Your first visit at Advanced Chiropractic: what to expect

Before you arrive

Allow about 45 minutes and come ten minutes early. Wear something you can move in. Three things are worth having with you: the new patient form that comes with your booking confirmation, any scans or reports already written about the problem, and your health fund card.

The clinic is at 869 Springvale Road, Mulgrave. Corner of Seaview Crescent. Free parking at the rear. Filling the form in at home rather than in the waiting room is the single easiest way to make sure your appointment time goes on you rather than on paperwork.

If you have X-rays, a CT or an MRI already, bring the images and any reports so they can be considered alongside your current symptoms.

The history

The appointment starts with a conversation rather than a table. What the problem is, when it started, what makes it worse, what you have already tried, what you do all day and what you would like to get back to doing. That last one matters more than people expect, because it is what any plan has to aim at.

The history is considered alongside the examination findings. Tell Dr Arthur about previous care, relevant health conditions and any concerns you would like to discuss.

The examination

Then the Gonstead examination. It works through five separate criteria, each a different way of reading the same spine, and each used to cross reference the others rather than to stand alone.^[1]

• How you stand, sit and move, watched closely
• A handheld instrument guided down either side of the spine to compare skin temperature side to side, which feels like two fingers gliding down your back
• The spine felt at rest, level by level
• The same joints felt while the spine is moved and bent
• X-ray analysis, where imaging is indicated

The first four are hands-on and happen at every examination. Palpation can be tender over a reactive area; tell Dr Arthur at any point and he will ease off. You are told what is happening as it happens.

The examination may include areas beyond the spot that hurts. Dr Arthur explains which checks are proposed and why. A first adjustment may be offered at this visit when clinically indicated and with your consent.

X-rays, only if clinically indicated

Films are taken on site, standing and weight bearing, and only where the examination calls for them.^[1] Many people do not need them. Where a film is indicated, any fee is charged separately from the $99 New Patient Visit and explained to you before anything is taken.

The report of findings

Your report of findings is a separate visit, two to three days after the first, where Dr Arthur explains the examination findings and the recommended next steps. It is an opportunity to ask questions about options, risks and alternatives. It is charged separately, and the fee is explained at your first visit.

There is no obligation to continue with care. You can ask for clarification or take time to consider the proposed plan before deciding.

Who you will see

Dr Arthur Kaganovitch is the sole practitioner here, so the person who examines you at your first visit is the person who looks after you at every visit after it. Every chiropractor practising in Australia must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia.^[2]

What it costs

The New Patient Visit is $99 and covers the whole first appointment: the history, the full examination, and a first adjustment where that is clinically indicated. X-rays, if they are indicated, are charged separately and explained first. Your report of findings, a separate visit two to three days later, is also charged separately, and its fee is explained at your first visit. New patients only, one per person, and the offer terms spell out the rest.

We can process most major health funds on the day; bring your card and check your own level of cover. There is more detail on the first visit page, including what to bring, and on the Gonstead System page. If you already know what the problem is, start with lower back pain or the rest of what we help with.