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What happens next? |  | |
If you have not attended or had treatment at the clinic before, you need to contact the clinic, preferably by telephone, to arrange a mutually convenient time for an initial consultation with one of the Doctors. The receptionist will obtain various details from you (i.e. your name, a contact telephone number, whether you have been referred to a particular Doctor and whether or not you have any private medical insurance) and will explain if necessary the best way to get to the clinic.
 On arrival at the clinic
You will be greeted by a member of staff and be asked to fill in a couple of forms. These forms provide us with your personal details (name, address, date of birth etc) as well as information regarding your present complaint and any relevant past and family medical history. There is also a form regarding private medical insurance.
The Consultation
Having completed the necessary paperwork, you will be escorted to the consultation room where the Doctor will consult you to obtain details relevant to your condition and decide at this time whether your symptoms/complaint is likely to be successfully treated by Chiropractic. He will then ask you to sign a consent form stating that you agree to an examination. He will then escort you to a changing cubicle and ask you to change appropriately for the examination.
 The Examination
There are three parts to the examination, the first part is carried out by one of the doctor's assistants where your height, weight, blood pressure and pulse are recorded and your posture and spinal ranges of movement are measured. The second part of the examination is carried out by your consulting Doctor. He will check more specifically certain orthopaedic and neurological tests to identify/confirm the nature and cause of your symptoms.
 Depending on the results of the examination, the Doctor may decide if a radiographic (x-ray) examination is necessary.
This will be done only if the underlying cause of your condition can not be accurately diagnosed or if he suspects some underlying pathological condition, in any event these will not be taken unless you give permission to do so.
 Once the examination is completed this marks the end of your first visit and it will take between 45 minutes to one hour depending on whether x-rays are taken. Once you are dressed you return to the reception where the receptionist will arrange a second visit (usually within a day or two) so that the Doctor can give you his "Report of findings".
 Report of findings
This is the time when the Doctor will explain as fully as possible the cause of your symptoms and if possible the underlying cause of your condition. He will explain whether or not your complaint can be successfully treated by Chiropractic, what the treatment will involve (amount and frequency) and how soon he expects your symptoms to recover and whether a full correction/recovery can be obtained. He will also, if appropriate give advice on work, exercise, lifestyle and nutrition at this time. However, as the treatment progresses further advice may be given. After the report of findings, you will be asked to sign a consent form consenting to treatment. The Doctor will then leave you and one of his assistants will come in and ask if you would like to make any appointments in advance. If you would like evening appointments, it is advisable to make appointments in advance as the clinic tends to be very busy during the evening sessions. The assistant will then show you to a changing cubicle so that you can get changed, she will then show you to the treatment room where you will see the Doctor again to receive your first treatment.
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