Q. What should I expect on my first visit to Dr. Nyman?

We are often asked this question by our new patients.  So, this page should help to provide you with an overview of what to expect on your first visit to our office.

What to Bring & Wear

Here's a list of what you should bring and wear to your first appointment:

• A list of all your medications
• Any x-rays or other medical documents
• Loose fitting clothing that provides access to your area of concern (e.g. bring shorts if you have a sore knee or a tank-top if it is a shoulder problem, etc...)
• Insurance forms or Claim number - if your had a car accident or  WSIB workplace injury

The Greeting

You will be warmly greeted by Dr. Nyman and his reception staff upon your arrival.  Please let us know if you have any special needs when you arrive.  After being greeted, our staff will assist you in completing some papers that we require to register you as our patient.

We will also be glad to explain our fees and how you may be able to claim all or a portion of your fees through your extended health benefits.

The Paperwork

As previously mentioned, you will be asked to review and complete some forms upon your arrival.  This will help us to register you as our patient.  The paperwork usually takes 5 -10 minutes to complete.  If you require assistance completing the forms, we will be glad to assist you.

The Consultation

The main focus of the first visit is for you to get to know Dr. Nyman and, more importantly, for Dr. Nyman to get to know you and your health concerns/goals.

After you have completed your paperwork, Dr. Nyman will sit down with you personally to interactively discuss the reason for your visit (e.g. "My back is sore.").  This is called the "Consultation" or "Health History."  You will be asked specific questions about your current condition, your overall health, your work, day-to-day activities, your health/recovery goals and other pertinent details about your life and health.

Examination

Following the Consultation, Dr. Nyman will conduct a thorough examination.  He will test specific muscles, bones, joints and nerves for function and/or dysfunction.  This will help to determine the nature of your problem.

Occasionally, x-rays or other investigations may be required to confirm a diagnosis or eliminate diagnostic possibilities.  If this applies to you, Dr. Nyman will discuss it with you.

Report of Findings & Informed Consent

Following the consultation and examination, Dr. Nyman will sit down with you and review all the major findings.  This is really an interactive  teaching time to help  you understand the cause and nature of your health concerns.  Models or anatomical drawings are often used to show you exactly where you need help.  You will also have an opportunity to ask the doctor any follow-up questions that may arise.

Once the doctor has explained his assessment of your condition, he will inform you about treatment options.  This will include what you can do for yourself, as well as what the doctor can do for you.

It is important to discuss the anticipated benefits of the treatment, any risks associated with the treatment, alternatives to the proposed treatment, and other relevant details concerning the treatment.  Once the doctor has explained the proposed treatment to your satisfaction, he will ask you for your consent to treatment.

The First Treatment

Often the first treatment can be done on the same day of the initial visit.  Occasionally, the need for further investigation or other factors may require that no treatment be delivered on the first visit.

Dr. Nyman will make every effort to ensure that your treatment is comfortable.  He will ask you to provide constant feedback during the treatments so that he can gauge your tolerance to the treatment.

Treatments techniques vary from person to person and injury to injury.  Dr. Nyman is well trained in a variety of techniques that range from "very gentle" to "No pain equals No gain!".  Together, a comfortable starting point will be selected.  Dr. Nyman will then periodically adjust the therapy to suit  your needs.

Exercises and stretches are often prescribed to maximize your recovery, prevent recurrences and optimize your functional well-being .  If you are interested in learning some new exercises that will be helpful for you, just ask us.

The End of the First Visit

At the end of the first visit, we will help you to book any follow-up appointments that you require.  We will also accept your payment for the first visit.  Please note that we accept payment by Cash, Cheque, Debit, Visa and Mastercard.  We do not accept  American Express, Diner's Club or other credit cards..

If a third party insurer is covering the cost of your treatments (e.g. auto insurance or workplace insurance), we will help set-up your claim so that we can bill your insurance company directly.

At present, claims cannot be submitted to extended health care providers, such as you might typically do when visiting your dentist's office.  This type of system will likely be in place within the next 3-5 years.  We will gladly provide you with a receipt for your paid visits that you may submit to your private insurance company for any available reimbursement.  Typically, reimbursements are quick and generally take less than 2 weeks.