Physical Therapist Practice Outsources to Chiropractor

Outsourcing happens all the time.  Generally speaking, outsourcing is a good option if your business has a need but lacks the time, knowledge, skill or staffing to adequately perform the activity.

What about this.... how do the rest of you feel about outsourcing services to a chiropractor?  Really, really... I'm not dreaming.  My fabulous tweetdeck shared this with me yesterday, "I am performing FREE Balance Screenings this Thursday at Gulf Coast Physical Therapy in Sarasota (corner of Beneva and Bahia Vista). Call 941-951-0283 for directions. Takes 5 minutes. Great for people who are prone to falling, people with dizziness or vertigo, and whiplash or concussion victims."  Whoa... step away from tweetdeck.  I was kind of shocked.  The reason I was shocked was simply because the tweet was from a chiropractor.

When I woke up this morning, this tweet was still on my mind.  Why would a physical therapy business allow a chiropractor to use a physical therapy facility to perform free balance screenings especially in a direct access state? AND considering Medicare beneficiaries require a referral from a physician (of which a chiropractor is not) what is to be gained by this "relationship?"

I actually contacted the physical therapy clinic.  The chiropractor will be there on Thursday.  "I'm kind of confused.  Don't physical therapists treat balance problems?" "Yes." "If grandma needs physical therapy services because she's at risk of falling, how will she get those services?  Who will provide them?"  After a long pause to that question... "I don't know.  Maybe the chiropractor is bringing a medical doctor?" 

My thoughts - don't outsource services you can provide to a chiropractor!  Call me first - I would most definitely help hook you up to a physical therapist who could help you achieve whatever it is without outsourcing to a chiropractor!  Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?

~Selena