How some DCs are using specific diagnostics to provide better patient care
How some DCs are using specific diagnostics to provide better patient careQuality patient care is at the heart of every successful chiropractic practice. To provide patients with higher quality care, some DCs are using visual diagnostics. But which ones are proven effective with patients? And what benefits do they provide to the people DCs are serving on a day to day basis?
Improving care with Stacy-Ann Smith, DC
Stacy-Ann Smith DC, who has been practicing chiropractic since earning her degree in 2008, is the owner of Abundant Living Chiropractic Center in Loxahatchee, Florida. At Abundant Living, she reports using visual diagnostics to help her patients daily, utilizing mainly “charts, digital X-rays, model spine, pamphlets and information from the Internet such as exercises for the neck, shoulder, lower back, etc.”
The patient benefit stands out the most to Smith. When it comes to visual diagnostics “elaborating on the patient’s health condition… engages them in their treatment plan.” In other words, by being able to show patients exactly what they need to know in a way that is easy for to understand, they are more likely to become an active participant in their treatment. She has also noticed that this type of interaction makes them “more likely to adhere to their treatment plan,” largely from the enhanced level of knowledge they’ve gained from the visual diagnostics.
Providing these different options makes it easier for Smith to interact with and educate patients about their health condition in various ways. For the patient who prefers to read about a particular condition, pamphlets or websites are great avenues to give the necessary information. On the other hand, for the patient who enjoys visual aids, charts, X-rays, and model spines can help best explain the condition of the musculoskeletal system in a way that is more likely to be understood.
More than just spinal care with Jason Hare, DC
Jason Hare, DC with Pure Chiropractic in Nanaimo, British Columbia has found similar positive results. Like Smith, he uses digital X-ray equipment daily to help diagnose his patients, but he also utilizes postural and motion capture assessment as well. He reports that, “besides evaluating extent of injuries, level of arthritic condition, and biomechanics, digital X-ray has enabled me to provide the best possible care for my clients.” They’ve even helped save patients’ lives.
Hare reports that he’s “caught more than one fracture on X-ray, including one unstable fracture of c2. Other serious conditions that have been caught because of our use of digital X-rays include cases of bone infection, large aortic aneurysms and metastases to the spine.” No doubt, in these cases, had these conditions not been discovered by Hare’s use of visual diagnostics, the end result could have turned out much differently.
As far as how his patients react to the use of visual diagnostics, Hare has found that some choose him over other chiropractors in the area due solely to the technology he has. Furthermore, use of visual diagnostics helps him provide patients a clearer understanding of their issue while also enabling him to “determine the safest and most effective treatment.”
Care better explained leads to happier patients
Based on the positive results both Smith and Hare have found with visual diagnostics, you may want to consider using them if you don’t already. Patient retention is essential to growth of your practice. And your patients will likely thank you—especially if you save their lives.
