First Chiropractic Visit in Brentwood Burnaby: Can You Decline an Adjustment?

Does booking a visit mean agreeing to an adjustment?

No. Booking establishes an appointment. Consent concerns the specific assessment or treatment being proposed. You can attend with questions and explain that you have not yet decided whether to have an adjustment.

For a capable adult, BC’s Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act recognises the right to give, refuse or revoke consent. This guide concerns an ordinary, voluntary clinic appointment. Different rules can apply to emergencies or decisions made for someone who cannot consent.

A useful opening is, “I would like to understand your assessment and my options before deciding about any adjustment.” Be as clear as you can about whether you want to discuss all treatment first or are specifically concerned about one technique or body area.

What should you clarify when booking in Brentwood Burnaby?

Ask which appointment type fits your request. Explain that you would like an assessment and a discussion before deciding about an adjustment. The clinic can clarify how the visit is booked, what it includes and whether the selected practitioner is appropriate for that discussion.

Confirm the fee, expected appointment length and cancellation terms. Declining a treatment does not establish that an assessment or consultation is free. If you intend to use benefits, ask your insurer about the specific service and practitioner rather than assuming that every appointment is reimbursed.

Use Evergreen’s Brentwood Burnaby location page to check contact details and the clinic address. Evergreen’s chiropractic service in Burnaby provides service information, but an individual treatment recommendation depends on your assessment.

What can you prepare before the conversation?

Write down your main concern and one everyday activity that is affected. Bring relevant health information and explain any recent change. You do not need to identify the cause yourself. Describe what you notice and what you want help understanding.

Next, name the part of treatment that makes you uncertain. It may be a particular movement, the position you would be in, a previous experience or simply not knowing what happens. You do not need a polished explanation. “I am nervous because I do not know what this involves” is a useful place to begin.

Prepare two or three priority questions so the most important discussion happens first. If written information or a slower explanation helps, tell the clinic in advance. Ask whether a support person can attend if that would help you follow the conversation.

What should the chiropractor explain before you decide?

The CCHPBC informed consent standard calls for an explanation of the proposed care, expected benefits, risks, alternatives and consequences of not proceeding. It also requires time for questions and respect for a patient’s decision to modify or withdraw consent.

Turn that information into questions about your own appointment:

• What exactly are you proposing, and which area would you treat?
• What finding from the assessment supports that suggestion?
• What benefit are we hoping for in my situation?
• What risks or side effects should I understand?
• What other reasonable options could we discuss?
• What would it mean to wait or decline this procedure?

If an answer is too technical, ask for it in everyday language. You can describe what you understood and ask the chiropractor to correct anything you missed. A form can document a decision, but it should not replace a conversation you understand.

Can you ask about an approach without an adjustment?

Yes. Ask what options are clinically appropriate for your concern and what each would involve. Do not assume that declining one procedure automatically makes another suitable. The practitioner should explain the reasoning behind any alternative and its limitations.

You might ask, “If I do not want that technique, what else would you recommend discussing?” Follow up by asking what the alternative is intended to address, how its risks differ and how you would review whether the plan is useful.

Sometimes the next step may involve another assessment or a different provider. Evergreen’s Brentwood services overview can help you understand the services listed at the clinic. It does not determine which one is right for an individual concern. Ask the treating professional to explain any suggested referral.

How can you say that you want to pause or decline?

Use a short, direct statement. For example, “I do not consent to that adjustment,” “Please pause while I ask a question,” or “I would like more time before deciding.” You do not need to use medical terminology to communicate your choice.

Tell the practitioner promptly if your preference changes during the visit. If you are concerned that a treatment position might make conversation difficult, agree beforehand on a clear way to ask for a pause. You can also ask the chiropractor to explain the next step before moving on.

After declining, clarify what you are comfortable discussing next. That might be more explanation, consideration of another option or ending the treatment portion of the appointment. Ask what information you should take away and whether any follow up is being recommended.

What should you leave the appointment understanding?

Before leaving, review what was assessed, what was recommended and what you agreed to. Ask which questions remain unresolved. A short written note in your own words can help you remember the reasoning, rather than only remembering a treatment name.

If you choose to proceed with care, ask about personalised instructions and how to raise concerns afterwards. If you choose to wait, ask whether anything about your situation needs timely attention. The next step should be clear enough that you know who to contact and what you are deciding at a later visit.

Frequently asked questions