The Role Of Chiropractic Assistant

 A chiropractic assistant works under the direction of a chiropractor to provide administrative support and help with clinical tasks to ensure the practice runs smoothly. They’re involved with tasks such as answering phone calls, booking appointments, processing payments, and responding to emails. Chiropractic assistants may work full or part-time, depending on the practice’s requirements, and often spend time working the front desk of the practice. This job can involve long hours, as well as evenings and weekends as needed. Chiropractic assistants should be friendly and professional at all times, be organized, and comfortable managing their time without supervision.

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.