What is a Chiropractic Assistant's Role in the Clinic?
The chiropractic assistant is responsible for assisting the chiropractor in running a chiropractic clinic. The chiropractic assistant will greet patients when they enter the clinic and make them feel welcome and comfortable. All phone calls and inquires will be handled by the chiropractic assistant. He or she will schedule appointments and maintain the chiropractor’s calendar. When payment is due, the chiropractic assistant will explain fees and accept payment, code and bill insurance claims, or perform routine collections on past-due accounts. He or she will issue receipts, guidelines for treatment, and educational materials. The chiropractic assistant is also responsible for maintaining databases containing patient information, and either electronic or paper patient files.
He or she will serve as the primary customer service representative for the chiropractic clinic, and as such will educate patients on treatment procedures and insurance information requirements and limitations, and liaise between the patient and the chiropractor, as well as between the chiropractor and insurance companies, and the chiropractor and state licensing boards.
When problems arise, the chiropractic assistant will troubleshoot computer systems. They are also responsible for cleaning the chiropractic office, supervising and training junior chiropractic assistants in the performance of their responsibilities, and protecting sensitive patient information. They will order and stock products recommended by the chiropractor and educate patients in their use or benefits.
The chiropractic assistant may even be specially trained to assist in positioning patients for x-rays, or even take the x-rays themselves. They may also take and record the patient’s vital signs and medical history. The chiropractic assistant may also assist the chiropractor during chiropractic treatments such as spinal adjustments, acupuncture, electric stimulation, massage, or ultrasound procedures.
The chiropractic assistant must be trained to comply with a complex system of local, state and federal regulations, as well as participating insurance plans and Medicare requirements. They must understand medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and medical billing in the complex health insurance industry.
He or she may also serve as an administrative or personal assistant for the chiropractor, beyond the scope of the clinic. Such responsibilities could include babysitting the chiropractor’s children, running errands, and making travel arrangements. These personal situations are not typically included in a traditional chiropractic assistant’s role but they do occur. Administrative tasks may also include acting as a receptionist or point of contact for the chiropractor’s business and personal affairs.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Oliver Symens
