In this episode, Dr. Sherry McAllister details the findings of four new research studies led by David Elton, DC, who is VP of Musculoskeletal R&D at Optum Labs (a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group). The research team utilized its massive claims database primarily to investigate the links between the type of healthcare provider initially contacted, service utilization and total episode cost for management of lower back pain and neck pain. Grace and Dr. McAllister discuss the implications of these studies for employers, health insurers and healthcare policy leaders.