Appointment Descriptions
Free Consultation:
During this 10 minute visit, you will meet with Dr. Pam to determine if chiropractic care at First Step Chiropractic is an appropriate option for you and your family. You can bring up any questions or concerns you may have and the doctor will do her best to address them. Following the consult, you are free to chose to proceed with a full examination at that time, schedule one for a later date, or contact us at another time.
Patient History and Chiropractic Examination:
Dr. Pam will have you complete a full patient history (or you may complete this paperwork online prior to your examination, found under the Patient Info tab). This will include a history of your present and past conditions (or those of your family member), a review of your bodily systems, and your health goals. Dr. Pam will then review this information with you and acquire any additional information. Then, the doctor will perform a full physical and chiropractic exam, including tests for neurology, balance, strength, orthopedic function, and posture. She will be touch the bones and muscles of the spine and extremities needed to get a feel for tone and position. If Dr. Pam determines that x-ray or MRI is necessary to proceed with care, she will prepare a referral for you following this exam. We do not perform x-rays on site. You may also opt to provide recent x-rays, CT or MRI reports when you present for your exam. Following completion of your exam, you will schedule your second visit, which will include a report on your individual findings and your first adjustment, should you elect to proceed with care.
Please allot an hour for this initial examination, as Dr. Pam is very thorough in order to provide you the best possible care. Please recognize that in the interest of your health and safety, your first adjustment does not happen at the time of your initial exam to allow Dr. Pam to completely review and analyze your findings prior to your first adjustment.
Report of Findings and Your First Adjustment:
Your report of findings is the doctor’s opportunity to inform you as to whether you are a good candidate for chiropractic care at First Step Chiropractic. She will explain why chiropractic care will be of benefit to you, what you can expect to achieve as far as your health goals, and the techniques and length of intensive care you can expect to receive. Payment options will be discussed at this time as well, provided all necessary insurance information has been obtained. Following your report, you and Dr. Pam will both agree whether to begin care.
Moving into your first adjustment, Dr. Pam will explain each step as you go. Please ask questions if you are concerned or curious! Adjustments are typically performed in our open bay adjusting space, as these tables are the most versatile and allow us to provide a community feel to health care. If at any time you would like a more private adjustment experience or have any concerns you would like to discuss in private, please just say so and it will be arranged. Each adjustment begins with several questions about the progress of your health while Dr. Pam assesses muscle tone and the condition of the spine. The adjustment itself is relatively quick, especially once you have been under care for a couple of visits. Your time is important to us, so we will do our best to keep you moving through the office while making sure to fully address all of your chiropractic concerns.
This second visit typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
A Typical Visit:
Provided you do not have any new injuries or issues that arise, a typical visit in office will take around 15-20 minutes. Dr. Pam will assess you each time you come in, and if necessary, adjust any subluxations you present with at that time. Dr. Pam may also have you perform some neurologic or physical rehabilitation exercises specific to your condition, in order to maintain your adjustments over a longer period of time. Of course, you are always welcome to spend a little extra time in office socializing – we love visitors!
Monthly Health Talks
We encourage all of our new patients, and any current patients who are interested, to attend a monthly health talk, which is typically scheduled for the third Wednesday of the month. Patients will arrive for their adjustment at around 6 PM and stay for about 30 minutes (6:30-7:00 PM) to learn about the amazing things your body is capable of when it comes to health, and how chiropractic can help you express that ability! Bring a guest and make a night out of it by visiting one of our many local restaurants after your visit!
Payment Options:
First Step Chiropractic is happy to provide multiple payment options for our patients. Please understand that your specific insurance plan may be different than someone else’s so if you plan on using insurance, please always verify your coverage so that there are no surprises. Also of note is that at First Step Chiropractic, we believe every spine is equally important, no matter how small, so our pricing is not tiered based on age of the patient.
In-Network Insurances
First Step Chiropractic plans to be in-network with CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. Deductibles, co-pays/co-insurances, and visit limitations apply. First Step Chiropractic will do its best to verify your coverage, but encourages you to follow up with your insurance company to acquire the most accurate information.
Out-of-Network Insurances
If your insurance plan has out-of-network benefits, First Step Chiropractic is happy to accept that coverage. Please understand that copays, coinsurances, and deductibles are often higher for out-of-network providers. First Step Chiropractic will do its best to verify your coverage, but encourages you to follow up with your insurance company to acquire the most accurate information.
Preferred Chiropractic Doctor (PCD) Program
For patients with high deductibles or co-pays, or with no insurance coverage, First Step Chiropractic participates with the Preferred Chiropractic Doctor Program. This allows us to offer reduced rates on our adjustments for members of the PCD program. As a courtesy, your rates with PCD will be offered to compare to your insurance rates so you may make an informed decision when opting for care. Please note that PCD rates are not covered by your insurance and are offered strictly as an alternative to insurance payments.
Cash Pricing
Patients always have the option to pay completely out of pocket per visit with no third party payment or program participation. Fees for exams and adjustments are available upon request.
Patient Forms
Please choose the most appropriate form or forms and complete prior to your first visit. You may print the forms or email to info@firststepbaltimore.com. Please also bring a driver’s license or state ID and your insurance card (if you plan on utilizing your health insurance).
Adult Application for Care
– For patients over the age of 12. Please fill out as completely as possible. A parent or guardian must sign for patients that are under the age of 18.
Pediatric Application for Care
– For patients 12 years and younger. Please fill out as completely as possible. A parent or guardian’s signature is required.
Additional forms and paperwork will be provided at the time of your visit.
Research and Resources
A great compilation of articles on a variety of health topics as they relate to chiropractic through Dr. Pam’s mentor, Dr. Drew Rubin – http://www.theadjustment.com/page/articles.html
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association – http://icpa4kids.org
Maryland Birth Network – local practitioners for those looking for an alternative or supplement to a traditional pregnancy/delivery/post-partum period – marylandbirthnetwork.com
