Your First Visit, Explained — No Guesswork Required
Starting chiropractic care shouldn't feel like a leap of faith. At O'Dell Chiropractic Center, your first appointment is a conversation, an examination, and a plan — not a sales pitch.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Most people walking into a chiropractor's office for the first time have the same question: what exactly is about to happen to me? Here's how your first visit unfolds.
Health History and Intake
We start by understanding you — your symptoms, how long you've been dealing with them, what makes them better or worse, and what you're hoping to accomplish. This isn't a form-filling exercise. It's the foundation of everything that follows.
Physical and Chiropractic Examination
Dr. O'Dell conducts a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation, assessing your posture, range of motion, spinal alignment, and neurological function. If imaging is needed, he'll discuss that with you directly.
Findings Review and Care Plan Discussion
Before any treatment begins, Dr. O'Dell walks you through what he found and what he recommends — in plain language, not clinical shorthand. You'll understand the reasoning behind every recommendation before you agree to anything.
First Treatment (If Appropriate)
In most cases, your first adjustment or initial therapy takes place the same day. You leave with a clear picture of your condition, a care plan tailored to your goals, and a realistic sense of what recovery looks like.
Insurance, Costs, and Payment Options
Worrying about the bill before your first visit is common. Here's what you need to know.
O'Dell Chiropractic accepts most major insurance plans. If you're unsure whether your coverage applies, call us before your appointment and we'll help you figure it out.
If you don't have insurance — or your plan doesn't cover chiropractic — that doesn't have to be the end of the conversation. We're happy to discuss payment options so cost isn't the reason you stay in pain.
A Care Plan Built Around Your Goals
Some chiropractic offices hand every new patient the same treatment package. That's not how we work.
After your exam, Dr. O'Dell builds a plan around what you actually need — your condition, your lifestyle, your schedule, and what you're trying to get back to. If you want to resolve an acute injury and be done, we plan for that. If you're looking for ongoing maintenance and long-term function, we plan for that too. You're not locked into anything you didn't agree to.
The patients who've voted Dr. O'Dell Best Chiropractor in Madison County 10 years running consistently describe their care as personal, unhurried, and thorough. That starts at visit one.
Before You Come In: Patient Forms
Completing your intake paperwork before your appointment saves time and lets Dr. O'Dell review your health history in advance. You can download and complete your new patient forms ahead of time.
O'Dell Chiropractic Center is located in Richmond, KY and serves patients from throughout the region. If you're coming from Berea, Irvine, Waco, Paint Lick, or Ravenna, you're not far — and you'll find the drive worth making.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
- Your completed new patient forms (or arrive 15 minutes early to complete them in office)
- Insurance card and a valid photo ID
- Any relevant imaging — X-rays, MRI reports, or prior records if you have them
- A list of current medications
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing if possible
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Chiropractic Visit
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky does not require a physician referral to see a chiropractor. You can contact us directly to schedule your first appointment.
How long does the first visit take?
Plan for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Follow-up visits are typically shorter. The first appointment takes longer because Dr. O'Dell takes the time to examine you thoroughly and explain his findings before any treatment begins.
Will I receive treatment on my first visit?
In most cases, yes. After the examination and findings review, Dr. O'Dell will typically provide an initial adjustment or therapy during the same appointment — if it's appropriate for your condition.
What if I've never had chiropractic care before?
That's completely fine. Dr. O'Dell will explain what he's doing and why at every step. Nothing happens without your understanding and agreement.
Does O'Dell Chiropractic accept my insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans. Call us at 859-575-1222 or use the contact form and we'll confirm your coverage before your visit.
What if I was in a car accident — can I still be seen as a new patient?
Yes. Dr. O'Dell has extensive experience treating auto accident injuries and personal injury cases. Learn more on our auto accident injury care page.
Ready to Schedule Your First Appointment?
Call us at 859-575-1222 for a free phone consultation, or submit an appointment request online. We serve patients throughout Richmond, Berea, Irvine, Waco, Paint Lick, and Ravenna — and we're ready to help you get back to feeling like yourself.
