The first appointment at any health care office can be intimidating, especially if you do not know what to expect. Dr. Howard does not want anyone to feel uncomfortable in her office, therefore she has outlined what can be expected on the first (and second) day. She does ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time in order to complete all of the paperwork. If you would rather complete the paperwork at home and save time during your first appointment, you can download the forms from this website. You may also stop in to pick up the paperwork prior to your first appointment.
If you do not already know what your insurance coverage is for chiropractic care, we encourage you to call your insurance company for verification of benefits prior to your first appointment. We can assist with this call if needed, but if you have specific questions, you should contact your insurance company to check out your benefits. Verification of benefits does not guarantee payment or actual benefits of the policy, it is merely a guideline that the insurance company can provide over the telephone. Actual benefits are determined by the insurance company after the claims are filed.
First Visit Highlights: (plan 45-60 minutes)
- Paperwork (if not already done prior to your visit)
- Consultation
- Examination with the Insight Subluxation Station
- Brief Explanation of Findings
- Adjustment (if indicated)
- Home Instructions
After the first visit - next day: (plan 15 minutes)
- Report of Findings / Treatment Plan Information
- Review of chief complaint
- Adjustment
- Home Instructions
Subsequent visits will not be nearly as lengthy as the first or even the second visit. These two visits take more time as more information is being shared between you and the doctor.
Dr. Howard will perform follow-up scans with the Insight Subluxation Station on monthly intervals to track your progress. The monthly scans will consist of the thermal and sEMG scans. Every three months your NeuroSpinal Functional Index Score (NSFi) will be re-calculated. These visits do take a little more time and will be scheduled during your second visit so that your plan of care can be consistent and accurate.
We hope this information helps with any "first day jitters" that you may have. Of course, if you have questions prior to your visit, feel free to call or email Dr. Howard and she would be glad to answer them for you.