FAQs
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding chiropractic care.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Every work injury is unique, however, the majority of them involve one or more of the following structures: ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves or bones. All new patients complete an intake form. Once the doctor has reviewed your intake form, you will receive an extensive consultation, a medical history review, and an examination. This process will determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for you and your injury. After determining a diagnosis, your treatment options will be discussed, including any necessary referrals.
What about X-rays, do I need them?
Sometimes x-rays are essential to providing effective care. Each person will be evaluated prior to treatment and the need for films will be determined. If x-rays are required, you will be referred to the appropriate facilities.
How often do I have to be seen?
For any injury, the frequency of treatment will vary depending on a number of factors. Severity of injury/complaint, length of time between injury onset and first doctors visit, injury location, etc. are factors that affect treatment frequency. Age, health status, diet, and other injuries or illness, will also affect the frequency and length of care.
Examples of previous treatment courses:
· Mild strain/sprain injuries resolved within 3-4 weeks; some required
8-12 treatments.
· Whiplash injuries resolved within 1-3 months, occasionally 6 months.
· Chronic low back pain may require long-term care.
How much will the treatment cost?
There is NO cost to you if you have a work related injury.
Patients receiving treatment for an accepted work related injury cannot be charged for treatment (LC 3751). Treatment costs will be billed to the employers' Workers' Compensation insurance carrier, as required by law.
Personal injury (car accident) cases are billed to your auto insurance carrier if you have "med pay" coverage.
For all other injuries, this office uses the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) published by the Industrial Medical Council. These fees are generally lower than fees charged by other offices.
If you have general health insurance, your insurance company will be billed. Most insurance companies have a deductible and co-pay, which you are responsible for covering at time of service. Any fees that are not covered by your insurance company will be due at the time services are rendered, and no bill will be sent to you.
Note: It is unlawful to make a false or fraudulent Workers' Compensation Claim on penalty of up to $50,000 or 5 years in jail. (IC 1871.4)
I have heard that, "Once you start going to a Chiropractor you have to go for the rest of your life." Is this true?
We have patients that receive great benefit from regular chiropractic care. However, it is your choice to receive long term "maintenance" care if you find it beneficial. Please note that Work Comp insurance will not pay for "maintenance" care. Once you have returned to your pre-injury condition, receiving regular care is your choice, and you will be responsible for payment of the "maintenance" treatments. Long-term, regular chiropractic care is a lifestyle choice, much like healthy eating, regular exercise, and regular dental care.
What types of injury are treated in your office?
We focus on work-related injuries and injuries sustained in automobile accidents. Common injuries we treat include; back pain, disc pain, sciatic pain, neck pain, headaches, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, strain/sprain injuries to various joints including ankles, knees, hips, shoulder, elbows, wrists, etc.
This is a small sample of the wide variety of injuries and conditions treated using chiropractic therapies. We focus on injuries to the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems ("neuromusculoskeletal") that often result in strain/sprain injuries. Injuries of this type are very common and respond well to conservative chiropractic care.