Last updated: November 3, 2026
At your first visit you meet Dr. Don Bolt, D.C., the chiropractor who examines and treats every patient in the office. He graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College, Los Angeles, in 1988, holds California license #19387 and has practiced in Ventura County for 35+ years.
You leave with a plain explanation of what is driving your pain and an honest answer on whether his care fits your case. New patients start with a free consultation.
Before you arrive
- Request a time on the appointments page. The office confirms your time before your visit.
- Fill out your paperwork on the online forms page before the visit. Check-in goes faster when your forms are done.
What to bring:
- Photo ID and your insurance or Medicare card
- A list of your current medications
- Reports from any MRI, X-ray or CT scan
- Notes from prior doctors, physical therapists or chiropractors
- Your VA Community Care authorization, if you are a veteran
- Your claim number and adjuster or attorney contact, if you were hurt in a car accident
What to wear: loose clothes you bend and twist in, such as athletic pants and a T-shirt. Dr. Bolt checks how your spine, hips and shoulders move, so skip tight jeans, dresses and heavy belts.
Your first visit, step by step
- Check-in. The front desk reviews your forms, ID and coverage.
- Health history. Dr. Bolt asks when the pain started, what makes the pain better or worse, what care you have tried and what you want to get back to: walking, travel, work or time with the grandkids.
- Exam. He runs orthopedic tests, checks reflexes, strength and sensation, and watches how your spine and joints move.
- X-rays, only when needed. Dr. Bolt orders X-rays when your exam, age, injury or symptoms call for them.
- Your results. He explains what he found in plain terms. If he recommends care, you hear the plan, the expected number of visits and the cost before any treatment starts.
- Treatment. Care starts only after you agree to the plan.
How long the first visit takes
Plan for extra time on your first visit. It covers your history, an exam and your results, so it runs longer than a regular treatment visit. Patients with complex histories or prior imaging to review take longer.
Cost and coverage on day one
New patients start with a free consultation. The office accepts Medicare, VA Community Care, auto injury med pay and attorney liens, and cash pay. Medicare pays chiropractors for spinal adjustments only, so exams and X-rays depend on your plan. See payment options for the details.
If chiropractic is not right for you
Some problems need a medical doctor, a surgeon or advanced imaging first. When your exam points to one of those, Dr. Bolt tells you at the visit and refers you to the right provider. He does not start a care plan he does not expect to help.
Veterans and auto injury patients
Veterans using VA Community Care need an authorization from the VA before the first visit. Bring the authorization and your VA provider’s name. See chiropractic care for veterans.
Auto injury patients should bring the claim number, any police report and the contact for an adjuster or attorney. Dr. Bolt documents your injuries from the first visit for your claim. See auto injury care.
After visit one, the what to expect page covers your care plan and treatment visits. Read more about Dr. Bolt.
Request a New Patient Evaluation
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You book directly. Veterans using VA Community Care need VA authorization first.
Do I need X-rays?
Not always. Dr. Bolt orders X-rays when your exam, age or injury calls for them. Bring any prior imaging reports so he does not repeat a recent study.
What should I wear?
Loose, stretchy clothes such as athletic pants and a T-shirt.
Is a family member welcome at the visit?
Yes. Many patients bring a spouse or an adult son or daughter to help with questions and notes.
Is the first consultation free?
Yes. New patients start with a free consultation.
Ready to Get Started?
Call the Oxnard office or request an appointment online to schedule your visit with Dr. Bolt.