State & National Guidelines

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

	Clinical Guidelines for Chiropractic Practice in Canada Canadian Chiropractic Association 1993 Clinical guidelines are designed to assist clinicians by providing an analytical framework for the evaluation and treatment of common clinical problems. These guidelines are not intended to replace a clinician's clinical judgement or to establish the only appropriate approach for all patients. They are intended to be flexible. They are not standards of care. Adherence to them is voluntary. The Association understands that alternative practices are possible and may be preferable under certain clinical conditions. Frequency and Duration of Care Record Keeping Outcome Assessment
	Best Practices & Practice Guidelines International Chiropractors Association (ICA) (2008) These Best Practices and Practice Guidelines, written for and by International Chiropractors Association members are evidence-based suggestions for appropriate care of patients seeking chiropractic care.
	Medicare Documentation Guidelines   (PDF) The American Chiropractic Association (Undated) The American Chiropractic Association provides this commentary in order to assist its members to better understand the Medicare PART clinical documentation guidelines. These are Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines that apply to Medicare only. However, since these guidelines describe “medical necessity” for Medicare, they would easily apply to any other insurer's requirements.
	Recommendations for Chiropractic Documentation Wisconsin Chiropractic Association (1996) This 45 page document from the includes a section on chiropractic “listings”, indicators of chronicity, and an extensive list of commonly used abbreviations.
	Guidelines for Chiropractic Quality Assurance and Practice Parameters -- Major Recommendations Aspen Publishers, Inc; 1993 This outline of the "Mercy Center" Consensus Statement covers history and exam, diagnostic imaging, instrumentation (including Questionnaires, Algometry, Inclinometers and Thermography), clinical laboratory recommendations, and a detailed section on record keeping and patient consent. You can purchase a copy of it here for $ 69.00
	Guidelines for Evaluation of Neuromusculoskeletal Disability   (PDF) California's Industrial Medical Council Guidelines (Eval-Neuro-10/20/94) The purpose of these evaluation guidelines is to develop a more uniform method of evaluating musculoskeletal injuries without diminishing the individual expertise of the participating evaluator. This method will allow involved parties (particularly the WCAB) to review evaluator's reports which employ a more standardized format.

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Since 3–01–2000

Updated 7-24-2022