What does a new patient visit at Custom Chiropractor look like?
At Custom Chiropractor we have a patient-centric approach. We address a lot more than just the region, joint or muscle that is causing the pain. We look at your entire body to make sure that your bones and muscles move together in a pain-free way through posture and gait assessment. Our chiropractors incorporate many different soft tissue modalities to address both the musculature and the joints and utilize individualized rehabilitative exercises designed to increase function.
Who do we treat?
Everyone is welcomed and benefit from our treatments. We treat men and women of all ages, including children and pregnant women; regardless of their activity level or lifestyle. We are happy to help through all stages of life and will discuss your concerns and goals at the first visit.
New patient intake forms
Once the appointment is booked – either through our website or our front desk staff – we send intake digital forms to be filled out prior to the initial visit. You may also come in 20 minutes before your appointment to fill out the paperwork in-office. The intake form has specific questions about your chief complaint, as well as any relevant health history to help us determine the best clinical diagnosis and treatment plan for you.
New patient consultation, assessment and treatment
The initial visit takes an hour to review intake forms, assess the problem, and begin treatment. First, the chiropractor reviews your intake form and asks specific questions about your chief complaint and health history. The assessment will include neurological and orthopedic exams to figure out the root cause of the problem. After discussing the diagnosis with you, your treatment will begin. If further imaging is required, the chiropractor will refer you directly to the closest facility and guide you through the process.
Much more than a quick adjustment
The treatment is much more than just an adjustment. In fact, an adjustment is only a small part of your treatment. The chiropractors focus on the musculature that is tight and tender using a variety of techniques such as Active Release Technique, Hypervolt percussion, cupping, Graston and Trigger point massage. At the end of treatment, the chiropractor will have mobilized the joints that are restricted. This is done in order to get the tissues and joints moving normally again using techniques such as diversified adjustments or instrument- assisted adjustments such as the Activator.
We strongly believe that our patients have the best success and results if they do their “homework” as prescribed. Stretching, increasing water intake or adding specific exercises to your daily routine will help you avoid re-injury. Restoring muscle strength will reduce compensatory patterns and overuse injuries.
If the problem is not musculoskeletal, the chiropractor will refer you out to another health care professional and guide you through the process. At any point of the visit and after, we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my insurance? FSA or HSA?
Even though we are out of network chiropractors, we work with all PPO plans. Once we receive your insurance information, we check your out of network benefits to see what coverage you have. At Custom Chiropractor, we deal with your insurance directly; meaning that we send all of the bills to them. We can also supply a superbill for your record.
Alternatively, you can also use an HSA or FSA.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is a detailed receipt of services that includes all diagnostic and procedure codes. This bill is used for patients to submit to their insurance companies themselves for direct reimbursement within the patient’s insurance benefit plan.
What is an adjustment? Will it hurt?
As chiropractors, we focus on the musculoskeletal system looking at muscle tightness and joint movement. An adjustment is a high velocity low amplitude thrust applied to a specific vertebra, intended to increase joint movement. An audible sound (the “pop”) may accompany the adjustment. The cavitation/ sound is caused by the release of the same gas released when you crack your knuckles. There is no pain involved with the adjustment but some patients may experience soreness the day following the treatment.
Should I wear specific clothes for the first visit?
It’s best to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in and allows for accessibility of the focused treatment area. For example, if you have shoulder pain, you may consider wearing a tank top; with knee pain, shorts are a good option.
What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
At Custom Chiropractor, we want to make sure that every patient has the opportunity to be treated promptly. In order for that to happen, we adhere to a strict cancellation policy. Please let us know if you are unable to make your appointment 24 hours before the scheduled time, and we are happy to reschedule. There is a fee for late cancellations and no shows.
