Chiropractors in the Phoenix area: what to ask first

AZ Business Directory lists local chiropractic offices around the Phoenix area, including Gilbert, Scottsdale and the Paradise Valley area of Phoenix. Each listing has a phone number so you can ask about new patients, what conditions they see and how billing works. For any health question, your own doctor is the right person to ask whether chiropractic care fits you.

How do you choose a chiropractor?

Call two or three offices and ask the same questions each time.

• What do you treat? Offices list things like headaches, neck and back pain, sports injuries or auto injury care.
• What happens on the first visit? Ask how long it takes and whether you will be treated that day.
• Who will I see? Ask about the doctor's background and approach.
• How many visits do you expect? A fair office can explain a plan, and why.
• What does it cost? Ask for a plain answer on the first visit and follow-ups.
• Do you see people after a car accident? If this is your reason for calling, ask about paperwork.

What happens at a first visit?

Expect paperwork about your health history and what hurts. The doctor usually asks questions, does a physical exam, and may recommend X-rays. Some offices have digital X-rays on site. Then they explain what they found and what they suggest.

Wear comfortable clothes, bring your insurance card and ID, and tell the office about any injury, surgery or medicine. Ask questions until the plan makes sense. If anything worries you, talk to your regular doctor.

Insurance questions to ask the office

Coverage is different for every plan, so do not assume. Before booking, ask:

1. Do you take my insurance, and are you in network?
2. How many visits does my plan cover? (Also check with your insurance company.)
3. What is my copay or deductible for the first visit?
4. If I am paying on my own, what does a visit cost?
5. If this is from a car accident, do you bill auto insurance, and what do I need to bring?

Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke to.

Who is in the directory?

Offices describe themselves in the listings. A Plus Chiropractic Care in Gilbert is led by Dr. Howard Fern and lists rehabilitation, acupuncture and DOT physicals. Complete Wellness Chiropractic on Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale lists disc decompression, laser therapy, digital X-rays and auto injury care. Ace Chiropractic has offices in Scottsdale and the Paradise Valley area of Phoenix, treating headaches, neck and back pain and sports injuries.

Arizona notes

Many Valley residents spend hours in the car, on golf courses or hiking, and gardening in the desert can be physical work. If pain keeps coming back, say so at your first visit. Heat can leave you tired and dehydrated, so drink water before an appointment.

Not sure who to call? Ask the directory helper or browse every listing in Phoenix.

Questions people ask

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

Many offices take patients without one, but your insurance plan may have its own rules. Call the office and your insurance company to find out.

Is chiropractic care safe?

That is a question for your own doctor, who knows your health history. Tell the chiropractor about all your conditions and medications so they can plan care that fits you.

How long is a chiropractic visit?

It varies by office and by the day. A first visit is usually longer than follow-ups, so ask when you book how much time to set aside.

See every chiropractor in Phoenix