Questions to ask a practitioner before going for treatment
It is important to see a practitioner with appropriate training and qualifications. Patients can check these things by asking the practitioner a number of questions. Feel free to ask a practitioner anything that will help you to decide whether or not they are the right professional to work with you. If you are thinking of seeing a practitioner who works from a clinic or centre, along with other practitioners, the clinic should have details of training, qualifications and experience.
Even if you are going to see a practitioner who has been recommended by someone you know, you can still ask the following questions. When you have spoken to a practitioner on the phone, don’t feel obliged to make an appointment with them if you don’t feel comfortable; it is fine for you to speak to several if you need to before making a decision.
Are they regulated?
Is the practitioner registered with a statutory regulatory body or a member of a professional association? The practitioner should be able to give you contact details for their regulatory body or professional association. You can contact the organisation to check this. You can also ask what the practitioner had to do to become registered. The practitioner may have their registration certificate displayed in the consulting room or they should be able to show it to you.
What training and qualifications do they have?
The length of training courses can vary, so you can ask how long the practitioner has trained for and what qualification(s) they have. Weekend or very short courses are not suitable for people practising professionally on patients. It is also important that practitioners carry on learning and keep up with developments in their profession.
What experience do they have?
Does the practitioner have experience in treating people with your condition? In some circumstances, for instance if you have cancer and are interested in having complementary treatment in addition to your conventional treatment, it may be best to see a practitioner with special training. If there is an organisation or society for people with your condition, they may give advice about this.
Are they insured?
You should always check that the practitioner is insured so that you can be compensated if anything goes wrong with the treatment or if you have an accident on the premises. Again, practitioners should have a certificate showing that they are insured.
What will it cost?
What is the charge for a treatment? Does the first appointment cost more? Sometimes practitioners charge more for the first appointment because they need to spend longer taking details of your medical history. Will there be extra costs for the remedies or supplements they give you?
How long will the course of treatments be?
After your first visit a practitioner should usually be able to give you an idea of how many treatments you might need.
What preparation do you need to do?
Does the practitioner have any information about their practice and therapy they can send you before you see them?
Is there anything you need to do beforehand?
Are there any preparations you need to make before treatment, such as not eating for a short time, or wearing particular clothing?
How might you feel afterwards?
How might you feel after treatment? Are there any precautions you need to take straight after a treatment, such as not driving? Are you likely to feel discomfort or pain and, if so, how long is this likely to last?
Do you have particular needs?
If you have a disability, make sure the practitioner has what you need, such as wheelchair access.
