Your Initial Visit
The first visit, which lasts about 1 ½ hours, is the time for a comprehensive evaluation of your present problem and complete past medical history. This is an evaluation that combines Dr.Burgoon’s experience in both modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. The extensive assessment allows Dr. Burgoon to understand your unique health history in the context of both systems of medicine. It also clarifies your response to past therapies as well as what type of acupuncture therapy, diet and exercise will be most helpful for you.
As the comprehensive assessment is the main and most important task of the first visit, acupuncture treatment is not routinely given at this time. If it is given on the first visit, there is no additional charge.
What to Bring with You on Your First Visit
For your initial visit, please bring the completed New Patient forms if you have chosen to complete them at home. Please read the forms carefully and fill them out to the best of your ability. The details you provide will help establish a profile of who you are and where you would like to be. They will also enable Dr. Burgoon to identify existing imbalances and create a comprehensive treatment plan especially for you.
If you have chosen to complete the New Patient forms in our office, please arrive 20 minutes early for your appointment in order to fill them out.
Please bring a list of your current medicines (including over-the-counter drugs and any supplements) and any test results (MRI, X-rays, etc.) that you have. If you have other important medical information you think is relevant, please also bring it with you to your appointment.
If a physician or other health professional has referred you, please bring contact information for that provider, so that (with your permission, and if appropriate) we can send progress reports that will help enhance your overall treatment regimen and care.
Your Treatment Plan
Once Dr. Burgoon has completed his evaluation, he will give you his diagnosis and the individualized treatment plan he feels will best address your symptoms and improve your health issues. The treatment plan will include
- An explanation of your health problem according to both western and eastern medicine
- The types of treatment recommended
- Your timeline of care
- Individualized advice on exercise, sleep and diet for you.
A key point to keep in mind: You are an active partner in your healthcare. Please ask questions about anything you don’t understand fully.
Follow-Up Visits
Each treatment session starts with a brief assessment of symptoms and progress since the last visit. The type of acupuncture therapy and the points may be modified as the treatment progresses. Needles are gently inserted and stimulated, then left in place for typically 20 – 30 minutes. During this time, the patient rests, listens to music, dozes or reads.
When the needles are removed, typically no marks are left. Occasionally the skin or tissue may bruise or feel itchy, achy or sore afterward. These are normal reactions, temporary, and not a reason for undue concern.
Follow-up visits usually require 45-60 minutes.
Preparing for Your Appointments
For optimum treatment results, please keep the following in mind:
- Please be punctual for your appointments to respect those who have scheduled appointments after you.
- Eat a light meal a few hours before your visit.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Pants should comfortably roll up to the knees and shirt sleeves up to the elbows. We will provide exam gowns when necessary.
- Refrain from overexertion, recreational drugs or alcohol prior to and for at least 6 hours after your appointment.
- Follow your treatment plan between visits.
- Keep all of your appointments as each successive session builds upon the previous ones.