Mastering the Patients First Visit

Mar 05, 2025

When it comes to running a successful chiropractic practice, the patients first visit is by far one of the most important aspects to get right. Many chiropractors attend seminars that teach a sales-focused approach to the first visit—designed to set the patient up for a high-pressure commitment on their second visit. But at Seven Figure Chiro, we take a different approach: focusing on an evidence-based, trust-building, and results-driven first visit that leaves the patient confident in our ability to help them achieve their health goals.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the exact steps we take in our office to create an exceptional patient experience on their first visit, ensuring they feel valued, understood, and motivated to commit to care.

The Importance of First Impressions

From the moment a patient steps into your clinic, they begin forming an impression of your practice.

  • Office environment: Clean, professional, and organized.
  • Staff interactions: Warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable.
  • Clear communication: Setting expectations from the start.

Your front desk team plays a crucial role here. A well-trained team should greet patients warmly, assist them with paperwork efficiently, and set the tone for a positive experience.

Data Collection & Movement Assessment

Our first visit begins with one of our team members gathering essential data, including:

  1. Patient intake form review – Past health history, family history, and lifestyle habits.
  2. Range of motion assessment – Using advanced technology to quantify movement.
  3. Gait assessment – Analyzing posture and foot function.
  4. Outcome assessment forms – Measuring baseline functional limitations to track progress over time.

This data is uploaded into our system before the patient even sees the chiropractor, allowing for a seamless transition into the consultation and examination process.

Building a Connection with the Patient

One of the biggest mistakes chiropractors make is rushing through the chiropractic consultation. At Seven Figure Chiro, we take the time to establish a relationship with each patient by:

  • Asking about their lifestyle, family, work, and hobbies.
  • Actively listening to their concerns and goals.
  • Finding common ground to build rapport.

This approach is inspired by the Mayo Clinic executive exam, where doctors spend 90 minutes getting to know their patients before performing a physical exam. The result? Patients feel heard, valued, and confident in the care they’re receiving.

Introducing the Health Triangle

Before diving into the examination, we educate patients on our health philosophy using the Health Triangle, which consists of:

  1. Eat – Nutrition and its impact on recovery.
  2. Move – The role of exercise and mobility.
  3. Think – Stress management and mental well-being.

We ask patients questions about their habits in each of these areas, reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to healing.

The Chiropractic Examination

A comprehensive exam is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Our process includes:

  • Chiropractic assessment – Palpation, posture analysis, and joint mobility tests.
  • Orthopedic & neurological tests – To rule out any underlying conditions.
  • Reviewing imaging (if applicable) – Ensuring objective findings align with symptoms.

Throughout the exam, we think out loud, explaining what we’re looking for and how each test contributes to the diagnosis. This transparency builds patient trust and keeps them engaged in their own care.

Diagnosing & Communicating the Treatment Plan

After the exam, we compile all the findings to provide a clear and specific diagnosis. Instead of generic terms like “low back pain” or “neck pain,” we offer detailed explanations so patients fully understand their condition.

We then send a comprehensive report to the patient, including:

  • Diagnosis and explanation.
  • Treatment recommendations.
  • Visit frequency and home exercises.
  • Lifestyle modifications for better outcomes.

This same report is also sent to the patient’s primary care physician, strengthening our credibility and fostering collaborative care relationships that lead to more referrals.

Setting Expectations for Follow-Ups

One of the most critical aspects of the first visit is setting clear expectations for follow-up care. We let patients know:

  • When we will reevaluate their progress.
  • What improvements they can expect.
  • The potential for temporary soreness as their body adapts to treatment.

This ensures they stay committed to their care plan and don’t abandon treatment prematurely.

Final Thoughts: Creating a Seven-Figure Patient Experience

At the heart of a seven-figure chiropractic practice is an obsession with patient experience. Every touchpoint, from the first phone call to the first visit and beyond, should be designed to:

✅ Build trust. ✅ Deliver value. ✅ Establish long-term relationships.

If you’re a chiropractor looking to elevate your first visit experience, we’d love to share the exact tools, technology, and processes we use. Visit SevenFigureChiro.com for more information on implementing these strategies in your own practice.

Your success starts with the first visit—make it count!

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