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.
I cannot put into words how much I appreciate you. I was becoming depressed and just felt I was going in circles. I don't think you can even realize what a profound effect you have and the gift you have of helping. I feel I have just been given a new friend and I can tell you that I have literally been praying for someone like you to come into my life. One of my favorite sayings is "when the student is ready the teacher appears" I am so ready. Thank you so much.