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New patientsYour first home visit, step by step
What happens from the moment you book, what to have ready, and what to expect afterward.
Getting ready
There's very little to prepare. Dr. Carter brings the table and everything else.
What to have ready
- A clear spot about the size of a dining table, ideally near somewhere comfortable to rest afterward
- A photo ID and your insurance card, if you have one
- A list of your current medications and supplements
- Any recent X-rays, MRI reports, or notes from other doctors about this problem
- A quiet room for pets during the visit
What to wear
- Comfortable clothes you can bend and move in
- Athletic wear, leggings, or loose pants work well
- Skip dresses, stiff jeans, and heavy belts
- Leave bulky jewelry off
Your first visit includes a health history and full exam, so it runs a little longer than follow-ups.
What happens during the first visit
The first visit is mostly about understanding the problem. It's the same thorough process you'd get in a clinic, in your own space.
Dr. Carter arrives and sets up
He brings a professional adjustment table and his exam equipment, and is ready in a few minutes.
Health history
You'll talk through your symptoms, when they started, past injuries, your work and activities, and your health in general. This shapes everything that follows.
Exam
He checks your posture, how you move, and where it hurts, along with orthopedic and neurological tests such as reflexes, strength, and sensation. If imaging is needed, he'll explain why and where to get it.
Findings and plan
He'll tell you what he thinks is going on in plain language, what he recommends, how many visits it may take, and what you can do between visits.
Treatment, if you agree
If chiropractic care is a good fit and you're comfortable with the plan, treatment may begin the same visit. If it isn't a good fit, he'll tell you and help you find the right care.
What to expect afterward
No drive home
You're already home. Take it easy for a bit, then gentle movement usually helps more than staying still.
Some soreness is normal
Mild soreness for a day or so is common, a lot like after a workout. It usually fades on its own.
Follow-ups come to you
Return visits are shorter and happen at your place. Progress is checked along the way, and the plan changes as you improve.
Call with questions
If something feels off or you're unsure about an exercise, call (954) 515-9891.
Insurance accepted
Dr. Carter accepts insurance for home visits. Coverage for chiropractic care varies between plans, so call with your insurance information before your first visit. You'll find out what's covered and what you can expect to pay.
Call (954) 515-9891Good questions to ask your plan
- Is chiropractic care covered?
- Do I need a referral under my plan?
- Is there a limit on visits per year?
- What's my copay or coinsurance?
- Have I met my deductible?
Frequently asked questions
Grouped by topic. Don't see yours? Call (954) 515-9891.
Home visits
What to expect when Dr. Carter comes to you.
How is a home visit different from going to a clinic?
The care is the same: a full health history, orthopedic and neurological exam, and treatment from a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic on a professional adjustment table. What's different is everything around it. There's no drive, no waiting room, and the visit is one-on-one from start to finish.
What do I need to have ready?
Just a clear spot about the size of a dining table for the portable table, and comfortable clothes. If you have pets, a quiet room for them during the visit helps.
What if I don't have much space?
The table folds out in most living rooms, bedrooms, and offices, including apartments. If you're not sure, mention it when you book and Dr. Carter will help you pick a spot.
Which areas of Jacksonville do you cover?
Dr. Carter travels to homes and workplaces across Jacksonville. Call, or include your neighborhood in your request, to confirm he covers your area.
Booking and insurance
Getting on the schedule and knowing your costs.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, Dr. Carter accepts insurance. Call (954) 515-9891 with your plan details, and you'll find out what's covered and what you can expect to pay before your first visit.
Do I need a referral?
No. In Florida you can see a chiropractor directly without a referral from another doctor. Some insurance plans have their own rules, so it's worth checking your plan.
How do I book?
Call (954) 515-9891, or send a request online with your neighborhood and the best time to reach you. You'll get a call back to set a time.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on what's causing the problem, how long you've had it, and your goals. You'll get an honest estimate at your first visit, before you commit to anything.
During treatment
What an adjustment feels like.
Does an adjustment hurt?
Most people feel little or no discomfort. Some feel mild soreness for a day or so, similar to after exercise. Dr. Carter explains what he's going to do before he does it, and gentler techniques are available if you prefer.
What's the popping sound?
Sometimes a joint makes a popping sound during an adjustment. It's gas being released from the fluid inside the joint, the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles. It isn't bones moving or grinding, and an adjustment works whether or not you hear it.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in, such as athletic wear, leggings, or loose pants. Avoid dresses, jeans with heavy belts, and bulky jewelry.
Safety
When chiropractic care fits, and when it doesn't.
Is chiropractic care safe?
For most people, chiropractic care is a low-risk option for back and neck pain. Your first visit includes a health history and exam to make sure it's appropriate for you. If something needs medical attention, Dr. Carter will refer you.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
For most pregnancies, yes. Care is adapted with positioning that keeps pressure off your belly and gentler techniques, and a home visit means no driving when you're uncomfortable. Let your OB or midwife know, and check with them first if your pregnancy is high-risk.
I was just in a car accident. Should I book a visit?
If you have severe pain, numbness, confusion, or hit your head, go to the emergency room first. Otherwise, call soon. Symptoms often appear days later, Florida's PIP insurance generally requires initial treatment within 14 days of a crash, and with a home visit you won't have to drive while you're hurting.
What if chiropractic care isn't right for my problem?
Call and describe what's going on before you book. If it doesn't sound like something chiropractic care can help with, you'll hear that up front, along with who to see instead.
Ready for your first home visit?
Call to book a home visit, or send a request and you'll get a call back to set a time.