Delivering an effective chiropractic exam of course involves several steps – a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination, and any needed additional diagnostic tests. But a DC exam for new patients should also include educational elements, so that all your patients understand what you can do for them, what’s expected of them, and what they can expect of you. Here are some of the informational pieces you’ll want to include:
- What Chiropractors Do – A brief overview of the holistic chiropractic approach will help patients understand the ways in which you diagnose and heal.
- Subluxation Discussion (see our blog post on Explaining Subluxation for more detail.) It’s imperative that new patients receive a concise explanation of the way in which subluxations can cause pain and other bodily issues.
- Patient’s Health History – While most chiropractors use questionnaires, ouch forms, and other means of collecting information, make a point of asking about specific problems and rephrasing patient responses. The more engaged you are with new patients, the greater the likelihood that they’ll feel calm, welcomed, and listened to!
- Patient’s Rights – What rights do your patients have? Consider items such as a full diagnosis, explanation of any procedures, clarification of costs, etc.
- Patient’s Responsibilities – explain concerns such as attending appointments, following care plans, managing payments, etc.
- Lifestyle Concerns – patients need to understand that as a chiropractor, you will often address needed lifestyle changes as well as a specific chiropractic care plan.
- What A Report of Findings is, and what your policy is regarding the attendance of a spouse or family member at that session. (Patients who have the understanding, buy-in, and support from other family members tend to have more success managing lifestyle changes than those who try to go it alone.)
Ask questions and use paraphrasing to ensure that your new patients understand the terms you’re using and the kind of care you propose. While you conduct a physical exam and tests, briefly explain what you’re doing, or looking for (“I’m going to have you make various movements to check your spinal flexibility.”) If you decide to incorporate more comprehensive tests such as MRIs, X-rays, or CAT scans, be sure you explain the purpose of those tests as well.
In short, a good DC exam will consist of information moving back and forth between chiropractor and patient, so that you as DC learn all you need to develop a comprehensive care plan, and your patients understand all the ways in which you can help them.
If you want to learn how to deliver simplified but comprehensive DC Exams that net you all the information you need to really help your patients without taking a ton of your time, see Dr. Sawyer’s webinar on DC Exams here!
Make DC Trainings your route to creating the practice you love. Register here to join, and get access to seminars, documents, scripts, goals tracking, one-on-one help, and more. Want additional information? Contact us, or register for a free webinar here!