Patient
Information
What to expect
If you’re new to our clinic or have never visited a chiropractor, rest assured that your body will be in safe hands at my family chiropractor.
We understand that each of our patients have unique concerns, abilities and goals, and we cater to these through an individualised approach to health and wellbeing.
During your first visit you will be greeted by our friendly Chiropractic Assistants and asked to complete a Confidential New Patient Questionnaire. Please note your appointment time does not include the time required to complete the questionnaire, so it is essential you arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to allow maximum time for your assessment and treatment. Approximately 45 minutes is allocated for your initial consultation and adjustment.
What to bring
Any x-rays or scans
A current medication list and any allergies they may have
Private Health Card or Veterans Affairs Card (if applicable)
Workers Compensation claims need a referral from a medical practitioner for chiropractic care to be claimed. It is the responsibility of the patient to then claim their fully paid chiropractic services.
Our rooms
Our private consultation rooms offer the confidentially and focus that you deserve
Location & Parking
The practice is conveniently located on the corner of 784 Cavendish Road and Wyncroft Street, in the leafy suburb of Holland Park.
Free onsite car parking is available.
Payment Options
My family chiropractor provides a variety of payment options. Payment is required at time of service with Eftpos and HICAPS facilities available. It is our practice policy that we do not hold accounts and as such, we choose to not forward bills to workers compensation, medicare (EPC claims) or private health funds.
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Enhanced Primary Care Program is a medicare program for which only a medical practitioner can refer. Medicare refunds a large percentage of your chiropractic fee which can be directly deposited back into your account, after your account is paid in full, using the HICAPS terminal and your medicare card. Medicare should be contacted if you wish to access this facility at our practice.
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Private health fund claiming has never been easier, with HICAPS facilities available for on the spot claiming of most health funds. Your refund depends on your health fund, and your level of cover. If there is a gap between your chiropractic fee and your funds rebate, this can be paid using the facilities noted above. All gap amounts are required to be paid at the time of service. Contact your fund for further information.
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Workers Compensation claims need a referral from a medical practitioner for chiropractic care to be claimed. It is the responsibility of the patient to then claim their fully paid chiropractic services.
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Veterans Affairs patients require a referral from their LMO or medical practitioner and are billed directly to the department.
FAQs
Who can see a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are trained to care for people of all ages and from all walks of life. These include newborn babies, children, pregnant women, the elderly and athletes. An extensive history and thorough physical examination is performed before any care and/or treatment is given or recommended to any new patient to the practice. Care is based upon these findings and no two patients receive the same chiropractic care.
How long will my initial consultation take?
Your appointment time does not include the time to fill out the Confidential New Patient Questionnaire. It is essential that you arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment time to fill out the form, which will allow the maximum time for your assessment and treatment. Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour is allocated for your initial consultation and adjustment.
Will I be adjusted on my first visit?
Most patients are adjusted and/or receive treatment on the first visit. However, this depends on findings gathered in your comprehensive examination and availability of diagnostic imaging – that is x-rays and/or scans such as MRI’s or CT scans that are within the last five years.
What qualifications are required by chiropractors?
Chiropractors are required to undertake five years of full time study at University.This includes a three year undergraduate degree program, which covers a range of chiropractic diagnostic and manipulative skills on a background of anatomical, physiological and biomedical science studies. It is a prescribed program which provides a strong scientific foundation and includes units in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, histology and pathology.
The final two years are postgraduate studies, allowing for graduation with a Masters degree. It is a rigorous two year program that further develops the concepts and techniques introduced in the Bachelor degree. In conjunction with coursework, students are required to participate in a year-long internship working within the University’s Chiropractic Clinics.
How many sessions will I need?
In the first stages of treatment of a new or acute condition, a common Chiropractic treatment program is 2 times per week for 2 to 4 weeks, followed by a re-evaluation.
If you are in chronic pain, you may need to keep up regular appointments for an extended period of time until your condition improves.
In most cases, you will experience relief after a week or two of regular visits. But It's important not to give up if you don't see an improvement straight away. This gives time for your Chiropractor to get to the root of the problem and fine tune your treatment plan.
Ongoing treatment is recommended according to your progress. Once your immediate pain and symptoms are significantly better, the frequency of visits will drop to perhaps once a week, and then every few weeks. In time you may be released from care altogether, or advised to return for maintenance and check-up visits only.
It is important to note that no diagnosis can be made until a history, full examination and in some cases further diagnostic imaging may be required.
When should I see a chiropractor?
Chiropractic care may help if you are experiencing aching joints or muscle pain that is affecting your ability to get through the day, or preventing you from doing your favourite activities. It can also help maintain healthy spine and joint function, even if you do not have painful symptoms.
Will my treatment hurt?
Chiropractic treatment is not often painful, with majority of patients reporting a positive change in their presenting signs and symptoms. However, some patients do experience some discomfort or adverse effects following their adjustment such as sore or tight muscles, similar to the feeling you get after a big workout session.
Sometimes when you get adjusted you might here a "popping", "clicking", or a "cracking" type of noise called a cavitation. A cavitation is due to the build up of gas being released from the joint being adjusted. Whilst this may sound painful, it doesn't feel painful.
Patients may experience a bit of a surprise at the sudden movements, but the anticipation of pain is usually the hardest factor to get over. You may feel some soreness for a day or two after, but that’s normal. The soreness some patients get has been related to the feeling you get after vigorous exercise. That makes sense, since, after a chiropractic adjustment your body will be moving differently than before. However, adjustments done without a professional may hurt or cause harm. Make sure you’re getting a chiropractic adjustment by a licensed professional.
Do I need a referral?
No referral necessary. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners so you may choose to make an appointment without the need for the referral from your doctor. However, we do work in conjunction with medical doctors and other allied health professions to help you reach your health goals.
