Documentation of Re-Evaluations

Proper Chiropractic Documentation in Re-Evaluations/Re-Examinations

Based on the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) at www.ClinicalCompass.org, re-evaluations to determine your patient’s progress are required every 30 days from the time of your initial chiropractic examination at a minimum.

This means, that from an auditor’s perspective, visits beyond the required 30 days without a re-evaluation will be denied as not medically necessary.

Re-evaluations afford the Opportunity for Patient Education

While doctors may choose to utilize the re-evaluation process as an educational opportunity, patients may not understand or appreciate re-evaluation due to potential out-of-pocket costs and additional time required in the office unrelated to direct treatment.

When the doctor presents the re-examination as an educational report, patients leave the visit with greater knowledge of their own health and an understanding the need for additional care to meet their health goals.

Lifestyle Changes Can Be Easily Recommended and Acted Upon

A re-evaluation affords an opportunity to discuss the patient’s lifestyle and health habits in order to deliver optimum levels of care. After a successful course of treatment, at the re-evaluation, a patient is invested and may be open to your influence to stop smoking, lose weight, or see their medical doctor about their high blood pressure or depression; meaning a few minutes of discussion could change their life forever.

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