Getting Practice Advice from Social Media: What to Know

The internet has a wealth of information on all things chiropractic. A new chiropractor might want to know how to document patient records, while an established chiropractor might seek advice on creating a healthy work-life balance. Many of us turn to strangers on the internet to help us make important life decisions. But when it comes to running a chiropractic practice, it’s important to approach online advice with a critical eye.

In this digital age, advice from social media is just a click away. But the quality and reliability of this advice can vary greatly. That’s why some topics, such as treatment techniques, financial planning, and complex cases (e.g., disgruntled patients), are better discussed with a trusted professional. 

You never know who’s giving advice online. Even if it’s another chiropractor, you can’t always verify their specific training or expertise. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of how quickly misinformation spreads on social media.

The Prevalence of Misinformation on Social Media

Social media chat rooms, like Facebook groups, are a common source of online advice. While they’re great for meeting other chiropractors and sharing ideas, the information on these platforms may be inaccurate or misleading. This is known as misinformation. As a chiropractor, mistaking false information for actionable advice can damage your reputation and your practice.

Misinformation can:

1. Persuade you to use ineffective treatment techniques, thus straying from the standard of care
2. Damage the trust between you and your patients
3. Lead to malpractice claims if the advice results in patient harm
4. Result in legal issues if the advice contradicts local laws or regulations

Besides misinformation, implementing outdated methods can also lead to ineffective treatment. To ensure your methods align with current best practices, stay up to date on the latest research and clinical guidelines. This will help you provide the best care for your patients and protect against unexpected claims.

Regulatory Considerations

Different regions or states have different regulatory guidelines on the accepted scope of chiropractic care. People who give advice online can be from anywhere in the world. Therefore, the treatment practices that work for someone else in their region may not work for you. Make sure your scope of practice aligns with the laws and regulations in your area. 

Implementing online advice that is incorrect or outdated can have legal implications. Avoid asking questions online about complex cases, treatment plans, or other decisions that can drastically affect your work.

It’s also important to know that not all advice aligns with the ethical standards of the chiropractic profession. Following unethical advice could jeopardize your license or lead to malpractice claims. Keep in mind that maintaining the highest ethical standards is not just about avoiding legal issues and saving your reputation, but providing the best possible care for your patients. 

Where to Find an Expert Opinion

Advice given in real-time by a trusted and vetted expert is often more ideal than social media advice, because experts have extensive knowledge in the field. 

One great resource for practice advice can be your chiropractic malpractice insurance carrier. Read through your carrier’s online resources or connect with them directly for personalized guidance that can help you practice more safely. Click here to browse ChiroPreferred’s practice tips content. 

Feel Confident with ChiroPreferred

Choosing a chiropractic malpractice insurance carrier with reliable practice resources is crucial. At ChiroPreferred –– an exclusive insurance solution from industry leader MedPro Group –– we provide valuable insights backed by expert opinion and research so you can practice with greater confidence.

Get the experts on your side. Contact our team or schedule an appointment today.