Diagnostic imaging can be one of the most powerful tools for a chiropractor to properly explain a treatment plan to patients, other physicians, and third-party insurance payers. In all three case, imaging can strengthen the recommended course of action.
For patients
When patients first come to see a chiropractor, their descriptions of symptoms may be very vague and unclear: “My lower back hurts,” or “My jaw feels tight.” It is extremely difficult to discern a proper treatment course without actually being able to see what is going on with the bones, tendons, and ligaments in the affected area. This is why diagnostic imaging is an integral part of the initial report of findings done at the first patient visit.
If patients are actually able to see images of the affected body area, they will have a much better understanding of the problem, as well as why they should go along with the DC’s recommended treatment plan. DCs can explain the condition with a variety of patient education tools, such as posters and 3-D models, but there is a certain trust placed in patients seeing images of their own bodies, and how those match up to the posters and models. They will leave that initial visit feeling reassured about their treatment.
For other physicians
In some cases, when a patient has been referred to a chiropractor by their primary care doctor or another specialist, the DC may be asked to provide an explanation for their treatment plan. Diagnostic imaging can be a valuable peer-to-peer tool for the DC to show the referring physician why they are recommending a specific course of treatment. As DCs move closer and closer to being seen on the same level as MDs, the use of modern technology, such as diagnostic imaging, helps bolster the case for chiropractic as a viable medical treatment.
For third-party insurance payers
Diagnostic imaging can also serve as proof of services rendered for insurance payers. In today’s financial climate, insurance companies are looking to cut money wherever they possibly can. Unfortunately, in many cases, this means not paying for, or only paying for a limited number of, complementary medicine services such as chiropractic. In this tough environment, any evidence that a DC can use to show the validity of their treatment is a valuable asset. Diagnostic imaging is just such an asset.
People like to say that seeing is believing. Diagnostic imaging can allow patients, physicians, and insurance companies to both see and believe in the power of chiropractic to heal.
