Chiropractic assistants work in practice offices, where they are responsible for office organization and administrative duties, as well as attending to patients. A high school diploma and work experience in a medical setting is typically required, and postsecondary programs can help chiropractic assistants understand medical terminology and business basics.
The Main Role Of Chiropractic Assistant
Greets patients and checks them in, confirming their insurance status, the ways in which they will pay, their medical histories, and any other relevant medical information.
Takes some general diagnostic information including blood pressure, temperature, weight, and height and records this for the doctor’s use in the examination and treatment.
Manages the practice’s schedule, makes appointments for patients, determines when the
chiropractor is available and confirms appointments to make sure patients are on time.
Collects and processes payments from patients and insurance companies.
Controls the waiting room, attends to patient needs, and ensures the office runs on time.
Distributes educational information to patients as instructed by the chiropractor.
Maintains organized files on all patients.
Abides by HIPAA laws regarding sharing of personal medical information.
Attends to email correspondence.
Answers the phones and addresses all patient questions and concerns.
Calls in prescriptions to appropriate pharmacies under the chiropractor’s direction.
Keeps the office clean and presentable, doing spot cleaning throughout the day and thorough cleaning at the end of each business day.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must be personable with a professional demeanor and able to exercise courtesy and tact with all patients.
Must be familiar with HIPAA regulations and medical information sharing practices.
Must be willing to undergo further training for giving x-rays, performing particular therapy treatments, and more.
Must be willing to embrace a holistic health philosophy and be willing to explain to patients how chiropractic medicine fits into that philosophy.
Must be able to multitask.
Must be incredibly intelligent and organized.
Must have strong communications skills and be able to relate to people from all walks of life.
Must be proficient with technology with fast typing skills and ability to learn medical and insurance
billing software programs.
Must be a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision the majority of the time.
Chiropractic assistants don't perform exams, but they may assist with some parts of the exam, including taking client vitals and medical histories or taking x-rays or performing ultrasound treatments. The chiropractic assistant is responsible for keeping the clinic running smoothly. They make sure everything is organized, clean and ready for clients.
