NEW PATIENT INFORMATION
NEW PATIENT FORMS
Your time is valuable. Speed up the process by filling out our new patient information forms prior to your first visit. These forms cover your health history as well as your insurance information.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We believe in the value of wellness care for you and your family and have maintained a pricing structure that allows care for all budgets. Our office participates in most insurance programs, and we accept auto accident and injury cases. For patients who have little or no insurance coverage, flexible payment programs can be arranged. To learn more about our payment options, please call our office directly at 417-781-6300.
We work hard to take out the “hassle.” We’re more than happy to contact your insurance company to verify your coverage benefits, so you don’t have to. Most plans have chiropractic coverage. We’re providers and accept most insurance companies. If you have any questions, regarding your financial responsibilities at our office, just ask. And if you have secondary insurance, we’ll be more than happy to assist with filing.
We work hard to take out the “hassle.” We’re more than happy to contact your insurance company to verify your coverage benefits, so you don’t have to. Most plans have chiropractic coverage. We’re providers and accept most insurance companies. If you have any questions, regarding your financial responsibilities at our office, just ask. And if you have secondary insurance, we’ll be more than happy to assist with filing.
We take care of a lot of self-pay patients and offer a medical discount plan to make care very affordable. We have several payment plans so those patients may receive complete care without undue financial difficulty.
We accept Medicare, and our office will complete and file the forms for applicable charges to Medicare for you.
If you’ve been in an automobile accident, we work with the auto insurance department and your attorney. Although you are ultimately responsible for your payments, we will wait for settlement of your claim for up to six months after your care is completed.
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that makes care possible today—for purchases of all amounts. It’s designed for health, beauty, and wellness needs. With many of our special financing options, you can avoid paying interest by making your minimum monthly payments and paying the full amount due by the end of the promotional period. Many patients put off treatments and procedures because they cannot afford to pay. Medical services providers offer CareCredit payment options as an alternative to consumer credit cards, cash or checks. CareCredit allows you to pay over time instead of a lump sum prior to treatment. Visit the Care Credit website.
New Patient FAQ
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No. Chiropractors are primary care providers for musculoskeletal conditions, meaning you can schedule an appointment directly without a physician’s referral. Most insurance plans, including auto insurance for accident-related injuries, allow direct access to chiropractic care. At Carlson Chiropractic Center in Joplin, MO, new patients can call and schedule a comprehensive evaluation without any prior paperwork from another doctor.
What happens during a first chiropractic visit?
Your first visit at Carlson Chiropractic Center includes a detailed health history review, a physical examination of your posture and range of motion, plus neurological and orthopedic testing. X-rays may be taken if clinically indicated. The visit typically takes 45–60 minutes.
At your second visit, your chiropractor will explain exactly what they found, discuss your diagnosis in plain language, and outline a personalized treatment plan before any hands-on care begins. You will receive chiropractic treatment including spinal adjustment and therapy (including Decompression Therapy if needed). This visit usually takes 30–45 minutes.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Many health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, though coverage varies by plan and provider. Most major medical insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and auto insurance (for accident-related injuries) include some level of chiropractic benefits. Our team at Carlson Chiropractic Center will verify your benefits before your first visit so you understand your out-of-pocket costs upfront.
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
The number of visits depends on your condition, its severity, and how long you’ve been dealing with symptoms. Acute injuries may resolve in 4–8 weeks with 2–3 visits per week initially. Chronic conditions or disc injuries requiring spinal decompression typically follow a protocol of 20–28 sessions over 5–7 weeks. Your chiropractor will reassess your progress regularly and adjust your plan accordingly. Most patients see measurable improvement within the first two to four weeks.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic care has an excellent safety profile when performed by a licensed chiropractor. It is recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies for musculoskeletal pain. Serious complications are extremely rare. Mild temporary soreness after an adjustment—similar to muscle soreness after exercise—is the most common side effect and typically resolves within 24 hours. Your chiropractor will always review your health history and imaging before treatment to ensure adjustments are appropriate for your specific condition.
What are the warning signs that I should see a chiropractor right away?
Seek prompt chiropractic evaluation if you experience: pain that radiates down your arm or leg; numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles in your extremities; muscle weakness in your arms or legs; back or neck pain following a car accident (even a minor one); headaches that begin at the base of the skull; or stiffness and pain that progressively worsens over days or weeks. These symptoms often indicate nerve involvement from disc injuries or spinal misalignments that respond much better to early intervention. If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, seek emergency medical care immediately.
How do I know if I should see a medical doctor versus a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are appropriate as a first point of contact for most neck and back pain, including pain accompanied by radiating symptoms, numbness, and tingling. You should go to an emergency room first if you experience: sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, pain after a serious trauma (fall from height, high-speed accident), severe unrelenting pain that doesn’t change with position, fever with back pain, or unexplained significant weight loss. For everyone else—including those with disc herniations, sciatica, whiplash, or spinal problems—a chiropractic evaluation is an appropriate and often preferred first step that can identify whether referral to another specialist is needed.