Jim Combest, director of marketing for Noromed Inc, Tukwila, Wa

Patient education is an important tool for retention and referrals in chiropractic practices. Chiropractic Products spoke with Jim Combest, director of marketing for Noromed Inc, Tukwila, Wa, for advice on the latest diagnostic tools and equipment.

How can diagnostic tools help increase patient base and retention?

Diagnostic tools are important in educating patients on the importance of focusing on function as a yardstick in their course of care. It is important to move away from pain as your patients’ total focus. Patients may feel that since the pain is gone their treatment is complete even though they may have only returned to 60%–70% of normal function. Using diagnostics to document and focus patients on return of function educates them on the importance of completing the course of care.

What patient education tools and customer service does Noromed provide?

At Noromed, we believe that diagnostic tools should also serve as patient education tools, and our software is designed with that concept in mind. The Static SEMG module of the MES 9000 is quick, easy-to-use, and provides powerful graphics to educate patients about their condition and the power of chiropractic.

Also, many chiropractors do not realize the educational power of other diagnostic tests. For example, in addition to documenting range of motion, the Dynamic Range of Motion module of the MES 9000 captures movement patterns as well. Doctors can then replay the graphical representation of movement while discussing particular problems.

What is included in the MES 9000 musculoskeletal system?

One of the key features of the MES 9000 is that it is a modular system and can be customized to meet current needs. Doctors can choose any combination of the four available modules: Dynamic Range of Motion, Computerized Muscle Testing, Static SEMG, and Dynamic SEMG. What makes the system so unique is that if doctors’ needs change, they can add additional modules later.

What is the history of Noromed Inc?

Noromed is the trademark for the medical division of Myotronics-Noromed Inc and was founded in 1991 by the principals of Myotronics, a dental electronics company established in 1968. Capitalizing on more than 35 years of experience in surface electromyography (sEMG), Noromed specializes in the design and manufacturing of advanced sEMG, dynamic range of motion (DROM), and muscle testing devices. Noromed’s products are currently used in 16 countries and in university research programs internationally.

Noromed’s commitment to customer service remains a primary focus of the company. Our technical support staff averages more than 12 years of experience in the industry and has a well-deserved reputation for fast, friendly, and thorough service.

Tell us about Noromed’s commitment to the profession.

Noromed’s commitment is based on our continuing efforts to refine existing diagnostic tools and develop new tools. We are continually exploring new avenues of research in conjunction with industry leaders and experts and always looking for ways to utilize new and upcoming technologies. Noromed will continue to offer CE programs that focus on the use of technology in the chiropractic practice.

What do you see for the future of chiropractic?

The challenge for tomorrow’s chiropractors is to learn to use the latest diagnostic tools without losing the personal doctor-patient relationship that helps make chiropractic unique. CP