Why Have a Chiropractor Perform the Evaluation?



Chiropractors are primary health care practitioners, regulated in all provinces of Canada. Chiropractors have extensive expertise in the evaluation and conservative management of individuals with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. In Canada, chiropractic care is covered by public and private health plans, automobile accident insurers, and Workers' Compensation Agencies.

The Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators (CSCE) is a not-for-profit, non-share corporation established in 1996 to promote and advance the quality of independent chiropractic evaluations. CSCE strives to promote a high level of quality, expertise and standardization in the performance of independent chiropractic evaluations and in the production of the resultant narrative report. Members of the Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators undergo a thorough review of their qualifications, and must meet minimum standards. Most have extensive clinical and independent evaluation experience in the field of musculoskeletal disorders. They adhere to comprehensive standards and guidelines established by CSCE.

Periodically, an independent evaluation or interdisciplinary assessment of an insured person is necessary. The reasons may vary, but will usually involve establishing the presence of accident-related impairment(s) and subsequent disability. The purpose of the assessment also involves determining whether proposed treatment(s) is/are reasonable and necessary and to make recommendations for future provision of care. Barriers to recovery could also be identified.

In order for the assessment to be viewed as fair by all stakeholders, the evaluation should be performed by a highly qualified independent evaluator. Specifically, where there are concerns regarding proposed need for chiropractic care, we believe that a peer review evaluation is indicated. That is to say, chiropractors are simply the best qualified health practitioners to comment on the appropriateness of any proposed chiropractic care. While the goal is to provide an impartial assessment, should a case advance to legal proceedings or arbitration, a peer-reviewed opinion would be perceived as being more objective and unbiased. In addition, chiropractors have served as expert witnesses in the tort system and in abritrations.

The expertise of CSCE members should serve as a valuable resource to assist you in the management of your health care claims. If you require additional information, please contact CSCE as listed below.