1. Your first call to our office:

When you contact our office for the very first time, you will be greeted by one of our pleasant chiropractic assistants (C.A.s) who will take a moment to find out exactly what health concerns you will be addressing with Dr. Filippi. At that point we will be able to answer any questions you might have regarding directions to our office, parking, and any information you may want about Dr. Filippi. We will then schedule you for an appointment that is convenient for you to discuss your concerns directly with Dr. Filippi.

2. Your first visit to our office – Initial Evaluation (Usually a 1 - 1 ½ hour appointment):

Seeing a new doctor many times can be met with apprehension and fear. This is normal and we have all gone through this at one time or another. We want to start by saying that there is no need to fear coming to our office. We have a reputation of treating our patients just like family. Therefore, rest assured that we will not bite you!

After your initial greeting, you will be given a few forms and an opportunity to describe in detail your health concerns, any treatments you may have previously received, and what you envision as your treatment goal.

a. Consultation

You will meet with Dr. Filippi to discuss your concerns at greater length. During the consultation Dr. Filippi will consider if your health concerns might be helped by chiropractic. If not, he will refer you to another health specialist who might be able to help you. If Dr. Filippi feels that chiropractic can be of help, a spinal examination will be recommended. (A 10 minute consultation is always free and without obligation.)

b. Spinal Examination

*Physical Examination

You will be either fully gowned or partially gowned during the examination. We will be performing both medical and chiropractic testing which may consist of, but not limited to the following:

· Blood pressure/pulse
· Listening to the carotid arteries
· Orthopedic tests
· Neurological tests
· Range of mobility measurements
· Spinal palpation
· Postural check
· Foot arch evaluation

*X-ray Examination

If you have current x-rays and tests that can be used to help better evaluate your concerns, great! Please make sure to bring them with you, if possible. If not, do not worry, following the physical exam Dr. Filippi will make the appropriate recommendations should x-rays be necessary. We are equipped with a complete x-ray facility allowing us to take standing postural x-rays or if you’re in severe pain, we have an x-ray table that allows you the opportunity to lie down comfortably while we obtain the views that we need.

We use x-rays to help us to see various levels of spinal degeneration/decay, disc degeneration, spurs, scoliosis and other postural problems and genetic conditions that may be present in multiple members of the family. Many disease processes can also be detected on x-ray.

The x-ray also gives us some guidelines on proper patient management, such as, do’s and don’ts when it comes to various exercises, selecting proper chairs and even mattresses.

Once your spinal exam and x-ray exam have been completed, (this may take 2 appointments to complete) you will be scheduled for a “report of findings” visit.

3. Report of Findings (usually a 20-30 minute visit)

Once Dr. Filippi has had an opportunity to thoroughly review your x-rays (if taken), and correlate their findings to the spinal examination and consultation information, a decision will be made whether or not to accept your case. If your case is accepted, usually both a written and oral report will be given to you detailing all of the concerns and what treatment protocol will be recommended. Treatment protocols may consist of one or more of the following items:

· Specific type of chiropractic techniques recommended
· Pain management techniques
· In office/at home therapeutics
· Home rehabilitation stretches/exercises
· The need, if any for support devices
· Recommended ergonomic changes to your work area.
· Referrals, if needed, conjunctively to other specialists. (Medical Doctor, dentists, podiatrists, massage therapists, etc.)

Additionally, Dr. Filippi will recommend a specific course of treatment over a specific time interval followed by a progress examination.

In all cases a progress examination will be recommended within the first 4 to 6 weeks of care to measure your progress and determine need for future care, changes in care, or referral to an outside specialist.