Chiropractic Referral Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Clinic/Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Referring Physician's Name]
[Referring Physician's Title/Position]
[Referring Physician's Clinic/Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear Dr. [Referring Physician's Last Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally refer one of my patients, [Patient's Full Name], to your esteemed chiropractic care practice for further evaluation and treatment.
Patient Information:
- Full Name: [Patient's Full Name]
- Date of Birth: [Patient's Date of Birth]
- Gender: [Patient's Gender]
- Medical Record Number: [Patient's Medical Record Number]
- Diagnosis/Condition: [Brief Description of Diagnosis/Condition]
- Relevant Medical History: [Brief Overview of Relevant Medical History]
Reason for Referral:
I have been treating [Patient's Full Name] for [duration of treatment] for the aforementioned diagnosis/condition. While we have made progress with [specific treatments or interventions], I believe that chiropractic care could provide valuable complementary or alternative treatment options to further enhance [Patient's Full Name]'s overall well-being and quality of life.
Specific Concerns/Goals for Chiropractic Care:
- [Specify any specific issues or goals you hope chiropractic care can address, such as pain management, mobility improvement, etc.]
I have informed [Patient's Full Name] about the potential benefits of chiropractic care and have discussed the referral with them. They are enthusiastic about exploring this avenue of treatment and have expressed their willingness to coordinate with your clinic.
I kindly request that you evaluate [Patient's Full Name]'s condition and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their needs. I believe that your expertise in chiropractic care will greatly contribute to their ongoing care and recovery journey.
Please feel free to contact me at [your contact information] if you require any additional information or would like to discuss [Patient's Full Name]'s case further. I genuinely appreciate your collaboration and commitment to providing the best possible care for our shared patient.
Thank you for your attention to this referral. I look forward to working together to ensure the optimal health and well-being of [Patient's Full Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Clinic/Organization Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Enclosure: Copy of relevant medical records, test results, and imaging reports (if applicable) for [Patient's Full Name].
Download Word Doc
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Professional Chiropractic Referral Letter
Dear Dr. [Chiropractor Name],
I am referring my patient, [Patient Name], who presents with persistent lower back pain and limited mobility. After careful assessment, I believe chiropractic care would be beneficial to complement their ongoing treatment.
Please find enclosed the patient’s relevant medical history and recent imaging results. I would appreciate your evaluation and management plan for this patient, and I am happy to coordinate follow-up care as needed.
Thank you for your expertise and collaboration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Medical Practice / Clinic]
Informal / Quick Referral Email
Hi [Chiropractor Name],
I’m sending over [Patient Name] for a chiropractic evaluation. They’ve been experiencing back discomfort for a few weeks, and I think your care could help.
Let me know if you need any records or additional info. Thanks for looking after them!
Best,
[Your Name]
Heartfelt Referral Letter for Chronic Pain Patient
Dear Dr. [Chiropractor Name],
I am referring my patient, [Patient Name], who has been struggling with chronic neck and back pain for several years. Conventional treatments have provided limited relief, and I believe your chiropractic expertise could greatly improve their quality of life.
Enclosed are the patient’s medical records, prior therapy notes, and imaging results. Your guidance and treatment recommendations will be invaluable in supporting their ongoing care.
Thank you for your dedication to patient wellness.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Medical Practice / Clinic]
Provisional / Preliminary Referral Letter
Dear Dr. [Chiropractor Name],
This letter serves as a preliminary referral for [Patient Name], who has been experiencing intermittent back and neck discomfort. We are exploring chiropractic care as an adjunct to their current treatment plan.
Please review the attached preliminary assessment and advise on potential next steps. A detailed referral will follow once further evaluation is completed.
Thank you for your collaboration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Medical Practice / Clinic]
Referral Letter with Detailed Patient History
Dear Dr. [Chiropractor Name],
I am referring [Patient Name], a 45-year-old patient with a history of lumbar disc herniation, chronic postural strain, and previous physiotherapy interventions. Despite conservative management, the patient continues to report pain and reduced function.
Attached are complete medical records, imaging studies, and a summary of prior treatments. Your assessment and chiropractic management are requested to help improve their mobility and pain levels.
Thank you for your attention and care.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Medical Practice / Clinic]
Casual / Friendly Referral Note
Hi [Chiropractor Name],
I have a patient, [Patient Name], who could really benefit from your chiropractic care. They’ve been struggling with back stiffness, and I thought you’d be the perfect person to help.
Feel free to reach out if you need more details. Thanks for helping them get back to feeling their best!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
What / Why of Chiropractic Referral Letters
Purpose of a Chiropractic Referral Letter
- A chiropractic referral letter is written by a healthcare professional to direct a patient to a chiropractor for evaluation and treatment.
- The letter ensures proper communication between medical providers and the chiropractor.
- It documents the patient’s condition, history, and the reason for referral.
- It improves patient care coordination, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to musculoskeletal issues.
Who Should Send a Chiropractic Referral Letter
Authorized Senders
- Primary care physicians
- Orthopedic specialists
- Physiotherapists or other healthcare providers involved in musculoskeletal care
- Medical clinics or hospitals initiating coordinated care
- Sometimes insurance companies may request formal letters for coverage purposes
Whom to Address a Chiropractic Referral Letter To
Recipients of the Referral
- Licensed chiropractors or chiropractic clinics
- Specialists within chiropractic practices if the patient requires specific care (e.g., pediatric or sports chiropractor)
- Occasionally, the letter may be sent to insurance providers as part of pre-authorization
When to Send a Chiropractic Referral Letter
Situations Requiring Referral
- Persistent back, neck, or joint pain unresponsive to initial treatments
- Chronic musculoskeletal conditions requiring complementary care
- Patient requests for chiropractic evaluation
- Post-injury recovery needing additional manual therapy
- Pre-authorization requirements from insurance providers
How to Write and Send a Chiropractic Referral Letter
Steps for Writing
- Gather patient medical history, imaging, and relevant treatment notes
- Clearly state the reason for referral and the patient’s symptoms
- Include any specific questions or requests for the chiropractor’s evaluation
- Use professional but concise language
- Choose the mode of delivery: email for quick transmission or printed letter for formal documentation
- Ensure patient consent for sharing medical information
Requirements and Prerequisites Before Sending
Preparations Checklist
- Verify patient consent to release medical records
- Compile all necessary medical documentation
- Confirm chiropractor’s credentials and availability
- Include patient contact information and any insurance details if required
- Ensure clarity on urgency and nature of referral
Formatting Guidelines for Chiropractic Referral Letters
Formatting and Style Tips
- Length: typically 150–400 words, concise but informative
- Tone: professional, clear, and courteous; can be casual for familiar colleagues
- Include patient details, clinical summary, reason for referral, and requested action
- Attach relevant documents or medical records
- Sign off with professional credentials and contact information
After Sending a Chiropractic Referral Letter
Follow-up Actions
- Confirm receipt with the chiropractic office
- Schedule patient follow-up or coordinate care as needed
- Provide additional information if requested
- Document referral in patient records for legal and clinical purposes
- Track outcomes and update treatment plans accordingly
Common Mistakes in Chiropractic Referral Letters
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Sending incomplete patient history or omitting imaging results
- Using vague or ambiguous reasons for referral
- Forgetting to obtain patient consent for sharing medical information
- Overloading the letter with irrelevant information
- Neglecting to provide contact details for follow-up or clarifications
Tricks and Tips for Effective Chiropractic Referral Letters
Best Practices
- Use clear headings or bullet points for patient history
- Keep language professional yet approachable
- Include any previous treatment outcomes to guide the chiropractor
- Confirm the urgency of the referral to prioritize care
- Maintain a copy for both patient and clinic records
Elements and Structure of a Chiropractic Referral Letter
Essential Components
- Patient identification (name, age, contact info)
- Reason for referral
- Medical history summary
- Current medications and prior treatments
- Relevant imaging or test results
- Specific instructions or questions for chiropractor
- Closing with sender's credentials and contact info
- Optional attachments (medical records, imaging reports)
