Life West Health Center Intern with new patient

Tips for New Health Center Patients
Some information to help you through your first few visits.

Welcome to the Life West Health Center. We provide high quality healthcare by caring for your spine and nervous system through non-invasive, conservative means. For those who are interested in learning more about chiropractic we invite you to come to our Lifetalks program. Children are welcome in our facility, as both patients and guests, however they must by supervised by their parents at all times.

Location: We have relocated to 25001 Industrial Blvd, Hayward, CA. 94545. You can download directions to the Life West Health Center here.

Phone: (510) 780-4567.

Lifetalk: Lifetalks are our orientation talks for all new patients. They are given on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. If you desire to attend the Lifetalk prior to initiating chiropractic care please feel free to call the front desk to coordinate a time and date.

Fees: Physical examinations $50, office visits $20. A full fee schedule will be given to patients as part of their new patient paperwork.

Paperwork: On your first visit, you will be requested to fill out a form that includes your name, address, biographical data, as well as your billing information. Please bring a picture ID, social security number, and be prepared to make payment for all services at the time of visit. You will also be given a copy of the fee schedule that you sign and agree to, as well as our privacy notice. Paperwork takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Intern assignment: If you haven’t made an appointment in advance, an intern will be assigned to you after your paperwork is completed.

Patient case history: During your first visit, your intern will conduct a thorough case history that will help us determine your health care needs. Because we want to gain a complete picture of your health status, expect this process to take about one hour. This history will include questions about your current health, your family history, and prior health care you may have received. After your case history is complete, it will be reviewed by one of our licensed faculty doctors. As a learning institution our interns are under the direct supervision of experienced doctors of chiropractic. All patient histories, examinations, x-rays and ongoing patient care visits are closely reviewed and authorized by our licensed faculty doctors to ensure your safety and the most appropriate care for your condition.

Physical examination:  The next step is a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic physical examination, which will last about one (1) and a half to two (2) hours. After completing the examination, your intern will review the exam results with a faculty doctor. X-rays, laboratory tests, or other diagnostic studies may be required as part of your examination. If x-rays or additional tests are necessary you will work with your intern to schedule an appointment for these tests. Due to the volume of patients, as well as the intern’s school schedule it may take up to two weeks to schedule your x-ray appointment.

The second visit:  At this time, any necessary X-rays are performed. X-rays are used to help detect problems or other conditions that can’t be identified through the physical examination or case history alone. Only necessary X-rays are taken. We also use the most up-to-date equipment, including state-of-the-art digital x-ray technology for patient safety.

After X-rays are taken the intern prepares a narrative case report, including what was found during your physical examination, history, and X-rays. This narrative report is reviewed by a faculty doctor, who then works with your intern to determine the appropriate course of care for your condition. Based on the case and your individual needs, the faculty reviews your care plan every 6-12 weeks.

The third visit: Once a faculty member has reviewed and approved your care, your intern gives a report of findings which will include the type of care he or she plans to administer, how often you will be seen and for how long. At this time you will also receive your first chiropractic adjustment. After your first adjustment, your subsequent visits will be scheduled based on the care your intern has recommended and was approved by our faculty.

Re-evaluation examination:  After you have received a period of care – generally between one-and-a half to two months – your intern will conduct a re-evaluation examination to determine your progress. Your intern will work with faculty members to determine the best course of care for you. Occasionally, patients are referred to another health-care provider for consultation. In most cases you can continue your chiropractic care while we obtain the additional information from these providers.

Welcome to the Health Center and good health through chiropractic.