When you need chiropractic services, then you should choose a doctor who you trust to help you regain your mobility, improve your flexibility, and ease your pain. If you have never seen a chiropractor before, then you may be wondering how to choose the right one.
Get Referrals
One of the first places to start looking for a chiropractor is by asking family, friends, your doctor, or your personal injury attorney for referrals. When you start with the list that others trust, then you can call each chiropractor’s office and ask them if they’re accepting new patients.
Check Their Educational Background
In order to practice in the state of Florida, a chiropractor must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners certification examination Parts I, II, III, and IV, and the Florida Laws and Rules Examination. They must also pass a physiology exam. You can check a chiropractor’s license online and whether or not they have a history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. Additionally, you can look up their medical school, certifications, and where they did their clinical training.
Schedule A Consultation
Many chiropractors offer a free consultation for a few minutes, or they may offer a special deal or discount on your first visit. This is a great opportunity to decide whether you feel comfortable talking with this chiropractor and if you feel listened to. They should welcome your questions and answer them in a clear way that is easy for you to understand. They should also be interested in learning more about you and your goals.
When you call to schedule your consultation, you should be ready to answer which gender you prefer to work with. It matters more to some patients and others, but considering that your chiropractor will be using their hands to manipulate your back and joints, you should feel comfortable with their touch.
Ask About Payment Methods
Whether you are going through insurance, paying individually, or seeking chiropractic services after a car accident, you should discuss acceptable payment methods so there are no surprises.
Some clinics work closely with personal injury attorneys who have clients that are seeking a chiropractor after a car accident, slip and fall, or another incident that caused musculoskeletal injuries. Because payments are coming from a third party that is liable for the accident, these payments are different. It can be beneficial to work with a chiropractor who is used to working with patients who are in the middle of filing a personal injury claim and will comply with your attorney’s requests.
Read Patient Reviews
You should take some time to read what other people say about your chiropractor and the clinic. If they have complaints about wait times or other issues, then you might want to look elsewhere. Great reviews that highlight the staff’s friendliness, low wait times, and office cleanliness can be helpful when choosing a chiropractor.
TeleHealth Options
Although most chiropractic care is done in person using the hands or tools to manipulate the spine, you should ask if the clinic or chiropractor offers telehealth services. Some conditions or changes in your health can be addressed virtually. An appointment with your chiropractor online is a great time to update them on how you’ve been feeling.