How to ‘guarantee’ good care

When implemented into your practice with care and planning, spinal decompression therapy can increase the scope of your practice and may even produce a niche market for you to serve. Research and dialogue with manufacturers, distributors, and independent marketers will help you identify the equipment investment that is best for your practice.

Keep these guidelines in mind as you incorporate this modality into your clinic.

• Evaluate before prescribing. Thorough evaluation leads to proper diagnosis, after which appropriate treatment options can be discussed. Use a standardized pain scale to assess patients’ pain, and order a diagnostic MRI to rule out contraindications for this modality. Refer patients to specialists if appropriate. Resist the temptation to discuss spinal decompression therapy (or any treatment modality) until after you have completed a thorough workup.

• Know your limits. The chiropractor needs to be experienced enough to manage complicated cases. Ads for spinal decompression therapy, more likely than not, will attract patients with disc problems, according to Matthew McCoy, DC, editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. Any untoward effects have the potential to be complicated, such as claims of disc herniation/injury, need for surgery, disability, etc. The chiropractor should be confident that he or she has the background and experience to deal with complicated cases that such advertising might attract.

Monitor motor, sensory, and reflex function, and keep excellent records that document the patient’s status throughout the course of treatment. Should any unforeseen problems arise, especially adverse changes in motor function, do not hesitate to refer patients to the appropriate specialist.

• Establish a financial policy. Most patients will have to pay for this treatment themselves because healthcare insurance does not usually cover it. A chiropractor might be tempted to get a certain number of patients on the table each day in order to recoup the investment. If the chiropractor is “selling” the treatment before the evaluation has been completed, there could be financial motivators.

Be certain that your clinical assessment of the patient supports the need for this therapy, and avoid using financial incentives to persuade patients to try it unless there is clear medical need.

• Develop a program. Spinal decompression therapy is not a “cure all,” and should be offered only to patients with an appropriate diagnosis. Use it as part of a comprehensive back program that includes therapeutic exercise and education.

Spinal decompression is phase one of a long-term rehabilitation program for patients with the right diagnosis. A therapeutic exercise regimen to strengthen the back muscles that support the spine needs to follow the decompression therapy.

• Solicit patient referrals. Satisfied patients can be the best marketing you can get for your practice. Treat them well and ask them to provide testimonials about you and the care you provided. Ask them to speak about their experiences with spinal decompression therapy. They can often provide the best, most insightful referrals.