New Patients at HealthFirst Chiropractic

Your first visit at HealthFirst Chiropractic is designed to be thorough, efficient, and focused entirely on your problem. We take the time to understand what’s going on before recommending anything.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

A lot of chiropractic offices get you on the table and start adjusting at visit one. We don’t. The first visit is about one thing: finding out exactly what’s causing your problem. That takes a proper consultation, a detailed exam, and in most cases, digital X-rays. Rushing that process doesn’t serve you, it just gets you adjusted faster without anyone actually knowing what’s wrong.

Most patients are seen the same day they contact us. Your first visit runs about 45 minutes.

Step 1 - Before You Arrive

You’ll complete your new patient paperwork online before your visit. This covers your health history, your main complaint, current medications, and any previous care you’ve received. Having this done ahead of time means we spend your visit actually talking through your situation – not filling out forms.

Step 2 - Your Consultation

You’ll sit down with your doctor and walk through your health history in detail. What’s bothering you, when it started, what makes it better or worse, what you’ve already tried, and what your goals are. This conversation matters. The details patients often think are irrelevant are frequently the ones that point toward the actual cause.

Step 3 - Your Examination

From there your doctor runs a thorough exam. This includes orthopedic and neurological testing, chiropractic assessment including palpation and motion analysis, postural analysis, and range of motion testing. The goal is to build a complete clinical picture before anyone looks at an X-ray.

Step 4 - Digital X-Rays

In most cases, digital X-rays are taken on-site at your first visit. X-rays are a key part of the Gonstead analysis, they show us the structural picture of your spine that no exam alone can provide. Both our Westerville and Pickerington offices have digital X-ray on-site.

Step 5 - Result of Tests

Your second visit is your result of tests. This is where your doctor walks you through everything what was found, what it means, how we can help, and how long it’s likely to take. You’ll have time to ask questions and there’s no pressure to commit to anything on the spot. If we can help you, we’ll tell you clearly. If we can’t, we’ll tell you that too and point you in the right direction.

Central Ohio has trusted HealthFirst Chiropractic for nearly 4 decades.

What to Bring to Your First Visit

Your insurance card if you plan to use insurance
A valid photo ID
Any relevant imaging you have (MRI, X-ray, CT scan)
A list of current medications if applicable
Any previous chiropractic or medical records that are relevant to your current complaint

Frequently Asked Questions from New Patients

Will I get adjusted on my first visit?

In most cases no. Your first visit is the consultation and exam. Your first adjustment typically happens at visit two, after we’ve reviewed your tests together. Every situation is different. Contact us if you have any questions.

Do I need X-rays?

For most patients, yes. Digital X-rays are taken on-site and are a core part of how we assess your spine before beginning care. There are some situations where X-rays are deferred your doctor will let you know if that applies to you.