There's one model in Alberta which is the spinal health centre. It was an idea that started, like with many great ideas, over a beer.
A chiropractor and his two neurosurgeons were sitting around complaining about their workload. The neurosurgeons said they had a stack of faxes on their desk this thick of referrals from medical doctors for patients that have back pain and leg pain, and they knew most of them did not need surgery, but they still had to see them.
They set up a triage system where patients could be assessed prior to coming in to see the surgeon so they wouldn't have to wait two years to be told they don't need surgery and they needed to go somewhere else. The doctors were able to turn things around within weeks of seeing the patient, getting them the care they needed properly.
The patients are happy because they are getting care quickly and getting relief quickly. The doctors are happy because the patients they are seeing are high-yield patients that give them good outcomes as well. The cost of this more conservative approach was enjoyed by all.
As chiropractors we are trained as primary care practitioners, and while 95% of aches and pains that come into my office are mechanical in nature, we are still trained to pick up on the other 5% that are not, that are more serious and need a proper referral. This is where our training to be able to recognize these things and work with other providers within the community is important.
Patients trust us as well. We build a relationship with them so they will come to us with their health questions. If we don't have the answer, to have the network of supporting professionals around us allows us to serve them better.