Your first visit
What happens, in order.
The rule here
Dr. Goff examines before he treats. Your first visit is the examination; your results review at your next appointment is where treatment begins. (VA Community Care is the one exception; see Veterans.)
Your first visit, by how you are paying
Paying for yourself
Your first visit is the examination — about an hour and 138 measurements, so Dr. Goff finds out more about you than you know about yourself. Nothing is treated until he knows what is going on. Nothing is charged at your first visit. Your next appointment is your results review: Dr. Goff reviews what he found and what he recommends, and you take the written report home. The examination fee ($183, or $137 paid at the visit) is charged at your results review only if you start care, along with your first treatment; see our pricing page. If you don't start care, there is no charge, and we part friends.
Using your health insurance plan or Medicare
Your first visit is a focused examination of the problem that brought you in, about thirty minutes. Most health insurance plans pay for it. Original Medicare does not pay for the examination; see Insurance & Medicare. If you'd like more time with Dr. Goff, extra time can be added at the self-pay price where your plan's rules allow it. Your next appointment is your results review: Dr. Goff reviews what he found and what he recommends, and you take the written report home; if you accept his plan, that is where treatment begins.
VA referral, car accident or work injury: see Veterans, Car Accidents or Work Injuries. These are booked with Dr. Goff by phone.
Your results review
The results of your first visit, reviewed with Dr. Goff: what he found, what it means, what he recommends, and your choices — with the written report and your starting scores to take home. Plan about thirty minutes. If you choose to start care, this is where it begins: your first chiropractic adjustment, and your visits scheduled so you can work your life around them. Bring whoever you talk things over with.
Your foot scan comes with your first visit
Every new patient gets a Foot Levelers foot scan at the first visit. Your scan report goes home with you, in your packet. This office sells Foot Levelers orthotics; you're always free to buy orthotics anywhere you choose. About the scan and custom orthotics
Before you come
- What to wear: loose, comfortable clothes. You'll lie on the table, so skip short shorts. Socks are provided; you're welcome to bring your own.
- How long: on average, you're in and out within 20 minutes. Some visits are shorter, some longer; your first visit and your results review take more time.
- How to pay: cash, credit cards and checks. HSA and FSA cards are welcome where their rules allow; some plans pay you back from your receipt instead.
- Is it safe for me? Dr. Goff uses the Activator Method, a low-force instrument technique; see Activator Methods research ↗. If you have a safety concern, talk with Dr. Goff personally: 760-401-0341.
- Coming together? Two people can book back to back when there's space.
- Your phone: keep it with you.
- Your medical doctor: if you'd like your records sent to your medical doctor, bring their name, address and phone number, and we'll send them.
- Telehealth: available when distance makes it hard to come in. Dr. Goff prefers to examine in person, and a telehealth examination may not be covered by your plan; your blood pressure, height and weight are taken at your first in-office visit.
How booking works
- Book online (Schedule Appointment) or call Charlie at 760-365-0881. First visits are booked at least three days out, so your questions reach you and your plan can be checked first.
- When you book, you agree to texts from the office. Your questions arrive as a link by text; please answer them before you come.
- Missed visits: $50 for a missed visit without 24 hours' notice. Your first missed visit in any six months is waived. There is no charge if you don't come back for your results review.
How Dr. Goff adjusts
The Activator Method, an instrument adjusting technique. How the Activator Method works
Prefer to meet the doctor first?
Meet the doctor: Ten minutes with Dr. Goff to see the office, ask your questions, and decide whether this is the right place for you. No examination, no treatment, no charge.
