Making the Case for Non-Surgical
Decompression Therapy In Your Practice

With shifting reimbursement trends and sky rocketing medical costs, physicians are looking for new profit centers and revenue sources needed to grow their practice, while still providing the best possible treatments for their patients. At the same time, non-invasive non-surgical treatment options are becoming more and more popular. The Accu-SPINA ™ IDD Therapy System is a new non-invasive treatment breakthrough that is not only helping physicians provide the highest quality treatment, but it’s so effective, the buzz from success stories is actually increasing their patient base and in turn, their profits.

In 1999, Peter M. Ferraro, DC of Sente & Ferraro Chiropractic and Physical Therapy in Saddle Brook, NJ, became involved with decompression therapy.  Now, 8 years later, and with 3 therapy units in his practice, Dr. Ferraro has extensive experience and insights into this non-invasive treatment option.

Accordingly, SpineUniverse recently interviewed Dr. Ferraro about his experience with IDD Therapy® protocols.  Specifically we discussed how and why his patient satisfaction levels and referrals have significantly grown because of this therapy system.

Q:  Dr. Ferraro, how did you get started with IDD Therapy treatments?
A:  In 2000, because of an injury, I suffered a herniated disc.  It was then I was introduced to decompression therapy.  Of course, over the years the technology has improved.  Since working with the Accu-SPINA™ System and IDD Therapy protocols, I’ve treated thousands of patients – many like myself – with great success.

Q:  Please tell us about the patients you treat.
A:  The typical patient is someone who has already undergone traditional nonsurgical treatment and continues to suffer pain.  Pain may be caused by a degenerated disc, such as a bulging or herniated disc.  Although some are already my patients, many are referred from local orthopedic and neurological practices. 

Q:  How has decompression therapy affected your patient base?
A:  It is one of the largest sources of new referrals from past patients.  It makes sense to try all nonsurgical options before surgery and this is what patients want.  Often, the treatment markets itself to the community simply by word of mouth.
In fact, approximately 75% of the patients that come to our facility are coming for IDD Therapy. Our gross revenue has increased by about 50% since we started using IDD Therapy protocols.

Q:  Is decompression therapy always your first treatment consideration?
A:  No.  Patients, my own and referrals, complete a comprehensive intake form.  The intake form provides a basis from which to begin to understand the patient’s symptoms and forewarns if the problem is more than a sprain or strain.  Of course, a comprehensive medical history is taken followed by an in-depth physical and neurological examination.  During the initial exam, the pain source and potential nerve involvement is explored to pinpoint the pain source.  MRI studies confirm examination findings.  Patient selection is key to decompression therapy success.

Q:  Is IDD therapy comfortable for the patient?
A:  Yes.  Patients find the therapy to be so comfortable and relaxing, that many nap during the 25-30 minute treatment session.  As I stated earlier, pain relief is nearly immediate.

Q:  What should doctors look for when selecting a spinal rehabilitation therapy system you use?
A:  The system chosen must allow the doctor  the ability to customize treatments for each patient.  I use the Accu-SPINA™ System and IDD Therapy as their technology makes it possible to treat the specific discs causing symptoms and provides instant pain relief.  IDD Therapy has become an integral part of my practice.  Remarkably, I have three Accu SPINA system units in my office and they now operate 12-hours every day Monday through Friday.

Q: Has IDD Therapy allowed you to differentiate your practice from other physicians in your area?
A: Utilizing IDD Therapy has allowed us to differentiate us from the multitudes of Chiropractors in our geographic area. Not only do we get a significant amount of referrals from the local medical community but also from other chiropractors who may not have the space for the IDD Therapy system.

Q: Do you feel IDD Therapy would allow the same advantage to other physicians?
A: I do believe that any physician given the opportunity to own an IDD unit could have the same advantages our practice has gained along with doing a great service to their local community.

Q:  Who administers IDD Therapy treatments in your practice?
A:  In my practice, only licensed chiropractors or physical therapists operate the decompression tables.  The manufacturer of the decompression tables provides training and staff certification, which includes patient selection guidelines.

Q:  How does your practice market itself as a decompression therapy provider?
A:  Patient feedback in the community has given me the respect of other chiropractic, orthopedic and neurosurgical practices, who routinely refer patients.  However, I continue to use the IHS-designed print ads for local newspaper advertising and internal brochures.  Patient reports provided by Accu-SPINA™ enable me to share comprehensive information about individual patient care throughout treatment with my colleagues.  Everyone is kept informed and all treatment options remain open; both nonsurgical and surgical.

To learn more about the economic impact of IDD Therapy, please review the physician interviews at www.ihs-health.com/videoclips.asp.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Ferraro’s practice, we invite you to visit his website. (www.senteandferraro.com)