Making Neuropathy Visits More Productive: A Step-by-Step Intake Framework

johnhayesjr1
Aug 15
2 min read

Peripheral neuropathy patients often arrive exhausted emotionally and physically. Many have seen multiple providers, tried multiple medications, and received little clarity. The typical 10-minute insurance-based visit doesn’t give them the answers they need.

But in your direct-pay or private practice, you can turn neuropathy visits into high-impact, trust-building encounters not by spending hours, but by using a clear, efficient intake framework.

Why a Structured Neuropathy Intake Matters

A strategic intake allows you to:

Identify root causes faster
Personalize care from day one
Avoid unnecessary testing
Deliver value beyond symptom suppression

And when patients feel seen and understood, they’re more likely to stick with your care and refer others.

A 5-Step Neuropathy Intake Framework

1. Symptom Mapping

Ask: “Where did it start? Where is it now?”
Use diagrams to mark burning, tingling, numbness, or pain
Clarify timing: constant vs. episodic, worse at night, linked to activity?

2. Functional History

Balance issues? Tripping? Shoe fit changes?
Sensory complaints (heat, cold, vibration)?
Impact on walking, driving, or sleep?

3. Root-Cause Review

Medications: metformin, PPIs, chemo, statins, excessive B6
Metabolic: blood sugar, insulin resistance, weight gain
Autoimmune history, gut dysfunction, long-COVID exposure

4. Basic In-Office Testing

Monofilament + tuning fork
Vibration, proprioception, gait observation
Reflexes and strength as needed

5. Patient Education and Plan

Share working diagnosis
Explain how neuropathy develops (many have never been told)
Introduce your protocol: labs, therapies, supplements, and follow-up plan

Why This Matters for Your Practice

Patients will leave your office thinking: “This is the first doctor who really looked at the whole picture.” That’s not just good medicine it’s good business.

Want to Turn Every Neuropathy Visit Into a Practice-Building Moment?

Book a Strategy Session with John Hayes Jr., MD to access the intake templates and protocols trusted by top-performing private physicians nationwide.