The New Patient

Although first-time patients usually aren't problematic, this article shares why they require special consideration.

Posted in Risk Management on Friday, June 28, 2019

Especially with patients who are seeing a chiropractor for the first time, our attorney recommends taking a complete history and that using an informed consent process is in the doctor’s best interest. By fully explaining what the chiropractic treatment entails, the precise nature of the treatment being rendered, the expected results and possible risks, you help new patients become more at ease with the care provided.

On a slightly different note, our attorney finds that patients who have been seeing a different chiropractor or multiple chiropractors over many years are more likely to be critical of a D.C. who uses a different technique or approach from what they’re accustomed to.

Our attorney said she often hears patients say in depositions that “my other chiropractor didn’t do that,” implying there is something wrong with the new doctor's treatment. Our attorney suggests explaining to these patients that not all chiropractors are alike and discuss how your approach might be different.

Both with patients who have never seen a chiropractor before and those who have but are new to your practice, our attorney says it’s important to take all the necessary steps and to not let your guard down. Your goal should be for your patients to see you as a thorough and caring doctor—a doctor they’ll want to reward with their loyalty.

For more information on potentially problem patients, see  "The Questioning Patient."