Step by step: your first visit
Your New Patient Exam is designed to give us a complete picture of your situation — and give you real answers. Here's what happens from the moment you arrive:
Arrive & complete your health history
You'll fill out a brief health history form covering your current complaint, previous care, medications, and relevant lifestyle factors. This takes about 10 minutes and helps Dr. Luke or Dr. Cassie prepare before they even walk in the room.
Consultation — we listen first
Before any examination, your doctor sits down and listens. You'll explain your pain, your history, what you've tried, and what you're hoping to achieve. This is not a rushed 5-minute conversation — it's the foundation of everything that follows.
Neurological & orthopedic exam
Your doctor performs a thorough assessment — testing reflexes, muscle strength, range of motion, and neurological function. This isn't a generic checklist; the findings directly inform what we look for next.
Postural & structural analysis
We assess your posture and spinal alignment using objective measurement techniques. This often reveals structural patterns that explain your symptoms — and that have gone undetected by previous providers.
X-rays (when clinically appropriate)
If warranted by your examination findings, we take digital X-rays in-clinic. X-rays allow us to see the actual structure of your spine — alignment, disc spacing, joint integrity — rather than relying on guesswork. Not every patient needs them on day one, but when we do take them, they dramatically improve the precision of your care plan.
Report of findings
This is where everything comes together. Your doctor explains your findings clearly — what's causing your pain, why it's been persisting, and what can be done about it. We use visuals and plain language, not jargon. Most patients say this is the first time they've actually understood their own condition.
Your personalized plan of action
You'll leave with a written care plan — including specific goals, a realistic timeline, the treatments involved, and a clear finish line. No open-ended "come back as needed." A real plan with defined milestones.
What to bring
- Your insurance card and a valid photo ID
- Any recent imaging you have — X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans (even from years ago can be useful)
- A list of current medications and supplements
- Comfortable clothing you can move around in easily
- Any prior medical records relevant to your condition (not required, but helpful)
No referral is needed. You can book your exam directly, online or by phone.
Insurance & payment
We're in-network with most major insurance carriers and will work with your plan to maximize your benefits:
If you're uninsured or your plan doesn't cover chiropractic, we offer transparent self-pay rates. Ask about our Good Faith Estimate — it's your right to know the cost of care before you commit to anything.
Call to verify your benefits: (312) 987-4878Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to schedule?
No referral is needed. Chiropractic care is a portal-of-entry profession — you can schedule directly, online or by phone, without a physician referral. Some insurance plans may require one for coverage purposes, which we can help you navigate.
Will I receive treatment on my first visit?
In most cases, no — and that's intentional. The first visit is dedicated to a thorough assessment and understanding your situation fully. We don't want to start treatment before we have a complete picture of what's going on. Some straightforward cases may begin care on the first visit if there's enough information, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes — when performed by a trained, licensed chiropractor, chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. Serious adverse events are extremely rare. Our doctors will always review your health history and exam findings before any treatment to ensure it's appropriate for your specific situation.
How long will my care plan be?
This depends entirely on your diagnosis and goals. A recent acute injury might resolve in 6–8 weeks. A chronic structural problem with years of progression may require 3–6 months for meaningful correction. Your doctor will present a specific timeline at your Report of Findings. We don't keep patients in care longer than clinically necessary — and we're upfront about what the realistic endpoint looks like.
What if I've seen a chiropractor before and it didn't work?
This is one of the most common things we hear. Chiropractic care varies enormously in approach and quality. Many patients who've had unsatisfying experiences elsewhere had care that was symptom-focused rather than root-cause focused — adjustments without a structural diagnosis or a corrective plan. Our approach is specifically designed for patients who've tried other options and not gotten lasting results.
Do you treat children or elderly patients?
Yes to both, though we evaluate each case individually. Pediatric chiropractic uses different, gentler techniques than adult care. For elderly patients, we adjust our approach based on bone density, health history, and specific concerns. In both cases, your doctor will review your situation before determining whether chiropractic is appropriate.
Can I see a chiropractor if I've had back surgery?
Often yes, though it depends on the type of surgery, when it was performed, and your current condition. Chiropractic care can sometimes be very helpful after surgery — helping with adjacent segment issues, scar tissue, and functional recovery. We review post-surgical cases carefully and will let you know candidly whether we're a good fit.
What if I'm not sure whether chiropractic can help my condition?
Call us. Dr. Luke or a member of our team will speak with you directly about your situation — at no charge — and tell you honestly whether we think we can help. We'd rather have that conversation upfront than have you come in for a visit that isn't right for your case.