What
to Expect from Your First Visit...
Following
is some information for patients new to Chiropractic Care about
“What to Expect” on their first visit. Experienced
chiropractic patients just seeking an adjustment, are free to
skip ahead a bit.
Welcome
– Call to schedule a convenient appointment time
to visit our warm, friendly and relaxing atmosphere.
Paperwork
– A standard intake form is used with standard
information about yourself, any problems or complaints. There
is a space for insurance information for those who have health
insurance. When treating automobile or work-related injuries,
some additional forms may be given to you to fill out. We do
our absolute best to minimize the paperwork you must deal with.
Orientation
Video – An optional short video illustrating
the importance of the body’s nervous system, spinal function,
their relation to chiropractic, what a subluxation is, how its
addressed, an overview of the chiropractor’s education
and training, and new research, etc, approximately 6 minutes.
Patients who have never experience chiropractic, or those who
wish to learn more about chiropractic should watch this video.
Our
Massage Chairs – A great way to relax and tune
into your body with unprecedented capability to massage the
spine and back area in a way that doesn't just feel good, but
is actually good for you. Enjoy the chair during your video,
before an adjustment, etc.
Consultation
– This is sometimes called a medical history,
which is often overlooked these days. You tell us about any
problems, where it hurts, when it started, what it feels like,
what makes it better or worse, etc., etc., and any other health
concerns.
Exam
– Examinations consist of identifying your problem
area(s), palpating (examining by touch) areas of pain or discomfort,
noting how your spine moves in specific directions, orthopedic
testing maneuvers may be performed, reflexes or other neurological
responses may be tested. Spinal exams also include palpating
each vertebra for swelling or tenderness, checking the muscles
for spasms, etc. Common areas examined are neck, back, shoulder,
arm, hand, hip, knee, ankle, foot, etc.
Diagnostics
- X-Rays, while not mandatory, provide an important
visual record revealing what condition your spine is in. In
addition to ruling out many serious problems, X-Rays are tremendously
useful in guiding the direction of your chiropractic care. Many
patients have lost the important curve in their neck, others
have degenerating discs and joints, scoliosis, abnormal movement
patterns, etc. It is best to have all this information at the
beginning of your treatment so you get the most out of your
visits. Occasionally MRIs or other tests are needed to best
understand the nature of your problem.(<- link this last
sentence to the diagnostics page.)
Report
of Findings – Usually done on the second visit,
this is a review of what was found on your X-rays, areas of
your spine that need work, recommendations for treatment, question
and answer, etc.
Treatment
– Time to start getting you better. Treatment
is customized to your needs. Adjustments help restore normal
joint function. Massage and other modalities are combined to
give you the best results possible. Home traction helps you
restore the normal cervical curve missing from so many patients.
Home stretching and exercises are recommended to help you recover
and maintain your health.
Finances
– Patients are given several options. We’ll
tell you what your insurance covers and doesn’t cover.
Rather than paying each visit, most patients take advantage
of our many financial arrangements. Patients receive a 20% discount
on pre-paid amounts. Monthly payments are available with convenient
electronic funds transfer. Also patient financing through Care
Credit or Help Card are available with payments as low as $60
per month. Cash, check or credit cards are always accepted as
well.
Visa, Mastercard,
Amex, & Discover accepted.
