How do you know that you’re hearing each patient’s primary concerns? By conducting a careful exam, of course, but also by making sure each patient understands all you can do! If you’re not clear about your abilities, you may not hear about what’s most wrong.
Are there symptoms of a higher priority than the patient’s chief complaint? Your patients will be more committed if they share all their health challenges with you, and they’re more likely to do that when they understand how much you can help.
Getting the Right Details
As a chiropractor, it’s imperative that you understand every patient’s primary concerns. As you likely know, these may not be the same issues that brought the patient to see you. Here are some steps that can help you get the full story:
- Make sure your patient understands subluxation and how it works. Clarify how adjustments can solve problems beyond pain.
- Ask direct, open-ended questions to stimulate debate. “What’s your worst problem?” “What brings you in today?” “If you could get rid of one problem entirely, what would that be?”
- Use active listening to ensure that you fully understand. Meaning, pay close attention, and repeat what is said to ensure understanding.
- Ask follow-up questions for more specific information about symptoms. Have a patient reporting back pain? Ask the location and severity, when the pain started, and what makes it worse or better.
- Conduct a physical examination to assess the patient’s posture, range of motion, and any areas of pain or discomfort.
- Review any relevant medical history or imaging studies.
- Collaborate with other healthcare providers where appropriate.
These steps will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s concerns and you’ll be better able to develop a care plan tailored to their specific needs. You’ll also be more likely to understand their full range of issues, and you’ll be better positioned to provide comprehensive care.
If you want to see how we handle the route to full and clear understanding between our patients and chiropractors at DC Trainings, check out this video on Handling Primary Concerns. If you need help taking your practice to the stratosphere, join us, or contact us for more information. If you’d like to learn more, sign up for a free webinar here.