Click below to download our new patient forms.
Fill out these forms at home before you come for your first visit!
Patient History: The first thing most patients notice about our office is the warm and friendly environment. Upon entering our office a member of our staff will welcome you and request that you fill out some new patient forms. These forms ask many questions pertaining to your current complaint, past health history, and family health history. This information is vital for the doctor to evaluate your health and determine if he can help you through chiropractic care. Click on the links above to download the forms.
Consultation: After reviewing your history forms, the doctor and/or chiropractic assistant will listen to your health concerns and perform a consultation. This usually involves a series of questions which give us more specific information about your current complaint, your diet, your exercise habits, your work environment and other areas that might influence your health. This also is a vital component of determining if you have a chiropractic case and gives the doctor an idea of what type of examination you will need to evaluate your case.
Examination: You will be given a thorough examination to determine the cause of your problem, the severity of your case, and to evaluate your overall health. Your examination will most likely include numerous orthopedic and neurological tests, range of motion measurements, vital signs, palpation (feeling the involved area with the doctor’s hands), postural evaluation, gait analysis, and a chiropractic exam of the spine. The doctor will make every effort to make you feel comfortable during this examination. It is not usually necessary to disrobe for our examinations.
Your examination will also include a computerized examination called the “Insight Millennium Subluxation Examination.” This examination involves several important components.
The first part of this examination process involves reading spinal heat differences from one level of the spine to another, as well as from one side of the spine to the other. Heat is a by product of circulation, which is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. From this we can see how subluxation may be affecting these functions of your nervous system.
In the second part of this examination the Insight Millennium Subluxation Examination scans the surface of your spinal area for surface electrical impulses, and measures them along your spine. This helps measure the affect of subluxation on the motor nerve system and the affect subluxations may be having on your muscles.
The importance of each of these tests will be explained to you at your Report of Findings. However, it is important to note that this examination helps us scientifically understand the subluxation processes going on in your spine. It also gives us a baseline for future tests so we can accurately measure your progress to see how your spine is correcting and your nervous system is functioning. Using the Insight Millennium Subluxation Examination is much more accurate than just depending on “how you feel” on any given day.
X-rays: If necessary, your doctor will recommend x-rays. Many times x-rays are necessary for the doctor to measure and evaluate spinal misalignments called subluxations, check for arthritic changes, abnormalities and/or other pathologies to ensure it is safe to begin Chiropractic care. Depending on your case, x-rays might include small regional views of the spine, the extremities, or full spine views. We use modern radiology equipment to ensure the lowest radiation dose possible. If x-rays are taken, the doctor will require some time to develop and then read your x-rays. An appointment for your Report of Findings will usually be scheduled for the following day or possibly later that same day if time allows.
Other Diagnostic Tests: Our clinic is proud to offer digital foot testing through Foot Levelers Company. This testing may be necessary to address postural or mechanical problems with the feet as well as evaluate your posture from the ground up. Fallen arches in the feet commonly affect the alignment and function of the spine and pelvis. Additionally your doctor might need to order other diagnostic tests. If necessary these tests will be performed at one of the local hospitals. Lab tests might be ordered through South Bend Medical Foundation or Genova Diagnostics. In some instances, your doctor might want to review tests that you have previously done or consult with doctors you have previously seen.
Report of Findings: The doctor will spend 20-30 minutes explaining the findings from your consultation and examination. If x-rays where taken, he will show these to you and review your findings in detail. Your doctor will make every effort to ensure that you understand: Can chiropractic care help you? What is causing your problem? What type of treatment will be necessary? How long will it take to correct your problem? How much will it cost?
If you have a chiropractic case, the doctor will answer your questions and will usually start your treatment immediately. Occasionally patients have problems that require other medical attention in addition to or instead of chiropractic care. If this is true in your case, the doctor will explain why and make the appropriate referral to another doctor or healthcare provider.
