Chiropractor clinic considerations

In addition to the chiropractor’s technique, education and case management approach, it is a good idea to consider the chiropractic clinic’s set up and several other factors before selecting a chiropractor.

Chiropractic clinic fees, hours and location
Many conditions require a series of visits to the chiropractor, so it is best to avoid any practice where the hours and location would make it impossible to receive an appropriate course of chiropractic care.

It is prudent to steer clear of chiropractors employing marketing gimmicks to procure new patients. For example, health fairs in shopping malls often include chiropractors giving free spinal exams designed to help procure new patients. The most common gimmick is usually a spinal exam that includes a postural analysis by a chiropractor. If a patient has poor posture and no pain, a chiropractor should discuss ergonomic modifications and/or an exercise and stretching program (possibly not chiropractic manipulation – this decision is case specific).

Questions to ask:

What is the chiropractor’s fees for the initial examination? For the chiropractic adjustment? The doctor’s fees should be competitive with the typical chiropractor fees in the local area.
What kind of discounts does the chiropractor offer? Most chiropractic offices offer a reduced fee for cash payments at the same time of service or family/volume discounts.
Does the chiropractic clinic file for insurance reimbursement? Or better yet, will the clinic check to see if the patient’s insurance company will help pay for the chiropractic care?

It is advisable to avoid chiropractors who try to obtain a lump sum up front for “extended” or “lifetime” chiropractic care.

X-rays and chiropractic care
There are arguments both for and against the use of x-rays. The majority of patients who see chiropractors do not require x-rays; however, many chiropractic offices take them as a standard office procedure, either as a defensive practice to rule out pathology or to aid in determining where to adjust the spine.

X-rays are necessary if the patient has sustained a recent traumatic injury, if the patient is over 70 years of age, if the patient’s history and examination suggests a possible bone disease (such as arthritis), or if there is a long-standing pain that has not responded or resolved with care.

Questions to ask:

Does the chiropractor recommend an x-ray? If so, why? Avoid chiropractors who insist on taking x-rays of every patient, regardless of what is wrong.
If an x-ray is taken by the chiropractor, how do the x-ray findings correlate to the patient’s pain and symptoms? Be wary of chiropractors who use the x-ray findings as scare tactics to justify excessive chiropractic treatment. If the patient does not have pain and the chiropractor wants to continue treatment because of what an x-ray shows, it is best to get a second opinion from another chiropractor or medical professional before continuing care.
What other tests may be taken by the chiropractor? Beware of any chiropractor who tries to sell high tech tests like a scanning EMG, computerized range of motion analysis, etc. Most of these tests look impressive but have very little scientific data supporting their validity and they do not help when making chiropractic treatment decisions. They also usually come with an impressive price tag.

Communication style

Finally, the chiropractor’s individual style and communication skills play an important role. Some people will have a markedly better chiropractic experience and may heal better if their health care practitioner has good communication skills.

Questions to ask:

Is the chiropractor friendly and courteous?
Does the chiropractor listen to the patient’s complete explanation of symptoms?
Does the chiropractor answer all questions?
Does the patient feel comfortable talking with the chiropractor?

Selecting any health care professional for treatment is something that should be done with care. Do not feel compelled to be treated by the first chiropractor interviewed – many people interview several chiropractors before finding one that is best suited to treat their condition.

By: Kelly Andrews, DC
June 14, 2004