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Specialty
Like Medical Doctors, Doctors of Chiropractic can specialize in certain
areas of interest. Specialty councils within some chiropractic associations
offer programs leading to clinical specialty certification, called "diplomate"
certification, in the following areas:
• Neurology
• Orthopaedics
• Sports injuries
• Occupational and industrial health
• Nutrition
• Diagnostic imaging
• Thermography
• Internal disorders
• Forensic sciences
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Finding a Chiropractor that is Right for You
There are many ways to find a chiropractor in your area. You can ask
your primary care physician for a recommendation, ask people you know
who go to a chiropractor, look in the phone book, or on the Internet for
directories of chiropractors.
Before you see a chiropractor, however, be sure to contact your insurance
company to see if chiropractic care is covered by your health plan. More
and more health insurance plans are covering chiropractic services as
part of their overall preventive health care services. In fact, chiropractic
is covered by Medicare/Medicaid, many auto insurance policies, and is
currently being considered for coverage by the US military health service.
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The following questions may be helpful in determining if the chiropractor you
have selected is the right one for you. Remember, if you are unsure about a
chiropractor, get a second opinion. There are many chiropractors that offer
expert chiropractic consultations for free.
Experience
How long as the doctor been in practice?
Does the doctor have a specialty that is related to your health care needs?
Is the doctor experienced in performing procedures you are interested in?
How many procedures of this kind does the doctor perform each year?
Credentials
Did the doctor attend and graduate from an accredited chiropractic school?
Does the doctor keep up with post-graduate studies?
Is the doctor licensed to practice chiropractic in your state?
The Doctor
Do you feel comfortable with the chiropractor?
Do you like his or her personality?
Are your concerns or questions answered completely and understandably?
Are you comfortable with all phases of the process including consultation, examination,
treatment, and follow-up?
Does the doctor offer informed consent for treatments?
The Staff
Are the office staff pleasant and helpful if you have a question?
Do you feel you are being treated with respect and courtesy by the staff?
Are you able to reach the doctor if you have questions?
The Office
Are the office hours convenient for you?
Is the office located near your home or work?
Is the office clean, well kept, with adequate space for a waiting room and examination
rooms?
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