The World Chiropractic Alliance has issued a position paper on the use of surveys and telemarketing in the chiropractic profession.

"We have seen a number of doctors around the country harassed by their state boards because they have used telephone surveys to obtain information on the attitudes about and perception of chiropractic in his practice area," stated Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., president of the WCA.

"It's our conclusion that these surveys, when used appropriately, can be legitimate and valuable tools for understanding the community needs. They cannot be considered 'telemarketing' if they do not directly solicit patients or offer any inducement for people to become patients," he said.

The type of information requested in many of these surveys could easily help any doctor of chiropractic implement practice procedures (expanded office hours, lower fees, etc.), design more effective public education material, and create print advertising campaigns to better serve the needs of his or her community.

"Rather than condemn them, state boards should encourage doctors to use them since they can enhance a doctor's ability to make a valuable contribution to the health and well-being of the state's residents," Dr. Rondberg noted.

A copy of the new position paper is available on the World Chiropractic Alliance website.