While the Federal Government and the State of Oregon have declared an end to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, I encourage all patients to continue to mask. I will be masked at all times in my clinic. 

Address

685 Portland Ave.

Gladstone, OR 97027
 
Clinic Number

(503) 891-2352

Clinic Hours

Saturday  9:00am – 7:30pm

Wed. and Thurs.  3:00pm – 7:30pm

Schedule Appointment

Best Practice Acupuncture

Your First Visit

I want your experience at Best Practice Acupuncture to be a positive one.

 

Read below to know what you can expect on your first visit to my clinic.

Your First Visit

I want your experience at Best Practice Acupuncture to be a positive one.

 

Read below to know what you can expect on your first visit to my clinic.

Pre-Visit Patient Forms

You will need to read, fill out, and sign the following patient forms before your first visit:

 

  • Health History Questionnaire
  • Cancellation Policy Form
  • Financial Policies Form
  • Informed Consent to Treatment Form
  • HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices Form
  • Health Insurance Form (whether you have insurance or not)

 

All patient forms are filled out online through a patient portal account you create when you schedule your first appointment.

 

I ask that you complete all patient forms at least 24 hours BEFORE your first visit so that I have time to review them beforehand.

 

Please contact me via email at [email protected] if you are unable to set up an account online. I will send you copies of the forms by email which you can fill out and bring to your first appointment. Please include your phone number so I can contact you. Please indicate whether or not you have insurance. Also, be sure to tell me if your case involves an injury from a motor vehicle accident.  

A Note About My Health History Questionnaire

Successful health care and preventative medicine are only possible when the practitioner has a complete understanding of the patient physically, mentally, and emotionally. My health history questionnaire is extensive and detailed for this reason, and provides me with necessary information about your present condition and your overall health history to inform my diagnosis and create your individualized treatment plan.

 

Please complete the health history questionnaire thoroughly so that I can provide you with the best care possible.

 

Note: If you are coming to be treated for an auto accident or job related injury, please be sure to fill out the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) / Workers’ Compensation Health History Questionnaire.

Before You Arrive

It’s a good idea to have a little something to eat before coming in for a treatment. At the very least, please be sure you have eaten a meal within four hours of your treatment. Don’t have alcohol prior to your appointment and try to limit your caffeine intake.

 

It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to allow access to acupuncture points. I strongly recommend patients bring shorts and a tee-shirt to change into for their appointments to allow for easy access to acupuncture points on the arms and legs.

 

If your treatment requires your back, hips, chest to be exposed, I will drape you with a towel for your comfort and privacy.

What Will Happen
At My First Visit?

The visit starts with a thorough intake where we discuss your chief complaint, and your health history. I will also ask a series of traditional Chinese medicine questions that help me to narrow down your specific diagnosis. 

 

After the intake, which can last anywhere from 25-45 minutes, I will spend 10-15 minutes performing a physical exam. Depending on what you come in for, this may include range of motion exams, orthopedic or neurological exams, muscle strength testing, palpating your muscles or abdomen, or other tests or exams as necessary. 

 

Also, I look at every patient’s tongue and feel their pulse at both wrists, both of which are traditional Chinese medicine exams.

 

Next is the acupuncture treatment, which involves the insertion of up to 10-20 acupuncture needles. On your first visit, the needles are left in place for about 15-20 minutes; on follow-up visits, needles are usually left in place a little longer. Most patients describe this time as very relaxing. Many fall asleep. After the treatment, some will feel very relaxed while others might feel slightly energized.

 

Before you leave, I will briefly discuss your treatment plan. (see below for more information about your treatment plan)

 

Because of the more extensive history and physical exam I perform on your first visit, please plan for a 2 hour initial appointment. While your initial appointment may take less time, I want to be sure we have the time we need if your situation requires it. Your follow-up appointments will generally last 50-60 minutes.  

After Your Visit

After every acupuncture treatment, remember to:

 

  • drink additional water,
  • don’t do strenuous exercise – take a walk instead – and
  • avoid caffeine or alcohol.

Your Treatment Plan

I will create an individualized treatment plan for you that covers the following information:

 

 

  • the treatment modalities I am most likely to use to treat you (acupuncture, cupping/gua sha, herbs, etc.)
  • the goals for your treatment and how we will measure progress,
  • the estimated length of your entire treatment course (in other words, how long it’s likely to take to resolve or achieve maximum improvement of your condition), 
  • recommended treatment frequency, 
  • diet, lifestyle, and self-care recommendations as needed, and 
  • referral to another practitioner as needed.

 

You will receive a copy of your treatment plan in your patient portal after your first visit.