What to Expect at Essence Family Chiropractic

We know that walking into a new healthcare provider's office can feel like a lot. Especially when you're coming in for your child, your newborn, or yourself during pregnancy or postpartum. You have questions. You want to know what's going to happen before it happens.

This page is for you.

Here is exactly what to expect from your very first contact with our office through your ongoing care at EFC.

Before Your First Visit

Once you schedule your new patient appointment you will receive a confirmation with new patient paperwork to complete before you arrive. We send this ahead of time so you can fill it out at home, at your own pace, without sitting in a waiting room with a clipboard and a fussy baby on your lap.

Please fill out your paperwork before your visit. It helps us make the most of your time with Dr. Kate and ensures we have the full picture before you ever walk through the door.

If you have any questions before your first visit, call us at 262-354-8252. We are happy to talk through what to expect or answer any questions about whether EFC is the right fit for your family.

Day One: Your New Patient Exam

Your first visit is all about getting to know you and your nervous system.

When you arrive you will be greeted by our team and shown around the office. We want you and your family to feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. If you have children with you, they are welcome. If you have a newborn, bring them along.

Your first visit includes:

A thorough health history
Dr. Kate will sit down with you and listen. Really listen. We want to know your full story, not just your chief complaint. Birth history, sleep, digestion, stress, previous care, and anything else that gives us context about where you are and how you got here.

An INSiGHT Nervous System Scan
This is one of the things that sets EFC apart. Before we make a single adjustment, we run a non-invasive, no-radiation nervous system scan using INSiGHT technology. This scan measures how your nervous system is functioning, where it is under stress, and how well it is able to adapt and regulate. The scan is completely comfortable. There are no needles, no radiation, and nothing invasive. It works for newborns, children, pregnant moms, and adults alike.

A Chiropractic Exam
Dr. Kate will perform a thorough chiropractic examination to assess your spine, posture, range of motion, and neurological function. This hands-on evaluation gives us important clinical information that works alongside the INSiGHT scan to build a complete picture of your nervous system health.

After your exam and scan, Dr. Kate will take time to thoroughly review your results before your next visit so she can present you with a complete, thoughtful care plan specific to you.

Day Two: Your Report of Findings

Your second visit is where everything comes together.

Dr. Kate will present your full report of findings, explaining what the INSiGHT scan and chiropractic exam revealed, what it means for your health, and what a care plan specific to you looks like. You will leave this visit with a clear understanding of where your nervous system is, where we are going, and what it will take to get there.

Your care coordinator will also walk you through your financial options at this visit. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to getting the care your family needs, and we offer a variety of care plan options to make that possible. If you have questions about fees or care plan options, you can also call us ahead of time at 262-354-8252 and we are happy to talk through everything before your visit.

This is also the visit where your first adjustment happens. Dr. Kate will explain everything before she does it and answer any questions you have. Nothing happens without your understanding and consent.

What Adjustments Feel Like

For adults, adjustments are specific, targeted, and often deeply relieving. Many patients describe feeling lighter, clearer, or more relaxed immediately after their adjustment.

For children, adjustments are gentle and fast. Most kids actually love getting adjusted once they know what to expect. Many ask to come back.

For newborns and infants, the pressure used is about the same as you would use to check the softness of a ripe peach. It is that gentle. Most babies relax or fall asleep during their adjustment.

Ongoing Care at EFC

After your first two visits, ongoing care is efficient and focused. Most adjustment visits are scheduled for 5 to 15 minutes. We see a lot of families and we have designed our schedule so that you are never waiting long and your time is always well spent.

Many families choose to come in together and we are happy to see multiple family members in the same visit. If you would like to coordinate a multi-family appointment, call us at 262-354-8252 and we will set it up for you.

We also offer wellness care plans for families who want to make nervous system health a consistent part of their routine. Ask us about our family wellness options at your report of findings visit.

A Note on Insurance

Essence Family Chiropractic is out of network with all insurance companies and does not bill insurance directly. We made this decision intentionally. Being out of network means we are never constrained by what an insurance company decides your family needs. We can recommend the care that is actually right for you, for as long as it is right for you, without restrictions.

We do provide superbills for every visit. A superbill is an itemized receipt with all the information your insurance company needs to process a potential reimbursement claim on your behalf. Many of our patients receive partial reimbursement this way, though reimbursement amounts vary by plan and are not guaranteed.

If you have questions about our fees or would like to discuss care plan options before your first visit, please call us at 262-354-8252. We are always happy to have that conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the first visit?
Your first visit typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. We want to make sure we have enough time to hear your full story and complete the INSiGHT scan and chiropractic exam thoroughly.

How long is the second visit?
Your report of findings visit is scheduled for 30 minutes. This includes your full report of findings, a review of your financial and care plan options, and your first adjustment.

How long are ongoing visits?
Ongoing adjustment visits are scheduled for 5 to 15 minutes. We are efficient without ever being rushed. Dr. Kate is specific and intentional with every adjustment so you are never just going through the motions.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your spine is ideal. For pregnant moms we have a special pregnancy pillow that makes lying face down comfortable even in the third trimester.

Can I bring my kids to my appointment?
Absolutely. We are a family practice and children are always welcome. If you would like to have your kids assessed while you are in, let us know when you book and we will set aside time for everyone.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens, especially with little ones. We use ChiroHD, an online app that makes scheduling and rescheduling quick and easy right from your phone. You can also call us at 262-354-8252 and our team will take care of you.

Do you accept insurance?
We are out of network with all insurance companies and do not bill insurance directly. We do provide superbills after every visit so you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Reimbursement varies by plan and is not guaranteed. Call us at 262-354-8252 if you have questions about fees or payment options before your visit.

We can't wait to meet you.

If you are ready to take the first step toward better nervous system health for yourself or your family, we would love to see you.

Or call us at 262-354-8252

Serving families in Oconomowoc, Hartland, Delafield, Pewaukee, Waukesha, and the greater Lake Country area.