What must be completed before establishing credit for treatment?

Establishing a written treatment plan is essential before credit for treatment can be established. This plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the patient's diagnosis, the proposed course of treatment, and the expected outcomes. It serves as a roadmap for both the chiropractor and the patient, ensuring that there is a clear understanding of the objectives and methods of treatment.

Having a written treatment plan creates a formal agreement that protects both parties and sets expectations. It also aids in documenting the patient's care, which is crucial for legal and ethical standards in healthcare practice, particularly in the chiropractic field. Additionally, this plan may be necessary for insurance purposes, facilitating reimbursement claims and demonstrating that the treatment provided was medically necessary and appropriate.

In contrast, while past treatments, verbal consent, and financial statements are important elements of patient management and clinic operations, they do not serve the same foundational role in establishing credit for treatment. These elements may focus on historical data, patient communication, or financial arrangements but do not encapsulate the comprehensive strategy needed to guide the treatment process.