PATIENT CONSENT FOR CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT

To the patient: Please read this entire document prior to signing it. It is important that you understand the information contained in this document. Please ask your Doctor any questions that you have about the information below.  You can ask questions at any time before, during, or after your treatment.

The nature of chiropractic adjustment: The primary treatment your Doctors of Chiropractic uses is spinal manipulative therapy. We will use that procedure to treat you. We may use our hands or a mechanical instrument upon your body in such a way as to move your joints. This may cause an audible “pop” or “click”, much as you have experienced when you “crack” your own knuckles. You may also feel a sense of movement.

 

Examination and Treatment:  In addition to spinal manipulation, we may use a variety of other therapies and examination procedures. As a part of the analysis, examination, and treatment, you are consenting to the following additional procedures:

 

__X_spinal manipulative therapy                              __X_palpation

__X_vital signs                                                         __X_orthopedic testing

__X_range of motion testing                                     __X_basic neurological exam

__X_muscle strength testing                                     __X_ultrasound

__X_electrical muscle stimulation                             __X_rehabilitation/Core strengthening

__X_nutritional therapy                                            __X_mechanical traction/flexion distraction

__X_trigger point therapy, SASTM                              __X_kinesiology tape

____Other (please explain)________________________________________________________

We will explain these procedures to you and answer any questions you have about them.

 

The material risks inherent in chiropractic adjustment:  Some patients will feel some stiffness and soreness following the first few days of treatment.  We will make every reasonable effort during the examination to screen for contraindications to care.  However, if you have a condition that would otherwise not come to our attention, it is your responsibility to inform us.

 

As with any healthcare procedure, there are certain complications which may arise during chiropractic manipulation and therapy. These complications include but are not limited to: fractures, disc injuries, dislocations, muscle strain, cervical myopathy, costovertebral strains and separations, and burns. Some types of manipulation of the neck have been associated with injuries to the arteries in the neck leading to or contributing to serious complications including stroke.

Chiropractic is a safe and comfortable form of health care for most people. If a potential risk is identified, you will be informed and offered either treatment or a referral to the appropriate health care specialist for evaluation and care.

 

The probability of risks occurring:

Soreness: It is not uncommon to experience some localized soreness following a manipulation. This type of soreness is usually minor and occurs most often following the initial few visits. It is similar to the soreness you may experience after exercise.

Fracture: Fractures caused from spinal manipulations are extremely rare.  It is so rare that an actual number of incidences per manipulation have never been determined. Patients suffering from bone weakening conditions like Osteoporosis are in a higher risk category. Alternative forms of spinal manipulation may be utilized for this type of patient.

Ruptured/Herniated Disc: There have been some reports of herniated or ruptured discs caused by spinal manipulations. Alternative spinal adjusting methods are often utilized to minimize the risk and help the patient recover from serious disc-related pain.

TIA/Stroke: According to the literature, possible neurological complications can arise in 1 per 1-8 million office visits or 1 per 2-5.85 million adjustments. Screening tests are performed when necessary to rule out high-risk patients. Alternative spinal adjusting is utilized when necessary to minimize any potential risks.

Other complications:  These include but are not limited to: dislocations, muscle strain, cervical myelopathy, costovertebral strains and separations, and burns.

The availability of other treatment options:  Other treatment options for your condition may include:

 

  • Self-administered, over-the-counter medications
  • Medical care and prescription drugs, such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and pain killers
  • Hospitalization
  • Surgery

 

If you choose to use one of the above noted “other treatment” options, you should be aware that there are also risks and benefits with each one of those options and you may wish to discuss these with your primary medical physician.

The risks and dangers associated with remaining untreated:  Remaining untreated may allow the formation of adhesions and reduce mobility which may set up a pain reaction further reducing mobility. Over time this process may complicate treatment making it more difficult and less effective the longer it is postponed.

 

Notices of Privacy Practices:  Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), you have certain rights regarding the use and disclosure of your protected health information. These rights are more fully described in the Notice of Privacy Practices.  We will provide you with a copy of the revised Notice of Privacy Practices upon your request.

Consent to Release of Information: 

  • In accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 144.335, I consent to the release by my provider of my health records and medical information about me to physicians, providers, and staff as necessary for treatment, to insurers as necessary to receive payment for services, and to third parties for purposes of reviewing quality of care and for health care operations (so long as the release is in compliance with applicable law), including releases for internal or external audits, research and quality assurance, or licensing/accreditation purposes.
  • I give my permission to my provider to communicate information about me to those people involved in my care for the purpose of my treatment as designated in my medical record.
  • I give permission for my provider to communicate with me regarding my medical care, such as results of tests/reports and appointments through email and voicemail messages via the phone numbers I have supplied in my medical record.
  • In order to assure proper quality and continuity of care, I authorize Medicare, my insurance company or health maintenance organization, other payers, payer network organizations, or third party administrators to share my health records and information obtained from my health care provider or any other provider, with my health care provider, other providers from whom I have received services, or any other payer, payer network organization, or third party administrators as needed for payment and health care operations.

 

DO NOT SIGN ON THE INTAKE FORM SIGNATURE PAGE UNTIL YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE.