Final answer:
A chiropractor, also known as a gatekeeper, is a health professional who specializes in non-surgical techniques to treat musculoskeletal system problems. They focus on the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nervous system. Whether or not a gatekeeper physician is required depends on the healthcare system or insurance plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Chiropractor, also known as a gatekeeper, is a health professional who specializes in non-surgical techniques to treat musculoskeletal system problems. They focus on the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nervous system. Chiropractors can address issues such as neck pain, back pain, joint pain, or headaches.
In some healthcare systems, a gatekeeper is a primary care physician who manages and coordinates a patient's healthcare needs. They act as a middleman between the patient and other healthcare providers, ensuring that the patient receives appropriate care and referrals to specialists if necessary. However, not all healthcare systems require a gatekeeper.
For example, in some insurance plans, such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), patients may be required to have a gatekeeper physician or a primary care physician. The gatekeeper serves as the first point of contact for the patient and determines if a referral to a specialist, such as a chiropractor, is necessary. The gatekeeper helps manage the patient's overall healthcare and ensures that the patient receives appropriate and cost-effective care.