Finding the right chiropractor – Step 4

Going to the chiropractor is serious business. To help you make the right choice, this blog provides a 7-point checklist to review with the chiropractor before you become their patient.

Step 1) Get a Background Check (prior post)

Step 2) Make Sure You Get Full Disclosure (prior post)

Step 3) Force the Doctor to Set Expectations (prior post)

Step 4) Make Sure You Get Routine Questioning

As you visit with your doctor for treatments, it is extremely important that the doctor knows how you are progressing or if there are any new issues that should be considered. 

Therefore, your doctor should have a standard way for you to communicate this progress or new developments – preferably as part of the standard sign-in process at each visit. 

The doctor should also be available for private consultation at any time throughout your treatment plan – you should be able to request a one-on-one appointment at any time to express your concerns, ask questions or bring new information to the doctor.

And, of course, any of this chit-chat with the doctor should come at no extra charge!

So remember… don’t be shy – you are the customer and if you’re going to invest in a program of care with this doctor, you want to be sure that you can ask questions – and get answers – any time!

All the best,

Dr. Anthony Gondesen
HealthSource of Clear Lake
900 Apollo Lane, Suite A
Clear Lake / Houston TX 77058
Tel. 281-286-2229
www.HealthSourceClearLake.com

Finding the right chiropractor – Step 3

Going to the chiropractor is serious business. To help you make the right choice, this blog provides a 7-point checklist to review with the chiropractor before you become their patient.

Step 1) Get a Background Check (prior post)

Step 2) Make Sure You Get Full Disclosure (prior post)

Step 3) Force the Doctor to Set Expectations

Once the doctor has explained your particular issues to you and outlined you specific treatment plan, he/she should also be able to explain to you  what results are expected. 

If you’re looking for a chiropractor, you’re likely trying to solve a problem or eliminate pain.  And, if you’re like most people, you’ve already been living with that problem for a while…  So it’s not realistic or fair to expect that this can be corrected in a single visit either! 

Even so, you should put your doctor on the spot to give you his or her best estimate of what results can be expected and when.   After all, he/she is the expert and should have some idea of how quickly your problem can be corrected…

In addition, although doctors are not allowed to guarantee your care, they are able to guarantee your satisfaction, so be sure ask them about this.  You certainly don’t want to invest in a program of care where the doctor is not willing to stand behind his/her treatment plan!

Lastly, make sure that the costs of the treatment plan are clear and in writing, and that your doctor’s office gives you a copy of their financial policy so that there is no confusion on fees or payments. 

Now you’ve got a full set of expectations that you can work with.

Remember… don’t be shy – you are the customer and if you’re going to invest in a program of care with this doctor, you at least want to know what to expect!

All the best,

Dr. Anthony Gondesen
HealthSource of Clear Lake
900 Apollo Lane, Suite A
Clear Lake / Houston TX 77058
Tel. 281-286-2229
www.HealthSourceClearLake.com

Finding the right chiropractor – Step 2

Going to the chiropractor is serious business. To help you make the right choice, this blog provides a 7-point checklist to review with the chiropractor before you become their patient.

Step 1) Get a Background Check  (prior post)

Step 2) Make Sure You Get Full Disclosure

Following the detailed examinations made by your doctor, make sure that he/she plans to meet with you to explain the findings and recommended treatment plan. 

The doctor should present and discuss your x-rays and EMG scans with you, explaining exactly what he/she sees as the problem and why.  And you should be able to ask any questions you want!

In addition to presenting the findings of his/her analysis, the doctor should outline the proposed treatment plan and explain how that plan will help correct your problem. 

The review meeting with the doctor can never take place in the same visit as when you had your x-rays & EMG scan done – if that were the case, then the doctor isn’t taking the time to carefully study your results and complete any research necessary to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific problem. 

Remember, there is no “one size fits all” solution!  And you want your doctor to work out the details of what’s best for you!

So… don’t be shy – make sure the doctor does his/her homework and shares those results with you….

All the best,

Dr. Anthony Gondesen
HealthSource of Clear Lake
900 Apollo Lane, Suite A
Clear Lake / Houston TX 77058
Tel. 281-286-2229
www.HealthSourceClearLake.com

Finding the right chiropractor – Step 1

Going to the chiropractor is serious business.  this blog will provide a  7-point checklist to review with the chiropractor before you become their patient.

Step 1)   Get a Background Check

Before you sign up for care at any chiropractic clinic, you need to verify that the doctor will do a full set of exams before starting any treatment. 

Even if your pain is so bad that you just want to try anything, make sure the doctor should always take the time to complete a full set of examinations.

The scope of the examinations must include neurological, orthopedic and physiological exams plus x-rays and surface EMG scan (which will reveal any hidden neurological or muscular issues).

All of these tests are necessary so that your chiropractor knows exactly how best to treat your specific conditions.  

Since it is often the case that pain in one area is related to a problem in another,  it is essential to fully understand how the other parts of your body may be contributing to your current symptoms. 

Without the right analysis, it will not be possible for the chiropractor to eliminate your pain, except by good luck – not really the approach most patients want to take to their pain problem!

So… don’t be shy – be sure to check what tests & examinations the doctor has planned BEFORE you sign up for any care.

All the best,

Dr. Anthony Gondesen
HealthSource of Clear Lake
900 Apollo Lane, Suite A
Clear Lake / Houston TX 77058
Tel. 281-286-2229
www.HealthSourceClearLake.com

Hello world!

As this is my first blog, I plan to start by outlining how anyone can find the right chiropractor, whatever their problem.

Over the years, I have documented 7 simple steps for finding the right chiropractor, and  I now want to share that experience with you.

Once we finish that 7-part series, we’ll move on to the topic of back pain, and other places a chiropractor can help you – often better than any drugs, surgery or other form of treatment.

I plan posting an update once a week, usually on the weekend.

See you soon!

Dr. Anthony Gondesen
HealthSource of Clear Lake
900 Apollo Lane, Suite A
Clear Lake / Houston TX 77058
Tel. 281-286-2229
www.HealthSourceClearLake.com