Florida Chiropractic Laws and Rules (FCLR) Practice Exam

A patient being seen too often may indicate what type of violation?

1. Chiropractic negligence

2. Patient exploitation

3. Excessive billing

4. Unethical practice

The correct answer is: Patient exploitation

The correct answer, indicating that a patient being seen too often may signify patient exploitation, is rooted in the ethical obligations of healthcare providers, including chiropractors. Patient exploitation occurs when a practitioner takes advantage of a patient's trust, dependency, or lack of understanding regarding appropriate treatment. Excessive frequency of visits, especially when not clinically justified, can suggest that the practitioner is prioritizing financial gain over the patient's best interests, thereby undermining the ethical foundation of care. This scenario raises concerns about the practitioner's intent—whether they are genuinely concerned for the patient's well-being or primarily motivated by the revenue generated from frequent visits. In regulated professions, including chiropractic, maintaining a focus on the patient's health and ensuring that care is necessary is crucial for establishing trust and rapport. In contrast to patient exploitation, other violations like chiropractic negligence involves failing to meet the standard of care, which is a different principle. Excessive billing pertains more to the financial practices of the practitioner rather than the treatment frequency itself. Unethical practice, while it may encompass various inappropriate behaviors, is a broader category that may include but is not limited to patient exploitation. Thus, the choice that most directly addresses the issue of patients being seen too often is indeed patient exploitation.