WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic was developed over 100 years ago as a way to help the body move better and become healthier. Initially “adjusting” was the only therapy, but chiropractic has evolved to include a variety of treatments, all of which serve to improve function and decrease pain. Adjusting can be done in a variety of ways, all with the goal of getting joints that aren’t moving properly to move more freely.
HOW DOES IT HELP?
Think about a shopping cart with a wobbly wheel. That wheel that is not moving right can throw the whole cart off. This is true for the body as well. Take a “sticky” joint in the low back, for example.This can cause pain in that area but also in other areas because the body compensates. Adjusting the joints can help your “wobbly wheels” to move more smoothly and your body to work and feel better as a whole.
SHOULD I FEEL NERVOUS ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENTS?
If you have never seen a chiropractor before, it is reasonable to feel nervous. We’ll explain what we are doing, check with you to make sure that you are comfortable and discuss options that feel right to you. Chiropractic treatments are safe and highly effective. Just like starting a new workout program can make muscles temporarily sore, you may experience a bit of soreness after your first adjustment. If that happens, a few minutes with a simple ice pack over the sore area can calm it right back down.
ONCE I’VE SEEN A CHIROPRACTOR, DO I HAVE TO KEEP GOING FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?
This is a common mis-conception about chiropractic. Each person is different and each injury responds at a different speed. Most people with minor acute injuries heal with a short course of care. Others, with more chronic conditions or serious trauma can require a more involved treatment plan. Some people come to see us a few times a year, as they find that keeping themselves “tuned up” can reduce minor aches and pains and keep them from progressing to a “flare up”. Each treatment plan is customized and applied over time, based on your individual needs. We’ll discuss this with you at the time of your first appointment. We do not sell “packages” of care allowing us the freedom to treat you as an individual.
WILL I NEED X-RAYS?
Usually, we do not order x-rays at your first appointment. Most of the time, we are able understand a condition from the physical exam. Sometimes, x-rays are important right away; such as when there is a concern if a bone may be broken or if we need more information. Also, if you aren’t improving as quickly as we’d expect, we may order x-rays to visualize your skeleton. We may modify your treatment plan, using the x-rays as another tool to get you better.
WHAT IF I DON’T GET BETTER?
Sometimes the treatment that we provide isn’t enough. If we don’t see our patients improving steadily, we will consider referring them to someone who can further assist them. We may co-treat or have the other practitioner take over the care entirely. We know and trust many other practitioners in the area, including physical therapists, podiatrists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, orthopedists, neurologists and primary care practitioners.
WILL IT BE CONFIDENTIAL?
Just like any other doctor’s office, we don’t share your information with anyone. That includes your care at the office, correspondence or any other contact you have with us. E-mail questions to the doctors may be printed by our support staff, so sharing highly personal information should be in person.
BILLING QUESTIONS:
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY INSURANCE PAYS FOR CHIROPRACTIC?
Bring your insurance card to your first visit. While you are seeing the doctor or massage therapist, our office staff will usually call and check your benefits. They will explain your coverage to you after you finish your appointment.
DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR EVERYTHING?
Chiropractic benefits often have limitations regarding number of appointments per year, supplies and massage. You certainly may receive any medically indicated treatment that we offer, but some may be not covered by insurance. We will be sure to explain all costs to you when describing your benefits.
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE INSURANCE?
We offer a “time of service discount” to patients that pay on the same day as their appointment.
WHAT DOES “OUT OF POCKET” MEAN?
This is a term used to describe the cost one would pay out of their own pocket. This applies to non-insured patients, a co-pay or a deductible.
WHAT IS A CO-PAY?
This is the amount of the bill that a patient who has health insurance is responsible to pay. Often times, a co-pay is a set amount (such as $20 per visit), sometimes it is a percentage of the amount billed to insurance.
WHAT IS A DEDUCTIBLE?
A deductible is the amount of money a person must pay out of pocket before the insurance company will begin to pay for care. This is a set amount as determined by your insurance plan and often has to be paid each year.
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