCostly

History of Work Comp and History of Work Comp and Natural Health in MNNatural Health in MN

In the 2008 Worker’s Compensation Bill, a provision was included which prohibits the payment of services rendered to injured workers by unlicensed healthcare providers in Minnesota. This provision is found in Minnesota Statute 176.135, subd 1b.

www.mnhlrp.orgwww.mnhlrp.orgMinnesota Natural HealthMinnesota Natural Health

Legal Reform ProjectLegal Reform Project

History of Work Comp and History of Work Comp and Natural Health in MNNatural Health in MN

This change in 2008 has been presented by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) as a “reform".

No evidence has been shown that there was any abuse of the system.

In short, this "reform" is a solution looking for a problem.





What is Natural Health?What is Natural Health?

Natural health encompasses the use of a Natural health encompasses the use of a variety of modalities that, when used variety of modalities that, when used properly, enhances the body’s innate properly, enhances the body’s innate healing abilities. healing abilities. Frequently natural health products cannot Frequently natural health products cannot be patented because they are found in be patented because they are found in nature.nature.Natural Health does not aim to “cure Natural Health does not aim to “cure disease”. It aims to heal the person. disease”. It aims to heal the person.



What is Natural Health?What is Natural Health?

Natural health modalities tend to be more Natural health modalities tend to be more traditional.traditional.

Traditional medicine refers to health practices, Traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being. illnesses or maintain well-being. --World Health Organization.--World Health Organization.



What is Medicine?What is Medicine?

Any substance or substances used in Any substance or substances used in treating disease or illness.treating disease or illness.

The art or science of restoring or The art or science of restoring or preserving health or physical condition, as preserving health or physical condition, as by means of drugs, surgical operations or by means of drugs, surgical operations or appliances, or manipulations. appliances, or manipulations. ----Random House Dictionary 2010Random House Dictionary 2010



What is Medicine?What is Medicine?

The word “medicine” comes from the Latin The word “medicine” comes from the Latin word “medicinus” which means “of a word “medicinus” which means “of a doctor”. doctor”.

The Medicine Show was a “traveling show The Medicine Show was a “traveling show meant to attract a crowd so that patent meant to attract a crowd so that patent medicine could be sold to them.” medicine could be sold to them.” American English, 1938American English, 1938--Online Etymology Dictionary--Online Etymology Dictionary



Natural Health….Natural Health….

Treats people, not disease.Treats people, not disease.

It is not a disease management system.It is not a disease management system.

Is usually not patented or patentable.Is usually not patented or patentable.

Is not usually offered by MD’s.Is not usually offered by MD’s.

Is the preferred phrase, rather than Is the preferred phrase, rather than Alternative Medicine. Alternative Medicine.



History of MN Natural HealthHistory of MN Natural Health

The Minnesota Natural Health Legal The Minnesota Natural Health Legal Reform Project (MNHLRP) was founded in Reform Project (MNHLRP) was founded in 1997 in response to an unprecedented 1997 in response to an unprecedented number of actions against natural health number of actions against natural health practitioners. practitioners. There were no claims of harm, so this was There were no claims of harm, so this was not done to protect the public.not done to protect the public.In 2000, MN passed the Health Care In 2000, MN passed the Health Care Freedom of Access Bill—Statute 146A.Freedom of Access Bill—Statute 146A.



HistoryHistory

Current regulation on licensed Current regulation on licensed practitioners makes it nearly impossible for practitioners makes it nearly impossible for them to hire or refer to Statute 146A them to hire or refer to Statute 146A practitioners.practitioners.

They can, but in doing so, they risk an They can, but in doing so, they risk an investigation by the medical board.investigation by the medical board.



HistoryHistory

How does all this affect injured workers?How does all this affect injured workers?

MNHLRP and WCACMNHLRP and WCAC

Minnesota Statute 176.135, subd 1b prohibits work comp insurance payment of prohibits work comp insurance payment of 146A practitioners who help injured 146A practitioners who help injured workers. This was passed in 2008.workers. This was passed in 2008.

There is an exception for those who are There is an exception for those who are employed by a licensed practitioner. employed by a licensed practitioner.



HistoryHistory

Because of the nature of the WCAC, Because of the nature of the WCAC, MNHLRP could not get it removed from MNHLRP could not get it removed from the Work Comp Bill in 2008.the Work Comp Bill in 2008.

The legislature repealed the provision in The legislature repealed the provision in 2009 and 2010. 2009 and 2010.

The Governor vetoed it in 2009 and The Governor vetoed it in 2009 and threatened a veto of the omnibus bill to threatened a veto of the omnibus bill to which it was attached in 2010.which it was attached in 2010.

MN Statute 214MN Statute 214

Subd. 2.Criteria for regulation. The Subd. 2.Criteria for regulation. The legislature declares that no regulation shall legislature declares that no regulation shall be imposed upon any occupation unless be imposed upon any occupation unless required for the safety and well being of required for the safety and well being of the citizens of the state. In evaluating the citizens of the state. In evaluating whether an occupation shall be regulated, whether an occupation shall be regulated, the following factors shall be considered:the following factors shall be considered:



MN Statute 214MN Statute 214

(1) whether the unregulated practice of an (1) whether the unregulated practice of an occupation may harm or endanger the occupation may harm or endanger the health, safety and welfare of citizens of the health, safety and welfare of citizens of the state and whether the potential for harm is state and whether the potential for harm is recognizable and not remote….recognizable and not remote….

(3) whether the citizens of this state are or may be effectively protected by other means





Is It Safe?Is It Safe?

The FDA has refused to do studies on the The FDA has refused to do studies on the safety of Natural Health modalities.safety of Natural Health modalities.

Other countries have, however.Other countries have, however.

A study in Australia showed the risks of A study in Australia showed the risks of various human activities relative to 1 in a various human activities relative to 1 in a million odds of crashing on a single flight million odds of crashing on a single flight of a Boeing 747.of a Boeing 747.




A person is less likely to die from A person is less likely to die from administration of Natural Health modalities administration of Natural Health modalities than from a lightning strike.than from a lightning strike.It actually showed up as negative risk.It actually showed up as negative risk.Work place accidents had the third highest Work place accidents had the third highest society and personal risk.society and personal risk.Preventable Adverse Drugs was second Preventable Adverse Drugs was second highest and Preventable medical injuries highest and Preventable medical injuries was the highest risk.was the highest risk.




A Canadian study showed the relative risk A Canadian study showed the relative risk of dying in Canada from various causes of dying in Canada from various causes compared to being killed on a Boeing 747 compared to being killed on a Boeing 747 flight.flight.The only thing less risky than Natural The only thing less risky than Natural Health Modalities was being struck by a Health Modalities was being struck by a meteorite. meteorite. Natural Health had a rating of Negative Natural Health had a rating of Negative Risk.Risk.




Very High Level of Risk includes Very High Level of Risk includes Preventable Medical Injuries, Preventable Preventable Medical Injuries, Preventable Adverse Drug Reactions, and Smoking.Adverse Drug Reactions, and Smoking.High Level of Risk includes Adverse Drug High Level of Risk includes Adverse Drug Reactions, Motorcycle accidents, farm Reactions, Motorcycle accidents, farm work.work.Moderate Level of Risk includes Moderate Level of Risk includes Workplace accidents, homicide, accidental Workplace accidents, homicide, accidental falls.falls.




Low Level of Risk includes School Bus Low Level of Risk includes School Bus Accidents, Fire, Forces of Nature, Accidents, Fire, Forces of Nature, Tuberculosis.Tuberculosis.

Ultra Low to Very Low Level of Risk Ultra Low to Very Low Level of Risk includes Railway/Pedestrian accidents, includes Railway/Pedestrian accidents, Commercial Airliners, Electrocution.Commercial Airliners, Electrocution.



Who Wants Natural Health?Who Wants Natural Health?

"I can't think of any major city where these kinds of services are not offered now. In some states or geographic areas it may be more difficult to find, but it's not absent. There are small and single practices everywhere, as well as major institutions like Cleveland Clinic or the Mayo Clinic. The demand has been almost entirely consumer driven." – Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD, Clinical Professor of

Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMMC) and the University of Arizona School of Medicine




Natural Health is the fastest growing Natural Health is the fastest growing segment of the health care industry with segment of the health care industry with over 83 million Americans spending over over 83 million Americans spending over $34 billion annually. $34 billion annually.

A majority of it is out of pocket.A majority of it is out of pocket.

The number of visits to Natural Health The number of visits to Natural Health providers exceeded those to primary providers exceeded those to primary physicians by over 200 million in 2002.physicians by over 200 million in 2002.


38% of the public has used some natural health 38% of the public has used some natural health modality.modality.

Nearly double that rate—76%--of doctors and Nearly double that rate—76%--of doctors and nurses have used a natural health therapy, nurses have used a natural health therapy, according to a study conducted by the Penny according to a study conducted by the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing with the George Institute for Health and Healing with the Allina Health System.Allina Health System.

This holds true even when removing vitamins This holds true even when removing vitamins and supplements from the responses.and supplements from the responses.





Natural Health ModalitiesNatural Health Modalities

When you think of Natural Health, it can When you think of Natural Health, it can encompass any number of modalities.encompass any number of modalities.

Most are so safe that licensing is not Most are so safe that licensing is not required. required.

Some are practiced by licensed Some are practiced by licensed professionals, but most licensed professionals, but most licensed professionals risk running afoul of the professionals risk running afoul of the medical board if they do practice them.medical board if they do practice them.

Qualifications to PracticeQualifications to Practice

Statute 146A requires practitioners to give Statute 146A requires practitioners to give their clients a Bill of Rights.their clients a Bill of Rights.

This document includes a disclosure This document includes a disclosure notice containing background on their notice containing background on their training.training.

Most people should and do ask about Most people should and do ask about qualifications before “hiring” a practitioner. qualifications before “hiring” a practitioner.



Qualifications to PracticeQualifications to Practice

Buyer Beware applies to licensed Buyer Beware applies to licensed practitioners as well.practitioners as well.

Licensing doesn’t guarantee high quality, it Licensing doesn’t guarantee high quality, it guarantees minimal quality.guarantees minimal quality.

DLI discussed a pilot project utilizing more DLI discussed a pilot project utilizing more effective MD’s.effective MD’s.

It is up to the insurance companies to It is up to the insurance companies to mandate qualifications, not the state.mandate qualifications, not the state.



Scope of PracticeScope of Practice

Some have expressed concern that there is no Some have expressed concern that there is no scope of practice for unlicensed practitioners. scope of practice for unlicensed practitioners.

Statute 146A is a safe harbor law, which Statute 146A is a safe harbor law, which requires that the practitioners stay within the requires that the practitioners stay within the harbor of safe practices. They are not allowed harbor of safe practices. They are not allowed to engage in any unsafe practices, such as to engage in any unsafe practices, such as drugs and surgery.drugs and surgery.

146A practitioners have been and continue to be 146A practitioners have been and continue to be covered by Fraud Laws.covered by Fraud Laws.



What About Fraud?What About Fraud?

Research on incidences of insurance fraud show Research on incidences of insurance fraud show that having a license and a standard of care has that having a license and a standard of care has not stopped anyone from engaging in fraudulent not stopped anyone from engaging in fraudulent practices. practices.

Most often involves double or triple billing Most often involves double or triple billing insurance companies, giving unnecessary insurance companies, giving unnecessary treatment, not giving treatment claimed.treatment, not giving treatment claimed.

No information was uncovered about unlicensed No information was uncovered about unlicensed natural health practitioners engaging in such natural health practitioners engaging in such fraudulent practices.fraudulent practices.



No Benefit to 146A PractitionersNo Benefit to 146A Practitioners

There was no evidence that anyone had There was no evidence that anyone had even used a 146A practitioner.even used a 146A practitioner.

Most practitioners can’t afford to wait until Most practitioners can’t afford to wait until they receive payment from an insurance they receive payment from an insurance company.company.

If someone submitted a claim, it would If someone submitted a claim, it would likely be on a reimbursement basis and likely be on a reimbursement basis and the practitioner would be unaware of it.the practitioner would be unaware of it.





HomeopathyHomeopathy

A form of Natural Health care that uses A form of Natural Health care that uses minute substances from plant, animal and minute substances from plant, animal and mineral kingdoms to stimulate the body to mineral kingdoms to stimulate the body to heal itself. heal itself. The substances are prepared in a special The substances are prepared in a special way called potentizing which makes them way called potentizing which makes them safe and effective. safe and effective. Works on the principal of Like Cures Like. Works on the principal of Like Cures Like. Has been around for over 200 years.Has been around for over 200 years.



NaturopathyNaturopathy

A system or method of treating disease A system or method of treating disease that employs no surgery or synthetic drugs that employs no surgery or synthetic drugs but uses special diets, herbs, vitamins, but uses special diets, herbs, vitamins, massage, etc., to assist the natural healing massage, etc., to assist the natural healing processes. processes.

It could include homeopathy, supplements, It could include homeopathy, supplements, acupuncture, nutrition, etc.acupuncture, nutrition, etc.



NaturopathyNaturopathy

Some naturopaths have gone to a four Some naturopaths have gone to a four year school. In Minnesota they are year school. In Minnesota they are referred to as Registered Doctors of referred to as Registered Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine. (RDNM) Naturopathic Medicine. (RDNM)

Others have gotten their training from a Others have gotten their training from a variety of sources over the years and are variety of sources over the years and are considered Traditional Naturopaths. considered Traditional Naturopaths.



Massage TherapyMassage Therapy

Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to promote health and spasm, and stress; and, to promote health and wellness. wellness.

Massage therapy improves functioning of the Massage therapy improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. which the body recovers from injury and illness.



RolfingRolfing

Also known as Structural Integration.Also known as Structural Integration.

Rolfing assists the structure of the body by Rolfing assists the structure of the body by reorganizing the fascia.reorganizing the fascia.

It recognizes that the body is a system of It recognizes that the body is a system of seamless networks of tissues rather than a seamless networks of tissues rather than a collection of separate parts.collection of separate parts.



RolfingRolfing

Research has demonstrated that Rolfing creates Research has demonstrated that Rolfing creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement.economical and refined patterns of movement.

Research also shows that Rolfing significantly Research also shows that Rolfing significantly reduces chronic stress and changes in the body reduces chronic stress and changes in the body structure. structure.

Research also showed that Rolfing enhances Research also showed that Rolfing enhances neurological functioning. neurological functioning.



AromatherapyAromatherapy

Humans have the capacity to distinguish Humans have the capacity to distinguish 10,000 different smells.10,000 different smells.

In dealing with patients who have lost the In dealing with patients who have lost the sense of smell, doctors have found that a sense of smell, doctors have found that a life without fragrance can lead to high life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. anxiety and depression.




The nose is the portal for the chemicals The nose is the portal for the chemicals that are found naturally in many that are found naturally in many substances to be introduced into the body.substances to be introduced into the body.

Other forms of medicine also use the Other forms of medicine also use the olfactory method of delivering the olfactory method of delivering the medicine. medicine.

Some essential oils can also work by Some essential oils can also work by being absorbed through the skin.being absorbed through the skin.




A fragrance company in Japan conducted A fragrance company in Japan conducted studies to determine the effects of smell studies to determine the effects of smell on people. on people.

They have pumped different fragrances in They have pumped different fragrances in an area where a number of keyboard entry an area where a number of keyboard entry operators were stationed and monitored operators were stationed and monitored the number of mistakes made as a the number of mistakes made as a function of the smell in the air. function of the smell in the air.




When exposed to lavender oil fragrance (a When exposed to lavender oil fragrance (a relaxant), the keyboard typing errors relaxant), the keyboard typing errors dropped 20 percent. dropped 20 percent.

When exposed to jasmine (an uplifting When exposed to jasmine (an uplifting fragrance), the errors dropped 33 percent fragrance), the errors dropped 33 percent

When exposed to lemon fragrance (a When exposed to lemon fragrance (a sharp, refreshing stimulant), the errors fell sharp, refreshing stimulant), the errors fell by a whopping 54 percent!by a whopping 54 percent!



The Ultimate Wellness CenterThe Ultimate Wellness Center

Established by Becker Furniture World Established by Becker Furniture World owner Doug Huseby.owner Doug Huseby.

Wellness clinicsWellness clinics

Injury ClinicsInjury Clinics– In Wellness clinic or MobileIn Wellness clinic or Mobile



Injury ClinicsInjury Clinics

Over the course of Five years, Ultimate Over the course of Five years, Ultimate Wellness has developed protocols for helping to Wellness has developed protocols for helping to heal injuries, particularly back injuries.heal injuries, particularly back injuries.

They include modalities that are used by They include modalities that are used by professional sports teams to get their elite professional sports teams to get their elite athletes back on the field.athletes back on the field.

Spinal Decompression, Microcurrent Therapy, Spinal Decompression, Microcurrent Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy, Muscle Stimulation and Cold Laser Therapy, Muscle Stimulation and UltraSound.UltraSound.



Work Comp Case #1Work Comp Case #1

Kyle came into UWC for an injury that Kyle came into UWC for an injury that occurred while working. She slipped on a occurred while working. She slipped on a patch of ice and came to the clinic with patch of ice and came to the clinic with constant pain in the left hip and low back constant pain in the left hip and low back area. He received 1 treatment of area. He received 1 treatment of advanced nerve/muscle therapy and advanced nerve/muscle therapy and reported that had far less tension and felt reported that had far less tension and felt completely better. completely better.



Case #1Case #1

Initial Case: Initial Case: Days Lost: 5Days Lost: 5Medical Costs: $3,500.00Medical Costs: $3,500.00

Final Claim Resolution:Final Claim Resolution:Days Lost: 1Days Lost: 1Medical Costs $175.00Medical Costs $175.00



Case #2Case #2

Henry came to the UWC after slipping on Henry came to the UWC after slipping on stairs while carrying some boxes at work. stairs while carrying some boxes at work. He hurt his mid and low back. The pain He hurt his mid and low back. The pain was 10 of 10, was constant and nothing was 10 of 10, was constant and nothing provided any relief. provided any relief.

After treatment, his back pain was only After treatment, his back pain was only present 30% of the time and was a 3 of present 30% of the time and was a 3 of 10. 10.



Case #2Case #2

At that point Henry went back to work At that point Henry went back to work functioning fully but still had some aches functioning fully but still had some aches and pains. and pains.

Within a month and a half, he reported no Within a month and a half, he reported no pain, and that he felt better than he had pain, and that he felt better than he had pre-injury.pre-injury.



Case #2Case #2

Initial Case:Initial Case:Lost days: TTO 21 days, TPO 30 daysLost days: TTO 21 days, TPO 30 daysMedical: $12,000.Medical: $12,000.

Final Claim Resolution:Final Claim Resolution:Lost days: TTO 4 days, TPO 13 daysLost days: TTO 4 days, TPO 13 daysMedical: $865.Medical: $865.



Starkey LabsStarkey Labs

15 years ago, Starkey had 1.3 million 15 years ago, Starkey had 1.3 million dollars annually in Work Comp Claims, dollars annually in Work Comp Claims, mostly CTS. mostly CTS.

They brought Rolfers to the company to They brought Rolfers to the company to work on the 17 people who had been work on the 17 people who had been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).(CTS).




Since implementing the on-site Rolfing program, Since implementing the on-site Rolfing program, Starkey has gone from $150,000/mo in Work Starkey has gone from $150,000/mo in Work Comp Claims to $58,000/year in Work Comp Comp Claims to $58,000/year in Work Comp Claims.Claims.

Starkey pays $80,000/year for the two part time, Starkey pays $80,000/year for the two part time, on-site Rolfers.on-site Rolfers.

Their work comp expenses are ½ the national Their work comp expenses are ½ the national benchmark for light electronic assembly.benchmark for light electronic assembly.

$345,000/year is considered good nationally.$345,000/year is considered good nationally.




Starkey’s MOD rate is 55. Most companies can’t Starkey’s MOD rate is 55. Most companies can’t get lower than 70.get lower than 70.

VP of Human Resources, Larry Miller, estimates VP of Human Resources, Larry Miller, estimates that they have saved that they have saved $10 - $20 million dollars $10 - $20 million dollars since introduction of the program.since introduction of the program.

Today Rolfing is part of the culture at Starkey. Today Rolfing is part of the culture at Starkey.

There was never a corporate edict. There was never a corporate edict.

Any employee can get Rolfed. Any employee can get Rolfed.




Unexpected Benefits of the Rolfing Unexpected Benefits of the Rolfing ProgramProgram– Their cost per hire is 50% of the national Their cost per hire is 50% of the national

average. They have a higher retention rate average. They have a higher retention rate and it is easier to recruit employees.and it is easier to recruit employees.

– There is no antagonism between There is no antagonism between employers and employees as it regards employers and employees as it regards work related injuries.work related injuries.


In 2010, DLI established the Governor’s In 2010, DLI established the Governor’s Award for innovation in Work Comp.Award for innovation in Work Comp.

Starkey Labs won this award.Starkey Labs won this award.

How can the state reward such innovation How can the state reward such innovation and then tell its workers that unless they and then tell its workers that unless they work for a company willing to pay for it, work for a company willing to pay for it, such as Starkey, this award winning such as Starkey, this award winning therapy is not an option for them?therapy is not an option for them?





ResearchResearch

In 2008, a study was done in Northern In 2008, a study was done in Northern Ireland on the effectiveness of CAM Ireland on the effectiveness of CAM modalities and Muscular Skeletal modalities and Muscular Skeletal disorders. disorders.

337 patients took a MYMOP before and 337 patients took a MYMOP before and after treatment.after treatment.

Over all there was a statistically significant Over all there was a statistically significant improvement in over all health.improvement in over all health.



ResearchResearch

In addition, there was a statistically In addition, there was a statistically significant improvement in symptoms, significant improvement in symptoms, activity, and well being for Acupuncture, activity, and well being for Acupuncture, Chiropractic/Osteopathy and Homeopathy, Chiropractic/Osteopathy and Homeopathy, with Homeopathy showing the most with Homeopathy showing the most improvement.improvement.Those who indicated their symptoms were Those who indicated their symptoms were as bad as they can be dropped from 31% as bad as they can be dropped from 31% pre-treatment to 5% post-treatment.pre-treatment to 5% post-treatment.



ResearchResearch

Primary practitioners viewed their patient Primary practitioners viewed their patient outcomes as better using homeopathy and outcomes as better using homeopathy and chiropractic/osteopathy than they did for chiropractic/osteopathy than they did for acupuncture.acupuncture.81% of patients said their physical health 81% of patients said their physical health had improved as a result of the treatment.had improved as a result of the treatment.64% of patients presenting with 64% of patients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions reported less musculoskeletal conditions reported less pain.pain.



Homeopathy and InjuriesHomeopathy and Injuries

A study in the Journal of Head Trauma A study in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (Dec 1999), examined the Rehabilitation (Dec 1999), examined the effectiveness of homeopathy and Mild Traumatic effectiveness of homeopathy and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (MTBI). Brain Injuries (MTBI). Homeopathy was the only treatment that Homeopathy was the only treatment that produced significant improvement.produced significant improvement.Problems with the study: As a practitioner, I Problems with the study: As a practitioner, I would have had much more follow-up than the would have had much more follow-up than the study. Earlier intervention would have better study. Earlier intervention would have better results. results.



Homeopathy and InjuriesHomeopathy and Injuries

The Clinical Journal of Pain published a The Clinical Journal of Pain published a study (May 2009) which showed marked study (May 2009) which showed marked and sustained improvement of Chronic low and sustained improvement of Chronic low back pain from using Homeopathy. back pain from using Homeopathy.



Other Benefits of HomeopathyOther Benefits of Homeopathy

It is not addictive. It is not addictive.

It has no side effects of sleepiness, It has no side effects of sleepiness, nausea, etc., that are common with pain nausea, etc., that are common with pain killers.killers.

It does not slow down the healing process It does not slow down the healing process as drugs, especially narcotics, are known as drugs, especially narcotics, are known to do.to do.

It is VERY inexpensive. It is VERY inexpensive.



ABC CodesABC Codes

Many of the statistics that are found in Many of the statistics that are found in Western Medicine are sourced from the Western Medicine are sourced from the CPT codes which do not reflect any CPT codes which do not reflect any Natural Health Modalities. Natural Health Modalities.

The CPT codes are owned by the AMA. The CPT codes are owned by the AMA.

It earns the AMA an estimated $140 It earns the AMA an estimated $140 million annually. million annually.



ABC CodesABC Codes

If there are no codes for Natural Health in If there are no codes for Natural Health in the most widely used coding system in the the most widely used coding system in the country, no statistics on effectiveness can country, no statistics on effectiveness can be garnered from them.be garnered from them.

If there are no codes for Natural Health, If there are no codes for Natural Health, practitioners cannot get paid from practitioners cannot get paid from Insurance or Work Comp.Insurance or Work Comp.



ABC CodesABC Codes

Were developed with a grant from the Were developed with a grant from the Federal Government.Federal Government.The inspiration for ABC Codes came from The inspiration for ABC Codes came from an insurance industry professional, an insurance industry professional, Melinna Giannini, who went from doctor to Melinna Giannini, who went from doctor to doctor trying to get well. Hundreds of doctor trying to get well. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent.thousands of dollars were spent.She went to a naturopath and was better She went to a naturopath and was better in one session.in one session.



ABC CodesABC Codes

ABC Codes are more complete and ABC Codes are more complete and accurate on most modalities.accurate on most modalities.Many plans allow only a limited number of Many plans allow only a limited number of chiropractic visits because they don’t have chiropractic visits because they don’t have codes for all the treatment options codes for all the treatment options available, thus they don’t have the available, thus they don’t have the information on effectiveness, etc.information on effectiveness, etc.It captures impartial data not influenced by It captures impartial data not influenced by special interest groups. special interest groups.



ABC CodesABC Codes

It helps determine the causes of, and finds It helps determine the causes of, and finds solutions to health disparities.solutions to health disparities.

CPT Codes have 30 minutes increments. CPT Codes have 30 minutes increments. ABC Codes have 15 minute increments.ABC Codes have 15 minute increments.

Alaska Medicaid would have experienced Alaska Medicaid would have experienced a $2,032,856 cost increase had they only a $2,032,856 cost increase had they only been able to bill in 30 minute increments.been able to bill in 30 minute increments.



ABC CodesABC Codes

Implementing ABC Codes in Minnesota Implementing ABC Codes in Minnesota could reduce costs and gather more could reduce costs and gather more information about the effectiveness of information about the effectiveness of Natural Health Modalities as it relates to Natural Health Modalities as it relates to getting injured workers back to work. getting injured workers back to work.



Work Comp CostsWork Comp Costs

In 2003, JAMA estimated that the In 2003, JAMA estimated that the productivity losses in the US due to productivity losses in the US due to employees working in pain was over $61.2 employees working in pain was over $61.2 Billion per year.Billion per year.According to the US Bureau of Labor, According to the US Bureau of Labor, most Work Comp injuries are most Work Comp injuries are Muscular/Skeletal in nature.Muscular/Skeletal in nature.Work Comp injuries account for 25% of Work Comp injuries account for 25% of medical costs in the US. medical costs in the US.



Preventing InjuriesPreventing Injuries

The least expensive injury to treat is one The least expensive injury to treat is one that doesn’t occur.that doesn’t occur.

How does an employer know that an How does an employer know that an employee is pre-disposed to an injury?employee is pre-disposed to an injury?

What can be done to help prevent injuries What can be done to help prevent injuries in those that are injury prone, or those that in those that are injury prone, or those that may be exhibiting a prodrome phase that may be exhibiting a prodrome phase that is unidentifiable? is unidentifiable?



BibliographyBibliography(Available at www.mnhlrp.org)(Available at www.mnhlrp.org)

Evaluation of a CAM Pilot Project in Northern Ireland Evaluation of a CAM Pilot Project in Northern Ireland (2008) (2008) Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

The Cure to the Sorry State of American Health, Peter The Cure to the Sorry State of American Health, Peter McCarthy, CTS and Radhia Gleis, CCN, MEd, January McCarthy, CTS and Radhia Gleis, CCN, MEd, January 1, 2009.1, 2009.

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/treatment/articles/2011/08/26/many-health-care-workers-have-turned-to-alternative-medicine



BibliographyBibliography

www.holisticonline.com

www.rolf.org

Joseph J. Sweere, DC, Professor Joseph J. Sweere, DC, Professor Northwestern Health Sciences UniversityNorthwestern Health Sciences University

Larry Miller, VP Human Resources, Larry Miller, VP Human Resources, Starkey LabsStarkey Labs

Doug Huseby, Owner, Ultimate Wellness Doug Huseby, Owner, Ultimate Wellness CenterCenter



ContactsContacts

Kathryn Z. Berg, MA, PCH, CCHKathryn Z. Berg, MA, PCH, CCHClassical HomeopathClassical HomeopathVice-President, MNHLRPVice-President, [email protected] o; 651-336-3334 c651-748-1556 o; 651-336-3334 cGregory V. Schmidt, MFAGregory V. Schmidt, MFAPresident, MNHLRPPresident, [email protected]

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Natural Health & Workers Compensation