Here are the basics on how the clinic works. What to wear? How do we handle appointments? What happens if you need to reschedule an appointment? And of course; how you can speed up (or sabotage) your recovery!!
When you arrive at the clinic, it is important that the Receptionist knows you are there. If she is busy with other patients she may not see you arrive and you may then not be seen in turn.
So when you arrive, be sure that she knows who you are and when your appointment is.
What to wear
Any type of clothing that allows you to move freely is suitable. Ladies should remove any large earrings or wide belts. It is much easier to work with you if you do not have heavy thick clothing on. Shoes should normally be removed. Please be nice to be near.
If you are having acupuncture then that area should generally be clear of clothing. For acupuncture to the spine or lower back, most patients find it comfortable to wear loose clothing, track pants or slacks. Women would normally wear a bra or sports bra to allow easy access to the spine. The treatment room is kept thermostatically warm for your comfort.
During a normal consultation you will be shown into the room a few minutes before the Doctor arrives. This gives you time to relax, change down your clothing and prepare for treatment. Most people find it beneficial to lay face down for a few minutes and relax, in preparation for the commencement of care.
The more relaxed you are prior to your spinal corrections, the better the result will be.
Appointments
We always do our absolute utmost to see you as close as possible to your appointment time. Unfortunately this cannot always be the case. Research has shown that 10% of patients arrive late, 10% arrive early and 10% either miss their appointment completely or come on the wrong day or the wrong week. When you combine this sort of irregularity with the simple fact that not all cases take a predictable length of time, it is easy to see how we can occasionally run late.
To help us stay on time, it is important that you arrive on time, preferably about 5 minutes early. This has two benefits; firstly, it allows you to sit down and relax for a few minutes before your adjustment, and secondly, if we are running ahead of schedule you can go in earlier.
When we have emergency patients they will automatically take priority.
Cancellations and Missed Appointments
Because the appointment book fills very quickly, many times through the day the Receptionist has to turn away patients that want to be seen. Sometimes these patients are in pain and have to wait until the next day. Therefore if you can't keep your appointment PLEASE give us at least 24 hours notice.
That way we can achieve two important tasks:
- We can reschedule a new appointment for you so you don't miss out on your treatment, or delay your recovery time.
- We can give your old appointment time to someone else who may be suffering.
Keep Your Appointments as each spinal correction builds on the one before. Also, plan ahead as patients book with us up to a year in advance. If you are unable to make your appointment, allow someone else to use that time.
If you need to reschedule, be sure to select a time as close as possible to your original appointment time. Do not delay your recovery by "leaving it until next week". For example, if you are scheduled for two sessions per week and cannot make it, do not skip the second appointment, please come in the next day or as soon as possible. Each treatment builds on the one before. Cancelling and rescheduling only prolongs your treatment time and pain.
We do understand that occasionally things pop up un-expectantly that upset your daily schedule and may cause you to miss or late-cancel an appointment. However, if you miss or late-cancel more than 3 appointments, you will be asked to pay for the wasted appointment time. Note that for those on Workcover or TAC you will be personally responsible for the wasted time, not the insurance company.
Fees and Payments
Our fees are well below the Recommended Fee Schedule of the governing body for all Chiropractors in Australia, the Chiropractors Association of Australia. Fees are usually updated according to CPI. Whilst it is not mandatory, as a courtesy we do offer discounted rates to Aged Pensioners, holders of Health Benefits Cards, Students and children.
Just like your supermarket, hairdresser and butcher we have a pay on day policy. All fees are due and payable at the time of consultation. No accounts will be kept. Almost all private health insurance companies cover chiropractic services; however there is considerable variation in their charges and rebates. Some do not cover Acupuncture and Natural Medications, whereas others do. The fees for your treatment, like your health, are your responsibility.
If you are having any difficulties regarding the financial obligations of your care please do not hesitate to discuss this with Dr Hooper or the Practice Manager; Christine. Where there is a need for help there is always a way. We have never excluded anyone from care because of financial hardship, and we don't want you to be the first.
Children
Children benefit enormously from Chiropractic. With all the bumps and falls that occur during childhood, it's a wonder that some of us make it to adulthood. Most of the problems that we see in adult patients are actually only old childhood problems that have simply been ignored.
The old maxim that "you will grow out of it" could not be further from the truth. Most injuries that children receive get grown "into", not "out of'." As the twig is bent so grows the tree" sums it up nicely. Slightly out of line children grow up to be very much out of line, degenerative and ill adults.
Therefore we strongly suggest that you have your children checked regularly. Spinal examinations for kids are FREE in this clinic. This is done as a public service to our patient's children. However children's examinations do take time so they must be booked through reception.
How can I help myself get better quicker?
Most important: always go for a five minute walk before you get into the car and drive home. Without this walk you will lose about half the benefit of your adjustment.
There are several "Do's and Don'ts" which if closely observed, will help you get the most from your adjustment, plus speed up and enhance your overall improvement. In fact there are several postural habits that may have developed that will slow down improvement to a virtual standstill.
These things are absolute No-No's as far as your spine is concerned:
- DO NOT sit on your wallet or purse.
- DO NOT sleep on your stomach; on your side or back is fine.
- DO NOT lie on the couch, if you are that tired, go to bed.
- DO NOT fall asleep in a chair; chairs are for sitting.
- DO NOT sit propped up in bed reading.
- DO NOT twist your spine: instant damage.
- DO NOT roll your neck in a circle: very dangerous.
- DO NOT sit with your legs crossed at the knee; at the ankle is fine.
- DO NOT sit for more than half an hour without a break.
The same basic rules apply to sport. The three worst sports ever invented as far as the spine is concerned are Jogging, Aerobics and Squash. The best three sports are Swimming, Walking and Cycling.
