We have a lot of cases where patients have been helped by chiropractors.

And I’ve treated with chiropractors.

(You know where this is leading. It’s a little bit like starting a story with: You know, I have a lot of friends who are ______________________________.)

But there are a lot of chiropractors who create the impression that it’s almost malpractice for attorneys not to request “narrative reports” or “closing reports” from them.

I’m not sure whether it’s something they learn at chiropractic college. Or if it’s a technique taught at continuing education seminars. But it’s extremely prevalent.

The set-up usually goes like this:

“It's surprising that I haven’t heard from your attorney. Most attorneys would have requested a narrative report by now….”

The patient doesn’t know better and calls our office in a panic: “I was talking with Dr. Bob and he said that you need to get in touch with him right away….”

I’ve occasionally capitulated and green-lighted these reports. And more recently received some sua sponte from chiropractors (along with their invoices).

At best, these reports reiterate what’s in the records and don’t really move the needle.

At worst, the reports include "surprise" opinions that can be very detrimental to the case.

I don’t think I’ve ever had an adjuster pay more money on a case because there’s been a report from the chiropractor. And even though I don’t have proof, I suspect that providing a narrative/closing report signals some level of unsophistication to insurance adjusters.

What we can count on with a narrative report is the face (usually around $1,000) that I will advance and ultimately will come out of the patient/client’s share of the recovery.

I think this opportunity to bill (and get paid—at least initially—by the attorney) is the reason so many chiropractors raise the narrative/closing report issue with patients.

Not all chiropractors embrace the ruse. But it happens frequently enough that I felt compelled to call it out.