Mrs. Jones, we will have some brief paperwork for you to complete when you get to the office. I could have some of it filled out for you in advance if you have a few moments. Besides providing an extraordinary service of having basic information completed in advance so all patients have to do is proof it upon their arrival, you've started to build a relationship. Consider making the top half page or so of your admitting paperwork into a pad that you can keep handy by the phone. While there have been recent improvements in the reputation of chiropractic and the countless myths and misconceptions circulating about this profession, patients are keenly interested in the people who would choose to work in a chiropractic office.
Many patients consult with chiropractic staff members to get the real story about chiropractic.
Many chiropractors are unaware how frequently this occurs. So, it's important that the answers, attitudes, and information that staff members supply these inquisitive patients are congruent with the philosophy, clinical goals and long-term practice objectives of the doctor. The staff needs to share the comments and questions from patients with the doctor. This provides doctors with valuable feedback about the effectiveness of their own patient communications. While some doctors may be dismayed that patients seem more comfortable asking questions of staff members rather than the doctor, it's something not likely to change unless the doctor receives a personality transplant or suddenly becomes more vulnerable and approachable.