How is excessive treatment determined within chiropractic practice?

Excessive treatment in chiropractic practice is primarily determined by customary practice and standards of the local community of licensees. This approach acknowledges that treatment protocols and accepted standards may vary based on regional practices and the specific needs of patients within that community. Each chiropractic community develops its own set of norms based on the collective experience of its practitioners, patient outcomes, and evolving treatment methodologies.

This local standard helps ensure treatments remain relevant and appropriate for the population being served, thereby providing a more tailored healthcare approach. It reflects a balance between generally accepted practices and the unique characteristics of the patient demographic. Such community standards may also be informed by ongoing education, peer discussions, and shared experiences among local chiropractors, contributing to the overall integrity and effectiveness of the care provided.

In contrast, focusing solely on national standards could overlook regional variations in patient needs or the prevailing approaches that are more effective in specific communities. Patient feedback, while valuable, does not provide a comprehensive framework for determining excessive treatment on its own. Likewise, leaving such judgments solely to the discretion of the chiropractor could lead to subjective decisions that may not align with established community standards, potentially resulting in inconsistent treatment practices.