Visits to a chiropractor’s office are similar to what one might experience at any other health clinic. There is a strict set of guidelines and objectives that each chiropractic doctor must adhere to when evaluating and treating patients.

Upon visiting a chiropractor’s office, patients should expect the following:

  • Information: Paperwork detailing information about health history and health complaints is common. Patients may also be asked for contact information for their file. Chiropractors must ensure that only information that is essential for the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the patient’s condition is collected. In addition, chiropractors must take appropriate steps to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of all health records.

  • History: You will be asked to complete some paperwork to give the chiropractor an idea of your health concerns and your health history.
    After a thorough conversation about these concerns, your chiropractor will create a file and document all the important information. Any new information can be added to this file, which will be a track record of all your care. It is important for your chiropractor to obtain an appropriate history so they can undertake the most appropriate examination.

  • Examination: The chiropractor will explain what examinations and tests they will perform to determine the cause of your problem and the potential treatments available.
    Only after you have agreed and understand fully the proposed examination process and procedures, and have provided your consent, will the chiropractor perform the necessary tests and record all their findings.

  • Diagnosis and report of findings: The chiropractor must provide a patient with a diagnosis based on the patient’s intake information, history and examination findings. If the chiropractor suspects that the problem is not neuro-musculoskeletal in nature, a referral to another health care provider may be required.

  • Informed Consent: Only when you thoroughly understand the findings, diagnosis, benefits and possible risks, and once you have had an opportunity to ask any questions about the proposed course of treatment, will you have the opportunity to provide your informed consent
    to care. As you proceed through your care, if there are any significant changes to your health, any new conditions or any unexpected interruptions to your care, your chiropractor will have another conversation with you to get your consent to continue with care based on these changes.

  • SOAP Notes: Your chiropractor will create and save thorough notes that document your care. These are called “SOAP notes”, which track all your visits and your responses to care. These notes are based on all your interactions with the doctor. It is important that you provide all health information to the doctor throughout your entire course of care so that the SOAP notes are accurate and complete. A copy of this will be kept private and secure and, upon appropriate request, will be made available to you or any other appropriate health care provider or person when you provide your consent to share that information.

Patients can end the visit or treatment arrangement at any time. If a patient feels that the chiropractor did not adequately inform them of the procedures or displayed conduct unbecoming of a health care professional, the patient is encouraged to contact the NLCB.