Download X-Ray Form - Spine Tech

Medical Necessity for X-ray Digitization
X-ray digitization and analysis is necessary when a patient’s history and subjective complaints
indicate possible musculoskeletal involvement and spinal x-rays are taken to evaluate
biomechanical stability. Chiropractic scope of practice laws vary from state to state; by the
Chiropractic profession’s clinical education and practice guidelines; as well as legal precedent.
(Willet v Rowekamp, 1938)
The “Osseous Component” of the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC) can only be objectively
identified and documented via x-ray imaging and analysis. It is the clinician’s responsibility to
detect the osseous component of the vertebral subluxation complex for the following reasons:
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Diagnose the presence, or absence, of spinal subluxation (VSC).
Quantify the osseous component of the subluxation complex (VSC).
Correlate symptomatology related to trauma with biomechanical changes.
Plan an appropriate treatment protocol.
Provide documentation of a patient’s biomechanical issues.
A follow-up comparative study is performed after 6-8 weeks of care to:
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To re-evaluate the patient’s injury and response to treatment.
To determine need for additional care or establish maximum improvement.
To score their level of impairment based upon ligamentous injury.
Digital analysis using computerized technology is preferred as there is a significant error rate for
hand Mensuration. [Up to 26%. Sigler & Howe, Inter & Intra examiner reliability of the upper
cervical marking system. JMPT 1985 8:75-80.]
Legal precedent requires Physicians to use the best factual data available. The Pennsylvania
Supreme Court (Smith vs. Yohe, 1963) ruled that a treating doctor was negligent for not using the
best factual data upon which to arrive at his diagnosis.
Computer-Aided Digital Radiographic Analysis provides the only precise and objective analysis of
the biomechanical improprieties of the spine in order to diagnose a Subluxation, delineate an
objective treatment plan and make comparisons at follow-up.
Patient Name: ____________________________________________
Treating Doctor: __________________________________________ Date:__________