Print This PageHow to Choose a Chiropractic Clinic
More Chiropractic Info
In addition to the chiropractor’s technique, education and case management approach, it is a good idea to consider the chiropractic clinic’s setup 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 chiropractic clinics that rely on marketing gimmicks to procure new patients. For example, health fairs in shopping malls often include chiropractors giving free spinal exams. A common gimmick is a spinal exam that includes a postural analysis by a chiropractor. If a patient has poor posture and no pain, a competent chiropractor would discuss ergonomic modifications and/or an exercise and stretching program (chiropractic manipulation is not automatically warranted).
Questions to ask about chiropractic fees:
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Is the chiropractor covered under the patient’s insurance plan? What is the clinic policy for payment of services that are denied by the insurer (some clinics offer cash discounts for insurance-denied services)?
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What are the chiropractor’s fees for the initial examination? For the chiropractic adjustment? Fees should be competitive with typical chiropractor fees in the local area.
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What kind of discounts does the chiropractor offer? Most chiropractic offices offer a reduced fee for cash payments at the time of service or family/volume discounts.
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 about chiropractic exams:
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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.
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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 using-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.
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What other tests may be taken by the chiropractor? Beware of any chiropractor trying to sell high-tech tests such as a scanning EMG or a computerized range of motion analysis. Most of these tests look impressive but have very little scientific data supporting their validity and are of little use in making chiropractic treatment decisions. They also usually come with an impressive price tag that may not be covered under insurance.
Chiropractic 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 about the chiropractor’s style of communication:
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Is the chiropractor friendly and courteous?
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Does the chiropractor listen to the patient’s complete explanation of symptoms?
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Does the chiropractor fully answer all questions?
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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 best suited to treat their condition.
