Your first visit
Bring photo ID and your insurance card. For an auto accident or work injury, also bring the incident report number, the claim number and your attorney's details if you have representation. A first visit covers history, examination, digital X-ray where clinically indicated, and an explanation of findings. Allow 45 to 60 minutes.
Bring with you
What to have ready
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- A list of any medication you are currently taking
- Auto accident: police report number, claim number, adjuster contact, attorney details if represented
- Work injury: employer details, date of injury, claim number, the DWC-1 form if you have it
- Any previous imaging or reports relating to this problem, if you have them
What happens
How a first visit runs
We do not begin treatment on first meeting you. The assessment comes first.
- History — we listen firstWhere the pain is, when it started, what makes it worse, previous injuries, and your work and sleep posture. For accident or work injury cases, how the incident happened.
- Physical examinationPalpation, range of motion testing, and a neurological check of reflexes, strength and sensation, to work out whether the problem is structural, neurological or soft tissue.
- Digital X-ray if indicatedTaken on site. Whether it is needed is a clinical judgement, not something every patient has.
- Findings and plan explainedIn the same visit you are told what was found, the likely cause, what is proposed and roughly how many visits it may take — before anything starts.
Where you will be
Reception and waiting area
Practical
Things worth knowing beforehand
Allow 45–60 minutes
A first visit takes longer than a follow-up because of the examination and the explanation.
Comfortable, loose clothing
You may be asked to move through a range of positions during the examination.
Tell us when you book
Cantonese, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and English are all available.
Depends on the route
Auto accident, workers' compensation, private insurance and self-pay each work differently.
Day to day
There's no need to be nervous
People often arrive more anxious than they expected. This is not that kind of place.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will I be treated on the first visit?
Sometimes, but not always. The assessment comes first. If treatment is appropriate on the day and you want to go ahead, it can start then. If more information is needed first, we will say so.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on what the assessment shows. We give an estimate at the end of the first visit, and revise it as things progress. We would rather give you a range and explain the reasoning than quote a fixed number.
Do I need a referral?
No, a referral is not required to be seen here. Some insurance plans have their own requirements, so it is worth checking with your insurer if you intend to claim.
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