Best Practices in Chiropractic Academy
Patient Visit Methodology
Patient Visit Methodology
Methodology-tying it all together
1. Patient scheduled for appointment
A. Options
1. Allow time to complete forms in office
2. Provide forms via mail, e-mail or web site
B. Forms
1. Cover Letter
2. Patient information
3. Assignment form
4. HIPAA
5. History of Chief Complaint
6. Review of Systems
Patient Visit Methodology
2. Patient taken to exam room
A. Patient given Informed Consent form to review
1. No signature at this time
B. Patient given appropriate outcome assessment to complete
C. Chiropractic Assistant reviews Chief Complaint and Review
of Systems forms
D. DC or CA performs vitals
E. DC reviews Chief Complaint, Review of Systems and
Outcome forms
F. DC performs appropriate exam (visceral exam if indicated)
1. Rule out Red Flags
2. Identify any physical Yellow Flags to manual therapy
3. Identify any Yellow Flags for risk of chronicity
4. Determine necessity for
a. Radiology
b. Laboratory
c. Referral
Patient Visit Methodology
3. DC determines working diagnosis
4. DC develops treatment plan and completes
Treatment Plan form (include self care instructions)
5. DC reviews diagnosis and treatment with the
patient
A. Co-morbidities (including smoking and
Obesity) discussed in addition to Adult
Preventive Care Timeline
B. Patient expectations discussed
6. Patient signs Informed Consent
7. DC implements treatment plan
8. DC documents necessary information for outcome
measures
Patient Visit Methodology
9. Discuss daily visits
A. Review patient complaints and response to
previous treatment and home care
B. Brief examination to evaluate response to
previous treatment and need for additional
care
C. Provide continued treatment if indicated-
modify if necessary and progress active care
component
Patient Visit Methodology
QUESTIONS?