Initial Visit

Your First Visit: What to Expect, Fees, and Insurance

This page walks you through booking, your first visit, follow-up care, and fees. From the first conversation to examination, explanation, and treatment, I see every patient myself.

If you have questions before booking, text 212-931-8544 or email [email protected].

How it works

1

Book online

Choose any open time. The first visit takes about 90 minutes, so we may contact you by email or text to adjust the time if needed.

2

Your first visit

History, examination, a clear explanation of what is going on, and hands-on treatment and exercise — all in the same visit.

3

Your written plan

After the visit, I email you a summary: what is causing your symptoms, the exercises we practiced, what to watch for, and the goals and plan ahead.

What happens at the first visit

The first visit takes about 90 minutes, and I try to complete history, examination, explanation, and treatment in the same visit. Goals differ — some people want relief from today’s pain, others want long-term change — so I shape the visit around what you need.

1

History

How the problem started and changed, what it stops you from doing, past injuries and illnesses, training history, and what you want to get back to — running, golf, lifting your kids, a long day at the desk.

2

Examination

Range of motion, orthopedic and neurological tests, and strength — plus how you stand, walk, sit, and squat. Imaging alone misses a lot. Runners, please bring the shoes you usually run in.

3

Diagnosis and explanation

What is causing the pain (the medical diagnosis), why it developed (how you have been moving and loading the body), and what you can do starting today. If helpful, I take photos or video on your phone so you can review them later.

4

Treatment and exercise

Hands-on treatment based on the findings, and the exercises you need, practiced together. If pain is severe and testing is difficult, managing the pain comes first.

If imaging (X-ray or MRI) is needed, I explain why and order it directly — you don’t need to see another doctor for a referral. Not everyone needs imaging.

Before your visit

Patient portal

After booking, you will receive an invitation to OnPatient. Please log in and complete your health history. You can also book future visits from the app.

Imaging and records

If you have MRI or X-ray images or reports, please email them ahead of time so I can review them before we meet.

What to wear

Gowns are available, or you can wear your own clothes. For hip, knee, or foot problems, shorts make examination easier. Runners, bring your usual shoes.

Trusting your body to someone new is never easy. My approach is simple: listen first, examine carefully, and explain what is happening in plain language. Once it makes sense to you, we move into treatment and exercise together. Ask me anything — no question is too small.

— Hiro Nakano, DC, DACBSP

Fees

Initial Visit — $300 (about 90 minutes)

  • History and examination by Dr. Nakano
  • Diagnosis and a clear explanation of the cause
  • Hands-on treatment and exercise guidance
  • Written summary emailed after your visit

Follow-up Visit — $250

  • Re-assessment of what has changed since last time
  • Hands-on treatment
  • Exercise review and progression

TAI NYC is an out-of-network, self-pay practice. Seeing a limited number of patients and giving each of them real time is why I work this way.

Insurance reimbursement

  • I provide a superbill — an itemized receipt you can submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. Whether you are reimbursed, and how much, depends on your plan.
  • FSA and HSA cards are accepted.

How often will I come in?

There is no long-term contract. How often you come depends on your symptoms and goals. Some people finish once pain has resolved; others come every two weeks or once a month for years to keep their bodies in shape.

After treatment

Most people feel lighter after treatment. After hands-on work on muscles, you may feel some soreness or fatigue for a day or two. If it bothers you, ice the area for about 30 minutes.

Cancellation policy

Please change or cancel at least 24 hours in advance by text, email, or the link in your appointment confirmation.

Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are generally charged the full fee for the reserved time. If something unavoidable happens, such as an accident, please let us know. Other patients are waiting for appointments, so early notice helps.

Common questions

How is this different from a typical chiropractic or physical therapy office?

Most visits elsewhere follow a set routine or protocol. Here, I assess how your whole body moves, explain why the problem developed, and choose hands-on treatment and exercise case by case. Adjustments are one tool among many, used only when appropriate.

How do I know if this is right for me?

You don’t need to commit to a long care plan first. Most people can tell within one to four visits whether this approach fits. If it does, we continue. If it doesn’t, you are free to stop.

Is treatment painful? Will you “crack” my back?

The answer depends on your diagnosis, age, symptoms, and history — so it is different for everyone. I choose treatment based on your examination, from hands-on work on muscles and other soft tissues to gentle joint mobilization. Very little of it is painful.

Joint manipulation — the kind that makes a “pop” — can work very well for the right person, but it does not help everyone every time, so choosing the right method matters. I don’t use it if you are uncomfortable with it, and as a rule I don’t use it at ages when bones tend to become fragile. For younger, healthy patients, I may use it as one part of treatment when the expected benefit clearly outweighs the risk.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly. If imaging is needed, I can order X-rays or MRI myself.

Can I use my insurance?

TAI NYC is out-of-network. I provide a superbill you can submit for possible reimbursement, and FSA/HSA cards are accepted. Coverage depends on your plan.

Can I come in if I am not in pain?

Yes. Many people come to improve movement, build strength, or catch small problems early. Without pain, we can usually move into active work sooner.

More questions and answers →

Book your first visit

By appointment only · Tuesday–Friday 10:30 am–6:30 pm · Saturday 10 am–4 pm

119 West 57th Street, Suite 212, New York, NY 10019