I love chiropractic care and really couldn't imagine my life without it. I've been blessed to be under some form of the care for most of my life. I've lived in many different places, and suffice to say, I've gained valuable experience in finding the right (and sometimes wrong) chiropractors everywhere I go. So I've created this article to help anyone searching for a good chiropractor. I hope you find it beneficial.
1. Ask around. Word-of-mouth referrals are the backbone of great small businesses, including chiropractic offices. When choosing a restaurant, vacation spot, hotel, etc, it helps to know that other people have good things to say about it. The same holds true for chiropractors. Start by asking friends, co-workers, family members, and neighbors who they recommend. They could steer you in the right direction, or at least prevent you from going down the wrong road.
2. Internet search. After getting a few word-of-mouth recommendations, type their names into the Google search bar. You'll be able to find (or not find) their clinic website, blog, patient testimonials or even reviews from more people who've experienced care in that office. Today's Internet is far more informational than an advertisement in the phone book.
3. Look beyond the network. While it might be helpful if your insurance covers a portion of your chiropractic care, you might be better off visiting a doctor who is "out-of-network." Consider this... there are doctor's offices who need to accept insurance to stay in business, and there are doctor's offices who don't need to accept insurance to stay in business. While it's unethical for doctors to claim professional superiority, the unspoken truth is not all doctors are created equal. It's no secret that some doctors are just plain better than others. In my humble opinion, doctors who can build reputable practices without insurance-dependency are doctors worth seeing! Would you rather pay out of pocket for care from a chiropractor who achieves good results, or get insurance-covered care from a chiropractor who doesn't? Now there are plenty of outstanding in-network providers, and I wouldn't dare discourage you from seeing them. I'm simply suggesting that you don't go looking for the cheapest doctor in town. That mentality is fine for Wal-Mart, but it's not advisable for health care.
4. Make a list of favorable prospects and call each of them. After you find 2 or 3 chiropractors who seem like good choices, call their office and speak with each of them for a few minutes about your health problem. Not their staff; them. What better way to "test the waters" with a doctor than by speaking to him/her personally? You want someone with not only clinical expertise, but also good communication skills and a friendly disposition. If the doctor doesn't return your call, is short with you over the phone, or can't answer your question, he's not going to be any better in person. Ask if they've had personal experience treating conditions like yours, and what the outcomes were.
5. Ask the doctor how often they personally get adjusted and by whom. This is a very telling question. First, it will reveal to you how often they will expect you to make appointments. If they say "every week" or "every month" then you can bet that you too will be on a similar schedule. The type of response that I look for is, "Whenever it's necessary." There's a key difference - getting adjusted "every week" just because seven days have past is very different than getting adjusted when it's appropriate. That may be seven days or seven months - the point is, it's not cookie-cutter. Also, when you ask who adjusts them you may be able to spot a trend. If you speak to 2-3 different doctors who all get adjusted by the same person, there's likely something noteworthy about the "doctor's doctor."
6. Stay away from desperate doctors. You can usually tell the seasoned/successful chiropractors from the rookie/needy ones. Veteran doctors have an established patient base and comfortable lifestyle. They're not pushy, so with or without you, they'll stay in business. Needy doctors practically beg you to come in - not just because they can help you, but because they need the business. While they may be clinically competent, it's ill-advised to see a doctor who needs you more than you need them.
7. Go with your gut. If that little voice tells you to see a particular doctor over another, don't ignore it! We can't put a price on instinct - it's priceless, and often times the best advice one could ever receive.
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