Post Report Of Findings Phase V By W. Karl Parker, B.A., D.C., F.I.C.C., F.A.C.C. behapy@karlparkerseminars.com Now that the presentation of the Report of Findings is complete, there are numerous and specific procedures to follow to properly conclude this very important visit. These procedures are listed in an outline format for ease of study and use. 1. The first adjustment. a. CA takes the patient to a treatment room or dressing room. b. Explain the usual adjustment preparation procedures. 1) Disrobing 2) Jewelry 3) Glasses 4) Personal belongings 5) Waiting position 2. CA should assure patients, if necessary, that there will be little or no discomfort. 3. The first adjustment should be light and gentle. 4. Give as much relief from pain as possible before patient leaves the office. (Although symptoms are not your primary concern, they are the primary concern of the patient). 5. Restate expectations of patient's response to treatment. "As I stated earlier, Ms. Jones, about one third of our patients start getting results and feeling better within the first few treatments. I certainly hope you fall into this group. And, if not, don't worry about it. Time is on our side." 6. Explain "Health Returns in Cycles" concept. (This script will make more sense once you fully understand the health returns in cycle concept). "I'd like you to under stand that health returns in cycles. There is a normal health line and you have little dips in the way you feel from time to time even when you are doing well and your health is okay. Then, as a condition such as yours gets started, it progressively gets worse. It's going up and down all of the time; feeling better, and feeling worse; things happening to make it worse; you doing things that may make it temporarily better, but it is, basically, a downhill graph with peaks and valleys. If you have an accident, it comes on much quicker. "As we begin our health care, you will find that as you start returning to normal health, the way you feel will be up and down. You'll have periods that you will be doing great and other periods when you seem to be responding slowly. You may even have a temporary relapse of some of your symptoms. Be aware that this may occur. Anytime you are in a valley, or what we call a I slipped cycle', it is vitally important that we stay right on your health care program or possibly intensify it temporarily. This will help you out of that slump and continue your body's return to normal health." 7. Give patients any special instructions you may feel necessary for their care. Always give patients something to do at home to help themselves - heat or cold packs, food supplements, exercises, etc. 8. Explain any special patient office policies you have incorporated and/or give a brochure covering these. "There are several clinic (office) policies that help you get the kind of health care you need for maximum results. For example..." 9. Give patient several business cards, and write your home phone number on the back of one of them. "Mrs. Jones, here are a few of my cards. Since I am going to be your doctor I want to make it easy for you to get in touch with me, should it become necessary. I would recommend one for your bulletin board or refrigerator at home (or desk at office), your husband's billfold and one by the telephone, plus here's some extras for wherever else you think necessary. Now, this one I'd like you to carry in your purse, for I'm writing my home phone number on the back. Although I don't expect you to ever need it, I would like you to have it just in case an emergency arises and you have to reach me." 10. DC closes his or her portion of the first adjustment visit. a. Note services rendered on fee slip. b. Note next appointment. c. Note any special instructions for CA to perform. "Before you leave, Mrs. Jones, my assistant, Judy, will (state portion of special instructions that the CA will perform). d. Prepare patient for making advance appoints. "Ms. Jones, after you have completed your (special treatment performed by the CA) Judy will reserve the time for your schedule of appointments. We want to be sure we have time reserved for you on the schedule that's best for correction of your condition." (Use the words reserved or set aside when referring to appointment time). e. Doctor makes closing remarks and shakes patient's hand. "Mrs. Jones, I am confident that you are going to follow through and will do well. I've enjoyed our time together and I'm looking forward to checking you again tomorrow afternoon. See you then." 11. CA schedules advanced appointments a. The CA has completed the "Personal Appointment Calendar" with preferred dates already marked for initial treatment plan and re- examination. b. The CA also brings a blank "Personal Appointment Calendar." c. CA makes opening remarks to determine patient's reaction to first adjustment. "Well Mrs. Jones, what did you think of your first adjustment?" (Make notes regarding patient's comments and pass along to the doctor). d. CA determines patient's understanding of her condition. "Do you feel you have a good understanding of what your problem is Ms. Jones?" (Make notations and pass along to doctor). e. CA restates recommended treatment plan. 1) Take "Our Recommendations In Your Case" page out of report. 2) Explain schedule of visits section. "Dr. Parker has found that you will need at least six months of care with an interim reevaluation after each 12 visits. You will also need (discuss other forms of treatment doctor will use)." f. CA gets patient's agreement to advance appointments. "The sequence of these visits is important in obtaining maximum results in your case. Dr. Parker's findings show you need to be treated on this schedule (explain schedule). When is it best for you to make these appointments, mornings or afternoons?" g. If patient has to modify program, then use back-up copy of the "Personal Appointment Calendar." h. Give the patient the original part of the "Personal Appointment Calendar." "I am going to give you the original of this 'Personal Appointment Calendar,' Mrs. Jones. You can post this calendar on your bulletin board at home as a reminder of your appointments. I will also prepare a purse (or billfold) size appointment card and give it to you later. Now, is there any reasons why you cannot follow this schedule?" 12. C A explains fees. a. Review "Fee Schedule" section on "Our Recommendations In Your Case" page of the written report. "The fees for your corrective care program are described here. (State fees for services to be rendered to patient.) Now you may take care of this in one of several ways." (Give the patient a choice of several ways to take care of the services.) b. CA makes definite financial commitment. "Which way do you prefer to take care of this?" (If all PPP has been followed, especially the collection procedure on the first visit, this question will be a formality and the patient will simply choose one of the payment options). c. CA keeps "Our Recommendations In Your Case" page of written report to file in patient's record folder. d CA gives written report to patient to keep. "This report is yours to keep, Ms. Jones. It's one of the extra personal services that Dr. Parker provides his new patients. e. Take patient and all records to Control Assistant's desk. 13. CA makes collection. 14. CA gives patient special instructions, nutrition, supports, etc., as noted on fee slip. 15. CA gives special pamphlets. 16. CA terminates visit shake hands with patient. „That is it for today, Ms. Jones. We are going to enjoy having you around and I'm sure you are going to be very pleased with your results. We'll be looking forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon. See you then." 17. Make a note to call the patient later that evening. a. It is best if the DC calls after finished with patients or later that evening. "Ms. Jones, this is Dr. Parker. I'm calling just to be sure that I did tell you to (give one of special instructions and discuss). Also I just wanted to check on you and see if hopefully you have had noticed any changes yet." (Do not ask about specific symptoms, that is putting the emphasis on symptoms rather than cause. Be joyful if the patient has improved and be reassuring, if not.) b. Although it is much better for the DC to call, the CA can call during last few patients or later that evening. "Mrs. Jones, this is Judy from Dr. Parker's office. Dr. Parker asked me to call you just to be sure that he told you to (give one of special instructions and discuss). Also, Dr. Parker wanted to check on you and see if you have noticed any changes yet." (Be joyful if the patient has improved and be reassuring, if not.) 18. Points to remember. a. The patient must be convinced that you have found the cause of their health problem, that you can help the patient that your recommendations as to time and frequency of visits are reasonable, that your fees are reasonable and that you are worth what you charge. 1) For the patient to be convinced of these things, you must be convinced yourself - without doubt or hesitation. You must have a Functional-State of Knowing-Authority. 2) Explaining the findings of the thorough consultation, examination and X- rays to the patient is a major convincing factor. And, of course, to explain these findings, you must have performed a thorough consultation, examination and X-rays. b. If a financial problem exists, you should be helpful with alternatives. You should never let the patient's finances determine if you will accept them for care. There are people that need help that do not have the money to meet your normal payment options. Work something out for them, even if they pay only $1 per month. No one should be able to say that the only reason you would not accept their case was because of finances.