Scheduling
Choosing Absolute Health Chiropractic is your first step towards great health and wellness. Now that you’re on a path towards pain relief and healthy living, here’s how to take the next step and prepare for your first appointment.
Of course, you’ll want to schedule your appointment right away. Make sure to choose a time when you’re not rushed and will be able to spend some extra moments with that first visit paperwork. Also, keep in mind that your initial visit will probably run longer than subsequent visits due to the need to bring your chiropractor up to date on your symptoms and medical history.
Record Keeping
Perhaps the most valuable thing you can do to prepare is to record any symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Detail the type of symptom – pain, numbness, stiffness, etc. Also, make notes on the severity and if the symptom is associated with any particular activity or position, such as sitting or laying down. Furthermore, note the times of day when your symptoms seem to be the most severe and mildest. Be certain to bring all your notes along to your appointment.
It’s also important to write down any questions you may have for your chiropractor. This is crucial since it’s easy to forget things in a new situation. Relevant questions can be about your chiropractor’s training and experience, the prevalence of your symptoms among your chiropractor’s other patients, insurance coverage, payment arrangements and details of your treatment plan. Also, don’t ever hesitate to ask questions if you don’t understand an instruction or are unsure of a point. Your good health is the result of a partnership between you and your chiropractor. Communication and clarity are vital for this collaboration to work.
Accurate Information
In the same vein, honesty is critical. Don’t downplay your symptoms or any habits you might have. Accurate information is required for your chiropractor to devise an appropriate treatment plan. Being less than forthcoming will only hinder your chiropractor’s ability to help you. Chiropractors are concerned with promoting your health, not judging you.
Finally, it’s a good idea to prepare by spending some time investigating your insurance benefits. Although your chiropractor’s office will be happy to help with filing claims and researching your co-pay, it helps to know some information beforehand. Since chiropractic is a widely accepted form of complementary and alternative medicine, most major insurance carriers cover chiropractic care. However, there may be limitations as to the number of yearly visits or exceptions for certain procedures, such as therapeutic massage or ultrasound therapy. By being aware of your insurance’s covered items you’ll be able to assist your chiropractor in finding a suitable and affordable treatment for you.
Preparation
It always pays to be prepared. The simple steps above will have you ready for your first chiropractic visit and well on your way to reaping the full benefits of professional chiropractic care. It’s your time and your health, so make the most of it.
Chiropractor Dr. Weigle | Absolute Health Chiropractic | 2720 NW 6th St #1 | Gainesville, FL 32609 | (352) 377-7373