New to Riverview Spine? Here Is Where to Begin

If you are looking for a chiropractor in Bloomington and are not sure what to expect, this page will walk you through everything: the first visit, what to bring, how insurance works, and what happens next. We want your experience to feel clear and comfortable from the start.

Dr. Rod explaining an x-ray to a patient.

Who We See at Riverview Spine

Riverview Spine serves adults and families primarily in South and West Bloomington, including surrounding areas within the city. Our patients come in for many reasons: persistent back or neck pain, recovery from a car accident or work injury, disc conditions that have not responded to other care, headaches, shoulder pain, and more.

Most patients arrive curious about chiropractic care but not entirely sure whether it will help their situation. That is completely understandable. Dr. Rod’s job on the first visit is to give you an honest assessment, explain what he finds, and outline a realistic path forward. There is no pressure and no commitment required to start.

We offer same-day appointments and accept walk-ins, so getting started does not have to involve a long wait.

Book an Appointment

How to Prepare for Your First Visit

A small amount of preparation makes the first visit run more smoothly for everyone.

What to Bring

A valid photo ID
Your insurance card (if using insurance)
Any prior imaging you have, such as X-ray or MRI reports
A list of any current medications

Helpful Preparation Tips

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete intake paperwork
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined
Write down your questions ahead of time so nothing gets forgotten
Be ready to describe your symptoms clearly: location, intensity, when they started, and what affects them

What Usually Happens at Your First Visit

The first appointment at Riverview Spine is designed to give Dr. Rod a thorough understanding of your condition before any treatment is recommended. Here is how a typical first visit flows:

Intake and Health History

When you arrive, you will complete intake forms covering your symptoms, health history, and any relevant prior treatment or imaging. Arriving a few minutes early helps the visit run smoothly.

Consultation

Dr. Rod will sit down with you to discuss your symptoms in detail, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they are affecting your daily life. This conversation is the foundation of your care plan.

Physical Examination

He will perform a hands-on examination of the affected area, which may include movement testing, postural assessment, and orthopedic or neurological evaluation where appropriate.

X-Rays

For most new patients, Dr. Rod takes X-rays of the problem area during the first visit. This gives him a clearer structural picture and helps ensure that the care plan is accurate and appropriate for your condition.

Findings, Recommendations, and First Treatment

After the examination and imaging, Dr. Rod will explain what he found and what he recommends. If care is appropriate to begin that day, your first treatment typically happens during this visit. You will leave with a clear understanding of what the plan looks like and what to expect.

Insurance, Pricing, and Payment

We want you to understand the financial side of your care before you walk in, not after.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. We currently accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medica, United Health Care, Medicare, and Health Partners. Coverage and benefits vary by plan. We recommend calling your insurance provider ahead of your visit to confirm your chiropractic benefits.

Do you offer direct billing?

Yes. We bill your insurance directly when applicable so you are not responsible for submitting claims yourself.

Do you see self-pay patients?

Yes. We welcome patients who prefer to pay out of pocket. Cost details will be reviewed with you before care begins.

When will I know what my visit will cost?

We discuss financial expectations before treatment proceeds. If you have questions about cost before you arrive, call us at (952) 884-1507 and our team will help clarify what to expect.

How do I verify my coverage before booking?

Call us at (952) 884-1507 and we will help you work through the basics. You can also contact your insurance provider directly to ask about your chiropractic benefits before scheduling.

Is Chiropractic Care a Good Fit for Your Situation?

Chiropractic care at Riverview Spine focuses on the musculoskeletal system, primarily the spine, joints, and surrounding soft tissue. If your pain, stiffness, or limited mobility has a structural or mechanical component, chiropractic care may be a practical, non-surgical option worth exploring.

Common reasons patients come to us include back and neck pain, disc conditions, headaches, nerve-related symptoms, auto accident injuries, work injuries, and sports injuries. Dr. Rod also sees patients whose pain has been building over time without a clear diagnosis and those who have tried other treatments without lasting results.

Care at Riverview Spine is individualized. Dr. Rod does not apply the same protocol to every patient. He assesses your specific situation and recommends a plan based on what he actually finds. In some cases, that may mean recommending imaging, a referral, or a co-management approach before chiropractic treatment begins.

If you are not sure whether your condition is something we can help with, the most direct answer is to call or come in for a consultation. The first visit includes a thorough assessment, and Dr. Rod will tell you honestly what chiropractic care can and cannot do for your situation.

MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Rod Opferkew

Dr. Rod Opferkew has over 23 years of chiropractic experience and focuses on identifying the root cause of pain before building a care plan around your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions From New Patients

Do I need a referral to book an appointment?

No referral is needed. You can call, walk in, or book online directly.

Will I receive treatment on my first visit?

In most cases, yes. Dr. Rod aims to begin care during the first appointment after completing the consultation, examination, and X-rays. There may be situations where additional information is needed first, and he will explain why if that is the case.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement and access to the area being examined. Loose-fitting pants are helpful for lower back and hip evaluations.

Can I bring my imaging from another provider?

Yes. If you have prior X-rays, MRI reports, or other imaging, please bring them. They give Dr. Rod useful context, particularly for disc-related conditions.

Do you treat auto accident injuries?

Yes. We see patients following car accidents and work closely with the documentation process if needed for insurance claims. Early evaluation after an accident is important, even if symptoms feel minor at first.

Do you offer walk-in appointments?

Yes. Walk-ins are welcome. That said, calling ahead ensures Dr. Rod is available and reduces any wait time for you.

Is chiropractic care safe?

When performed by a licensed chiropractor, chiropractic care has a strong safety record. Dr. Rod will review your health history and examination findings before recommending any treatment and will explain his technique before proceeding.

What if I am nervous about my first adjustment?

That is more common than you might think. Dr. Rod will walk you through exactly what he plans to do before he does it, and he uses techniques that are appropriate for your condition and comfort level. Many patients who were initially nervous find the experience much more comfortable than they expected.

Do you see children or seniors?

Dr. Rod has experience treating patients across all age groups, from young children to older adults. If you have specific concerns about a family member’s care, call us and we can discuss whether a visit makes sense.

Book Your First Appointment

Riverview Spine is located at 5402 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55437. We serve South and West Bloomington and the surrounding communities. If you have questions about your first visit, your insurance coverage, or whether chiropractic care is right for your situation, we are happy to talk through it before you book.

Call us at (952) 884-1507, walk in during office hours, or book your appointment online. The first consultation is complimentary.

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