What is required for a patient to be seen by a chiropractor?

For a patient to be seen by a chiropractor, it is important that there is a signed document indicating that chiropractic care is being sought as an alternative therapy. This requirement serves multiple purposes, including ensuring informed consent, which allows the patient to understand the nature and potential risks of the treatment, and formalizing the relationship between the patient and the chiropractor. Documentation can also help facilitate communication and establish a legal record of the patient's agreement to receive alternative therapy.

While referral from a veterinarian may be beneficial in some cases, it is not mandatory in all instances of chiropractic care. This can allow for some flexibility when patients are seeking alternative treatments for themselves or their animals, without needing a formal referral as a prerequisite. Although a verbal agreement can imply consent, having a written document is crucial for legal and ethical standards within the practice. Initial consultations are common, but they do not replace the necessity of obtaining informed consent in the form of a signed paper for alternative therapies like chiropractic care.