NEW PATIENTS
New Patients: Your First Chiropractic Visit in St. Louis Park, MN
Everything you need before your first visit: how to book, what happens when you arrive, insurance and payment, and answers to the questions new patients ask most.
Minnesota Monthly Best Chiropractor 2020–2026 · Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP®) · Veteran and Woman-owned
WELCOME
What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, getting back into something you love or simply want to feel good for the long run, every first visit begins with understanding.
We’ll talk about what’s going on and what you need your body to do. Then we’ll assess how you move and test the joints, muscles and nerves involved.
Because every plan is built for you, I take time after your exam to review your history alongside your findings, arrive at an accurate diagnosis and decide on the best next step, whether that’s starting treatment, imaging or a referral.
You don’t have to navigate your health alone. I’m honored to be part of your team.
At your follow-up visit, we’ll go over what we found, why it matters and what comes next, so you’re never left wondering.
Dr. HeatherDC, MS, CCSP®
GETTING STARTED
How to Get Started as a New Patient
Four simple steps, from booking your first visit to a plan built around you.
01
Schedule Online
Choose a time that works for you through our secure online scheduler, or call (952) 920-9247.
02
Complete Your Forms
Your intake forms arrive by email through Jane. Please complete them, plus any insurance details, at least 24 hours before your visit.
03
Your Assessment
At your first visit, we talk through your history and goals, then assess how you move and test the joints, muscles and nerves involved.
04
Your Findings and Plan
At your follow-up visit, we review your findings and your custom plan, whether that’s treatment, imaging or a referral.
INSURANCE & PAYMENT
Chiropractic Insurance, HSA and Payment Options
You should know what to expect before your first visit. Coverage depends on your plan and the reason you’re coming in, so send us your insurance information at least 24 hours ahead and we’ll check your benefits as a courtesy. Payment, including any copay, is due at the time of service.
Straight answers start before you ever walk in the door.
Your insurer sets your coverage, so it’s always smart to confirm your chiropractic benefits with them, too. Questions? Call (952) 920-9247.
Ways to pay for your care
- Auto accident (no-fault) insurance. We bill your auto insurer directly. Auto Accident & Injury Care
- Workers’ compensation. Accepted for work injuries. Bring your claim information.
- Health insurance. Coverage varies by plan and usually applies to care for a new injury or condition while it’s improving.
- HSA and FSA cards. Accepted for copays, self-pay visits, massage, topical pain relief products and supplements.
- Self-pay. Ongoing care to stay ahead of problems is self-pay. Wellness & Ongoing Care
- VA Community Care. Veterans with an approved VA referral are welcome. VA Community Care
Paying out of pocket? You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges. Learn about your Good Faith Estimate.
THE E&G STANDARD
Thorough From Your First Form to Your Final Visit
Service has always been at the heart of how I practice. Eight years in the Army National Guard deepened my commitment to showing up for others and doing things the right way, every time.
That’s why new patients notice the detail. Good decisions depend on good information, so careful questions, complete paperwork and a thorough assessment come first.
You have one body and one spine.
- The right paperwork, done right. Complete records, forms and reports, filed on time.
- Straight answers. Clear information about what we find and what it means for you.
- The right treatment. Recommended because your findings support it.
- The right referral. If another provider is a better fit, we’ll tell you, even if it means your care isn’t here.
If you’re looking for a quick fix, we may not be the right fit, and that’s okay. If you want care that’s thorough, honest and built around your long-term health, you’re in the right place.
Dr. HeatherDC, MS, CCSP®
PATIENT STORIES
What Patients Say About Their Care at Excelsior & Grand
Minnesota Monthly Best Chiropractor, seven years running (2020–2026) · Read more reviews on Google →
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Visiting Our Chiropractic Clinic in St. Louis Park
We’re on the commercial side of The Elmwood apartments on W. 36th St. in St. Louis Park, MN, minutes from Minneapolis, Edina, Golden Valley and Hopkins.
Where to park
- Easiest: the lot behind the building. Come in through the main entrance, and our office is right inside on your left.
- Street parking out front. Use the commercial entrance and follow the signs to our office at the back.
What to bring
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A form of payment. Payment is due at the time of service, and we accept HSA and FSA cards.
- Claim number and adjuster’s contact for an auto accident or work injury
- Any imaging or recent records, such as ER or urgent care notes
- A list of current medications
- Comfortable clothes you can move in
Patient hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. · Friday 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
5605 W. 36th St., Suite 100C, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 · (952) 920-9247
NEW PATIENT FAQ
Chiropractic Questions New Patients Ask
Answers about your first visit, paperwork, insurance and payment. Something else on your mind? Call (952) 920-9247.
What happens at my first chiropractic visit?
We start with a conversation about your health history, what’s going on and what you need your body to do. Then we assess how you move and test the joints, muscles and nerves involved. Afterward, Dr. Heather carefully reviews your history alongside your exam findings to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. At your follow-up visit, we go over what we found and the plan we recommend, whether that’s treatment, imaging or a referral.
Will I be treated at my first visit?
Usually, care begins at your follow-up visit. Every plan is tailored to you, so we take time to review your history and exam findings before recommending treatment. Many insurance plans also don’t cover an exam and treatment on the same day.
How do I complete my new patient paperwork?
After you schedule, your intake forms arrive by email through Jane, our secure scheduling system. Please complete them, along with your insurance information if you’re using insurance, at least 24 hours before your visit. Visits without completed forms may need to be rescheduled.
What should I bring to my first visit?
A photo ID, your insurance card, a form of payment and any imaging, ER or urgent care records. Payment is due at the time of service, and we accept HSA and FSA cards. After a car accident or work injury, also bring your claim number and your adjuster’s name and phone number.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in, like athletic wear. It makes it easier to assess how you move.
Where do I park?
We’re on the commercial side of The Elmwood apartments. The easiest option is the parking lot behind the building: come in through the main entrance, and our office is right inside on your left. Street parking is also available out front. If you park there, use the commercial entrance and follow the signs to our office at the back.
Do you take insurance?
It depends on your plan and the reason for your visit. We bill auto insurance directly after a car accident and accept workers’ compensation. For health insurance, send us your plan details at least 24 hours before your visit and we’ll check your benefits as a courtesy.
When does health insurance cover chiropractic care?
Most plans cover care for a new injury or condition while it’s improving. Once symptoms level off, ongoing care is usually considered maintenance, which insurance typically doesn’t cover. A new injury can qualify for coverage again.
Does Medicare cover chiropractic care?
Medicare and Minnesota state health plans generally cover spinal adjustments only. Other therapies, and care for areas like the knees or wrists, aren’t covered.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Yes. We accept HSA and FSA cards for copays, self-pay visits, massage, topical pain relief products and supplements. Some items are eligible only under certain plans, so check with your plan administrator if you’re unsure.
What if I want care after my insurance coverage ends?
Many patients continue with ongoing care to stay ahead of problems and keep doing what they love. This care is self-pay. Learn about Wellness & Ongoing Care.
I was in a car accident. Do I use my own insurance?
Yes. Minnesota is a no-fault state, so your own auto policy’s no-fault (PIP) benefits pay first, and we bill your auto insurer directly. Learn about Auto Accident & Injury Care.
Do you accept workers’ compensation?
Yes. Bring your employer’s information and claim number if you have one.
Do I need a referral?
Most patients don’t. If you’re coming through VA Community Care, the VA arranges your referral first. Learn about VA Community Care.
Do I have to be an athlete?
No. Patients come in to recover from injuries, stay active and keep up with busy lives. Your body has a job to do, whatever that job is.
Will I get adjusted at every visit?
Not necessarily. Care is chosen after the finding and may include chiropractic adjustments, Active Release Techniques® (ART®), Graston Technique®, Class 4 laser therapy, rehab exercise or a combination.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on what we find and how you respond. We set goals when we review your findings, reassess along the way and tell you when you’ve reached them.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and missed appointments may be charged a fee.
How do I request my medical records?
Please call (952) 920-9247 so we can provide the proper authorization forms.
Do you offer massage therapy?
Yes. Allison Gerstner, LMT, offers massage therapy at our St. Louis Park clinic. To book a massage, call (952) 920-9247. Learn about Massage Therapy.
RECOVER · PERFORM · KEEP GOING
Ready for Your First Visit? Let’s Get Started.
Schedule your first visit at Excelsior & Grand Chiropractic in St. Louis Park, MN, serving Minneapolis and the west metro. Tell us what your body needs to do, and we’ll build the plan around it.
Questions first? Call (952) 920-9247.