At a glance
In this post
What the first visit is
Your first visit is an evaluation visit. The purpose is to understand your condition, history, and goals so we can recommend the right care for you. Depending on what we find during the evaluation, you may receive treatment on the same day, or we may schedule treatment for a follow-up visit.
The visit typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. We respect your time and aim to be efficient, but we do not rush the evaluation that determines whether and how we can help you.
What to bring
To make your first visit go smoothly, please bring the following:
What happens during the visit
The first visit follows a consistent process at each of our locations:
Will I get treatment the same day?
Sometimes. Depending on your evaluation and your specific situation, the doctor may provide a chiropractic adjustment, spinal decompression session, SoftWave® therapy, or other treatment during your first visit. Other patients may have their first treatment scheduled for a follow-up visit, particularly when we want to review imaging first or develop a more comprehensive plan.
Either way, you leave your first visit knowing what we recommend, why, and what the next step looks like.
What it costs
Cost is one of the most common concerns for new patients. Here is how it works at Hornback:
| Situation | How payment works | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna patient | In-network billing per your plan | Verify benefits at intake, explain copay and deductible |
| Medicare patient | Medicare billing per plan | Verify coverage and any supplemental plans |
| BCBS patient (after August 1, 2026) | Out-of-network with documentation for reimbursement | Provide superbill for you to submit to BCBS |
| Other insurance | Coverage varies; documentation provided if needed | Discuss options at intake |
| Direct pay | Cash, credit card, HSA, FSA, or CareCredit | Discuss pricing options and Wellness Membership at intake |
| Larger care courses | Payment plans available | Set up a plan that fits your situation |
| Auto accident injury | Depends on your accident date, auto policy, and applicable coverage | Discuss coverage and documentation at intake |
Our Wellness Membership offers three tiers designed to fit different care needs. Every membership includes an annual exam and X-rays, and we offer progressive family discounts for additional adults and children. We can discuss whether membership makes sense for your situation during your first visit.
Which doctor you see at each location
Each location has a lead doctor, with additional doctors providing coverage across the practice:
When you schedule, you can request a specific doctor if you have a preference. If you do not have a preference, we place you with the doctor whose availability best matches your timing.
After your first visit
If we recommend a treatment plan and you decide to proceed, your follow-up visits are shorter than the first visit, typically 15 to 30 minutes depending on what is included in each session. We reassess your progress at planned intervals and adjust the plan based on how you are responding.
You are never obligated to continue care after the first visit. We provide a recommendation and explain our reasoning. You decide whether to proceed, ask for a second opinion, or take time to think about it.
How to schedule your first visit
To schedule your first visit, call the location most convenient for you. You can also book online through our appointment scheduling page. We will confirm your visit within one business day.
