New Patients
What to Expect
As chiropractors in Southside Pittsburgh we want all of our patients to feel immediately at home when they walk in the door. Since chiropractic care involves a series of visits, with each one building on the ones before, it’s important for you to feel comfortable right from the start.
ONLINE FORMS »
Your First Visit to Our Southside Pittsburgh Practice
Upon entering Ploucha Chiropractic Center, our receptionist will warmly greet you and welcome you to the practice. If you did not get a chance to fill out your health history online, we will ask that you take a few minutes to complete these in the office. These forms provide us with some general information about you, your current health and health history. Please remember to include as much information as possible as it will help the doctor determine the direction
You should bring with you a driver’s license and your health insurance card (if you have insurance). If you have any other pertinent medical information, (MRI reports, X-ray reports, etc.), you can bring those with you as well. We can always request that information from the facility it was performed at if you prefer. We also recommend bringing your spouse, friend or loved one with you. They can give another perspective and the doctor can give them instructions on how to take care of you at home.
Once the paperwork has been filled out, you will have a consultation with the Southside Pittsburgh chiropractor to discuss your health related problems, concerns, as well as potential treatment options. The first visit is designed for the doctor to find out more about you, your conditions, your expectations and to determine whether chiropractic treatment can meet your goals. The doctor may then recommend an examination and x-rays (if necessary).
The doctor will perform a complete chiropractic examination testing your reflexes, your ability to turn and bend, as well as standard neurological, orthopedic, postural and physical examinations. You will usually feel some mild stretching during these tests, but expect the doctor to stay within your comfort range. These tests provide a lot of information to assist the doctor in determining the cause of your condition.X-rays may be recommended by your doctor. X-rays help to rule-in or rule-out conditions as well as assisting us in developing the most effective treatment plan for you. We will be looking for any abnormal degeneration, arthritis and structural misalignments. The doctor will evaluate the structure of the spine and compare it to normal (just like blood pressure).
Preliminary Findings of your Chiropractic Exam
Depending on your preliminary findings, the doctor will determine whether to treat you on the first visit. Treatment may include spinal manipulation, physical therapies and/or soft-tissue therapy. The doctor will also give you some home-care instructions such as using ice or heat at home until your next visit. After the first visit, you will be rescheduled, at a later date to review the doctors findings. Between these visits, the doctor will thoroughly review your history, examination and x-rays (if taken) to provide you with the best chiropractic care and recommendations. Our insurance department will do a complimentary benefits check for you as well during this time. You can schedule your report of doctor’s findings as early as the next business day.
- Second Visit. We’ll report what we found and answer all your questions.
- Regular Visit. A typical visit will be much shorter, but just as important!
Call Ploucha Chiropractic Center and schedule your appointment today. The road to wellness begins here.
CONTACT US »
