Problems in Non-Doctor Treatment

Abstract

433 outpatients of our clinic were asked by the doctors in charge: whether they had received medical care befor visiting our clinic, when they had received treatment, where and any relevant details and effects. 202 patients (46.7%) had visited other hospitals or clinics, 193 patients (44.6%) were seeking treatment for the first time at our clinic, and 38 patients (8.8%) had visited bone setters, acupuncturists or chiropractors. Treatment by non-doctors had two serious problems; one was that many patients were receiving ineffective treatment for an unsusually long period of time, the other was that the medical fees for ineffective treatment were paid by the public health insurance system without confirmation. These problems should be resolved without delay.