Medically reviewed by Dr. Alan S. Bader, DC — Chiropractic Physician, Nevada License B-567 · Dr. Bader · Dr. Doyle · Last reviewed: July 2026
Reno has more than a hundred chiropractors. Most are good people; a few run models that give the profession its stereotypes. These ten questions sort them fast — and any clinic annoyed by the questions has answered them.
The license and credential questions
1. “Can I verify your license?” Nevada chiropractic physicians are licensed by the Chiropractic Physicians' Board of Nevada, and licenses are publicly checkable. A confident clinic prints the number (ours: Dr. Alan S. Bader, license B-567 — the verify link is on our About page). 2. “Where did you train, and when?” School, graduation year, postgraduate work — matter-of-fact answers, no dodging.
3. “What words do you use for your expertise?” Nevada regulation reserves ‘specialist,’ ‘certified’ and ‘expert’ in chiropractic fields for Board-registered credentials. A clinic describing training factually — hours, program, focus — is following the rules; one throwing superlatives may not know them.
The care-model questions
4. “Will I get an examination before treatment?” The only right answer is a real history, orthopedic and neurological exam, and red-flag screening. 5. “Do you X-ray every new patient?” Routine films for everyone is a revenue pattern, not a clinical one — imaging guidelines say so. 6. “How will I know it's working?” Measured re-evaluations on a schedule beat vibes.
7. “Do you sell prepaid care plans?” Long prepaid contracts on day one are the industry's worst habit. A trial of care with re-evaluation — commonly 6 to 12 visits, then measure — is the guideline-consistent model. 8. “What happens if I'm not improving?” The answer should include the words ‘the plan changes’ and ‘referral.’
The honesty questions
9. “When would you refer me OUT?” Every honest clinic has a crisp answer — red flags, non-mechanical findings, failed trials of care. Ours is printed on its own page. 10. “Will you explain my findings before treating me?” The report of findings — what we found, what we recommend, what it costs, your decision — is the moment that tells you whether you're a patient or a quota.
We built this checklist knowing how we'd score on it. Bring all ten questions to your first visit here — genuinely. Thirty years in one Reno location is what answering them well builds.
This page is education, not medical advice for your specific situation — an examination is how care decisions get made. If you may be experiencing an emergency, call 911. Full medical disclaimer.
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