New Patients

New-Patient Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect during my first chiropractic visit?

Your first visit is designed to help us understand your concerns, health history, and goals. You can expect a consultation and examination focused on identifying factors that may be contributing to your symptoms or affecting your spinal function. Depending on your individual findings, additional testing or imaging may be recommended. We want you to understand what we find and why any care is being recommended.

How long will my first appointment take?

The length of a first appointment can vary depending on your health history, symptoms, and the type of evaluation you need. Because a new-patient visit may involve a consultation, examination, posture assessment, and other clinically appropriate testing, we recommend allowing enough time for a thorough evaluation. When scheduling, our team can give you a better idea of how much time to plan for your specific appointment.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance information if applicable, a list of medications or supplements you currently take, and any information about significant medical conditions, previous injuries, or surgeries. If you have relevant imaging or medical records, bringing those can also help Dr. Wade better understand your history.

Should I bring previous X-rays, MRI reports, or medical records?

Yes. If you have recent X-rays, MRI reports, or other medical records related to your current concern, please bring them with you or ask the appropriate healthcare facility about making them available to our office. Dr. Wade can review relevant existing information and determine whether any additional imaging or testing is clinically appropriate.

Will I receive treatment during my first visit?

That depends on your individual situation. Your first priority is receiving an appropriate evaluation. Treatment may be provided when Dr. Wade determines that it is appropriate based on your history and examination findings. In other cases, additional information or imaging may be needed before treatment recommendations are made.

Why do you perform a posture and structural examination?

Posture can provide useful information about how your head, spine, pelvis, and other areas of the body are positioned relative to one another. A structural and posture examination helps us identify measurable patterns that may warrant further evaluation. These findings are considered alongside your symptoms, health history, physical examination, and other clinically relevant information rather than being used by themselves to make a diagnosis.

When are X-rays clinically appropriate?

X-rays may be appropriate when they can provide information that is important to your diagnosis, safety, or treatment planning. Whether imaging is recommended depends on factors such as your symptoms, health history, examination findings, previous injuries, and other clinical considerations. X-rays are not a substitute for a complete examination, and the decision to obtain them should be individualized.

Will Dr. Wade explain my findings before recommending care?

Yes. Patient education is an important part of the approach at Anniston Chiropractic. Dr. Wade will review the relevant findings from your evaluation and explain what they may mean for your health and function. If care is recommended, you should understand the goals of the proposed plan and have an opportunity to ask questions before deciding how you would like to proceed.

How is my treatment plan determined?

Treatment recommendations are individualized. Dr. Wade considers your health history, symptoms, examination findings, posture and function, relevant imaging when clinically appropriate, and your personal goals. Depending on those findings, recommendations may include chiropractic care, exercises, traction, spinal decompression, physical rehabilitation, or other conservative approaches offered by the practice. Not every therapy is appropriate for every patient.

How much does the initial evaluation cost?

The cost of an initial evaluation can depend on the type of appointment, services performed, and applicable coverage. Because fees and promotions may change, please contact Anniston Chiropractic before your appointment for current pricing and to learn what may be included in your initial evaluation.

Do you accept insurance?

Coverage for chiropractic and related services varies considerably between insurance plans. Before beginning care, contact our office with your current insurance information so our team can help you understand the information available regarding your benefits. Coverage or verification of benefits does not necessarily guarantee payment by an insurance company.

What payment options are available?

Payment arrangements can depend on the services recommended and your individual situation. Our team can explain the current payment options and applicable fees before you begin a care plan so you can make an informed financial decision.

Can I bring a family member to my report of findings?

If you would feel more comfortable having a spouse, family member, or other support person with you when your findings and recommendations are discussed, please ask our team when scheduling your visit. We want you to have the information and support you need to make an informed decision about your care.

What happens if I am not a candidate for your program?

Not every patient is an appropriate candidate for every type of chiropractic or corrective care. If your examination indicates that a particular treatment is not appropriate, Dr. Wade can explain the findings and discuss reasonable next steps. When another type of healthcare evaluation is indicated, an appropriate referral or recommendation may be made.

Can I begin with a posture screening before committing to care?

Anniston Chiropractic currently promotes a complimentary posture evaluation as an introductory way to learn more about your posture and spinal alignment. A screening or posture evaluation can provide useful educational information, but it does not obligate you to begin a treatment program. If additional examination, imaging, or care is recommended, those options can be discussed with you separately.