8550.0 - Chiropractic and Osteopathic Services, Australia, 1997-98  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 20/08/1999   
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MEDIA RELEASE

August 20, 1999
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
100/99
New look at chiropractic and osteopathic practices

During 1997-98, Australia's 2,132 chiropractic and osteopathic practices averaged an operating profit margin of 20.4%, according to figures released today in a new report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Chiropractic industry.
At the end of June 1998, there were 1,758 chiropractic practices, of which 84% were single chiropractor practices. These practices generated total income of $239 million during 1997-98 with 95% ($229 million) accruing from fee-for-service. Total expenses for the industry were $192 million, of which 49% was labour costs.

The industry recorded an operating profit before tax of $46 million, which represented an operating profit margin of 19.4%. Wages and business profits resulted in a return per chiropractor of $41,900 for 1997-98.

Males dominated the profession, with 76% of the 2,053 chiropractors being male. In an average working week chiropractors had 180,258 patient consultations, which was 88 consultations for each chiropractor per week. While the number of chiropractors per person was equal to the national average for New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia were above the average.

Osteopathic industry.
At the end of June 1998, there were 374 osteopathic practices, of which 94% were single osteopathic practices. The osteopathic industry was smaller than the chiropractic industry. It generated $29 million in total income and had $20 million in total expenses.

The industry recorded an operating profit before tax of $8 million which represented an operating profit margin of 29.5%. Wages and business profits resulted in a return per osteopath of $30,000 for 1997-98.

Of the 395 osteopaths, 72% were male and 61% were less than 45 years of age. In an average working week, osteopaths had 17,011 patient consultations, which was 43 consultations for each osteopath per week. While 46% of osteopaths practised in New South Wales, three other States and territories (Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory) also had a higher number of osteopaths per person than the national average.

Details are in Chiropractic and Osteopathic Services, Australia, 1997-98 (cat. no. 8550.0) available from ABS bookshops. A summary of the publication is available from this site. The ABS encourages media organisations with online news services to link to the main findings. Please phone us if you need assistance to do this.