New Patients at Nelson Chiropractic
Nelson Chiropractic has an inviting atmosphere that’s staffed by a warm, friendly team. When you arrive, you won’t have to worry about stacks of paperwork to fill out. It’ll just take a few minutes to complete your forms, and then your appointment will begin.
INTAKE FORMS
What to Expect on Your First Visit
During the span of about an hour, you’ll discuss your concerns and history with Dr. Nelson. We’ll do tests to find out what is wrong and if we can help. After an explanation of the results, we will discuss what our recommended approach would be for your condition. Based on this information, we will discuss our fees with you and how your insurance might assist with the costs. If we need to order imaging, we’ll be sure to do that for you. If you choose to proceed with treatment, in most cases, treatment can begin on the first visit.
Please fill out the online forms prior to your appointment. If you need assistance with the forms, we can help in the office! Just come to your appointment about 15 minutes early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to the first visit and will I need to disrobe?
Rarely do we have the patient change into a gown or otherwise disrobe. It’s best if you can wear a loose-fitting top such as a T-shirt over similarly loose casual pants, jeans, or shorts. Please avoid tight fitting or full-length one piece clothes such as dresses. For women, if possible, please wear a regular bra not a sports bra that covers more of the back. These suggestions help when we perform a surface EMG which requires touching sensors down each side of the spine from the head to the waistline.
How long does the first visit take?
Normally the first visit is 45 minutes to 1 hour but can be up to 90 minutes if your health issues are more complex or if you have been recently in an accident.
Do I need to do any special preparation for the visit?
As to food, generally not as we do not do blood tests here in the office. We appreciate if you avoid fragrances in lotions or colognes as we do have patients who are chemically sensitive. It is also helpful to not have recently applied lotion to the skin as that can interfere with some of our tests.
What if I’m pregnant?
This is completely fine as we do not do anything that would be hazardous to you or the baby. It may be needed that you lie face down for some of the tests. We use a special pillow for this purpose that makes it quite comfortable. In fact, some women have threatened to steal our pillow because it is so comfortable!
Once I start chiropractic, will I always have to go?
At our office, you’ll always get choices on how long you want to see us. Since our lives are filled with stress, there’s a good chance it’ll take its toll on your body. That’s why many people choose to have regular chiropractic adjustments. Those that do often find they have more energy, greater vitality and a higher resistance to stress and disease. You’ll receive information about different levels of care and can decide for yourself how long you want to see us for.
Does an adjustment hurt?
No, however sometimes an area that is painful to the touch will very briefly hurt in that way when it is treated. Dr. Nelson uses the Activator®, which is a gentle, light-force instrument. There is no cracking, popping or twisting involved.
Why do you use the Activator?
The Activator allows Dr. Nelson to be specific and gentle. Your adjustments won’t stress or strain you. The Activator can address your full-body needs including your spine and all extremities.
How long will it take to get results?
More than 50% of our patients feel some relief after their very first treatment. The length of time to correct a problem will depend on factors such as your nutrition, living habits and the severity and duration of the problem. You can choose to get rid of your pain, correct the source of your problem or reach the highest levels of health with us. We’ll give you options for your care and you can decide which is right for you depending on your goals.
Can chiropractic cure everything?
No. Chiropractic is not a cure. Instead, it helps your body function at a higher level, which in turn can make an impact on many health-related concerns. There are times when other interventions may be necessary. We encourage you, however, to try our conservative care first.
Why would I have my newborn or child adjusted?
Though young people are flexible and adaptable, they’re far from unbreakable. Kids won’t typically complain of pain like adults do. That makes it essential to get them checked regularly for any potential problems, particularly if there has been a recent injury.
Does insurance cover chiropractic?
Most
insurances will assist with the cost of treatment and we are in-network with several of the larger plans. Our office staff is experienced in working with insurance companies and will help you understand the details of your benefits. You’ll have a clear expectation of any costs involved in your care.
Do I need a physician’s referral to see you?
No, in Washington, nearly every insurance plan allows you to see a chiropractor without a referral. The only exception is strict HMO plans like Kaiser HMO.
Do you work with medical professionals?
Yes. Some of the professionals in our network include physical therapists, orthopedists, and sport and spine specialists.
Will I get adjusted on my first visit?
Typically yes. We get it – you don’t want to wait to start feeling better! We usually adjust you right away on your first visit.
Will you suggest exercises I can do?
In many cases, yes. Exercises serve as a fantastic complement to your care. We’ll discuss which are most appropriate for you.
Can someone who has had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes. Our Activator Methods procedures are gentle and precise so that we can carefully work around surgical sites. Many times, people who have had back surgery continue to have further problems. We can work with you to help you through them.
Following Up
You’ll embark on a course of treatment according to your goals, choosing how long you want to benefit from care. Each visit will take a maximum of 15 minutes. You’ll go to the treatment area, have some testing done to determine what needs to be adjusted, then have your treatment. Periodic re-examinations are done about every 12 visits to mark your progress.
Payment Options
We are providers with Premera Blue Cross, Regence Blue Shield, Aetna and First Choice. Workers’ compensation and auto accident cases are accepted. Though we are non-participating with Medicare, we accept Medicare patients and Medicare will still reimburse you. If you do not have insurance coverage, we have other payment options available, which include CareCredit.
CONTACT US
New Patients at Nelson Chiropractic | (425) 867-1119
