Accomplished Health & Wellness
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Osteopathic Manipulative
Medicine
Want To Know More?
- 01
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMM), also known as an osteopathic adjustment, is a series of hands-on techniques that improve the body's mobility by correcting underlying dysfunction.
What does that mean exactly?
Well, if you are out of whack, then Dr. Smith will use hands-on techniques to put you back into alignment. This form of manual medicine was created to promote the body's own self healing mechanisms.
- 02
OMM is helpful for various conditions including:
Acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions: low back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, arthritis and degenerative processes, tendonitis, fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue syndrome
Ear, Nose and Throat conditions: ear infections, sinus infections, vertigo, tinnitus, eustachian tube dysfunction, TMJ
Pregnancy: Low back and pelvic pain and other musculoskeletal pain due to pregnancy
Newborn: colic, ear infections, latch issues
GYN: dysmenorrhea (period cramps), pelvic pain, pelvic floor issues
Neurologic: headaches, concussions, carpel tunnel syndrome
- 03
The initial visit is usually an hour long. We will discuss the problem that led you to seek treatment, as well as, past medical history. Dr. Smith will do a full osteopathic exam and and adjustment. The adjustments are gentle in nature. Dr. Smith works with many different techniques to get results needed.
- 04
If you have any imaging reports, it would be a good idea to bring those with you to the initial appointment for review by Dr. Smith.
- 05
Dr. Smith recommends wearing loose fitting, comfortable clothing. If you like wearing skirts, then having leggings underneath would be a good idea.
- 06
Initial appointments generally last 60 minutes.
- 07
Follow up visits are typically 45-60 minutes, depending on individual needs at the time of visit.
- 08
You may feel achy the day of the appointment, but should feel better the following day. If this happens, then it is recommended to take some tylenol or ibuprofen for the discomfort. It is also recommended to drink extra water the day of and the day following the adjustment.
- 09
The adult body can handle 1 adjustment every 5 days. Whereas, kids can handle an adjustment every 2-3 days.
- 10
If you have something that is chronic and has been going on for 3 months or more, then you will likely need weekly adjustments for 6 weeks. Dr. Smith will then step you off to every other week for another 6 weeks and then hopefully monthly depending on your individual improvement.
If this is something acute, meaning it just happened, then 1-2 adjustments may be all you need.
- 11
For current DPC members, adjustments cost $75.
For non DPC members, the first adjustment costs $300. The follow-up adjustments cost $200 for a full adjustment and $100 for a directed adjustment treating only 1-2 areas.
- 12
Dr. Smith has not signed contracts with any insurance companies and have opted out of Medicare so Dr. Smith's services are reimbursed as an out-of-network provider.
Dr. Smith does not bill your insurance.
However, she will provide you with a detailed super-bill after each visit via email. You may submit the super-bill to your insurance company to be reimbursed directly. The amount of reimbursement you receive will depend on your policy with your insurance company. Some patients receive full reimbursements, some receive partial reimbursements, while others count it towards their yearly deductibles. This will depend upon your insurance company and individual plan. Dr. Smith will not contact the insurance company for you. That is your responsibility.
Dr. Smith will not provide a super bill for anyone with Medicare or Medicaid. Since, Dr. Smith has opted out of Medicare and Medicaid, it is illegal to submit for reimbursement from them.
- 13
While DOs and chiropractors may use some of the same techniques, there are distinct differences between them.
OMM treats more than just joints. While chiropractors focus on your bones, Osteopaths use OMM to prevent and treat health concerns affecting any part of the body. For instance, if your head hurts, they may work on other parts of the body that could be the root cause of your headache, including related joints, muscles, blood vessels, and soft tissues.
OMM is performed by medical doctors. Just like doctors with a “MD” after their name, DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) complete medical school and a medical residency as part of their training. As a medical doctor, DOs can also prescribe medication, run tests, and conduct check-ups. In contrast, chiropractors are not considered medical doctors. Only DOs are trained and licensed to perform OMM. However, some MDs are seeing the value of and learning OMM.
OMM uses more techniques. Chiropractors rely upon a wider range of techniques for manipulating the spine and other joints focused at treating the presenting problem. However, doctors who practice OMM use an overall wider range of techniques focused at treating the entire body.
OMM takes less time. Doctors who practice OMM spend longer with each patient, and typically provide relief in three visits or less for acute issues. Chiropractors usually spend less time in each visit and bring you back more frequently for often up for 6 weeks.
OMM uses different diagnostic methods. Doctors who practice OMM rely upon diagnostic methods that minimize exposure to radiation. Whereas, chiropractors regularly use X-rays for diagnosis.
It's Health Care,
Not Health Insurance.
Want To Know More?
- 01
No. AHW is considered an "out of network provider".
- 02
No. Dr. Smith has opted out of Medicare and can no longer accept Medicare patients for cash pay because of their rules.
Get More Bang For Your Buck!
Want To Know More?
- 01
Your membership includes anything that you would normally go to a primary care physician for; annual physical, chronic health maintenance, acute illness, care to optimize your health, etc. You can also take advantage of the cost effective lab savings and medication prices as well. Osteopathic manipulative treatment visits can be scheduled for a low added cost.
- 02
Well, first off I ask you, and be honest, do you not see the doctor because you are truly well all the time, or because you can't afford the co-pay when you go? Because I hear this all the time, and I usually find out that you will visit/interact with the doctor more in this model since there are no co-pays or other limiting factors standing in between you and your care team.
If you truly don't go to the doctor that often, then AHW offers you something more. We strive to reach each individual's wellness goals. This is not just the absence of disease, but truly working to be your best you. So, if you're already free of disease, already have a great diet, and exercise regularly, fantastic! We will work together incredibly well!
- 03
There is a one time enrollment fee of $75.
Then, if you enroll at the beginning of the month, you will also have your entire month's membership fee.
If you enroll after the 15th, then you will only have 1/2 of the month's membership fee.
This isn't charged immediately upon enrollment. I like to wait until we have met first.
- 04
Yes. We can accept children from birth to 21, either alone or with a parent.
- 05
There are no recurring additional fees. However, there are a few additional intermittent fees. You can learn more about them under Additional Fees.
Labs, imaging and referrals can be billed through your insurance company. For those without insurance, or with high deductible plans, we will use contracted pricing through Lab Corp and Quest.
Osteopathic Manipulation is an additional fee, but is discounted for members.
- 06
No. You will sign a patient agreement, which is for a year. My intention is to form a long term relationship with you so that we can best care for you. But we also realize that sometimes we have to part ways for many different reasons. So, if for any reason you need to end your membership, then you are welcome to cancel at any time. However, we do ask for 30 days prior written notice.
Should you decide to return to the practice, we will ask that you pay the re-enrollment fee. There is no guarantee that if you leave the practice, there will be availability for you to rejoin in the future.
- 07
The short answer is yes, but only at your discretion. The long answer is that I usually ignore the first two attempts and if they ask again, then we will discuss with you whether you want me to send information to them or not. Well, that is unless you have already told me that we should expect something and to go ahead and send information when we get it, then we would just send it upon request.
- 08
If you love your care with us, which we truly hope that you will, then naturally you will want to tell your friends! If you refer a friend, and they sign up for a membership, then you will get a $10 credit to your account for referring them! If you refer someone, don't be ashamed to tell us you sent them. It is a win-win for both of us. AHW will continue to grow and your bill will momentarily shrink!
Get Direct Access
to your Care Providers
Want To Know More?
- 01
Direct access means you have direct access to your care team. No answering service or front desk. We answer the phone, return phone calls, answer text messages, and write emails. After hours, you get me. So, please keep that in mind and remember that after hours is for URGENCIES or EMERGENCIES.
Regenerative Medicine:
Helping the body Heal
Want To Know More?
- 01
Blood is made up of liquid (plasma) and solid (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) components. Platelets are best known for their clotting function. However, they also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors, which are very important in the healing process.
Platelet rich plasma or PRP is plasma (liquid component) that is highly concentrated with many more platelets (and growth factors) than what is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets (and growth factors) can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than the original blood sample thus the name Platelet rich plasma.
- 02
PRP is made by drawing blood from a patient. Then, using a centrifuge to separate the different parts of the blood. Next, the plasma, the liquid portion, rich (highly concentrated) with platelets is removed using a syringe. The plasma rich with platelets is then injected into the injured site.
- 03
It is not exactly known how PRP works. However, studies have shown that the increased concentration of growth factors within the PRP carried by the platelets can speed up the body's natural healing processes. The platelets also stimulate other growth factors, which can enhance these healing processes as well. When PRP is injected into certain areas, it can stimulate healing to occur exactly where it is needed.
- 04
PRP is emerging as an effective treatment for a variety of joint, tendon, and ligament ailments. Recent research has shown that certain tendon problems can have improved outcomes with PRP injections. Increased studies show a significant effectiveness of PRP in the treatment of mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, wear and tear on the joint.
PRP treatments are showing promising results with plantar fasciitis and shoulder pain as well.
- 05
Factors that can influence the effectiveness of PRP treatment include:
The area of the body being treated
The overall health of the patient
Whether the injury is acute (something less than 3 months) or chronic (something more than 3 months)
How the PRP is prepared and the cellular makeup of the material that is being injected
Medications taken by the patient that influence platelet function.
- 06
Discontinue all anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam, or aspirin (you may continue the 81mg dose), for 5-7 days prior to this procedure. These medications should not be used for 10 days after the injection, as they may interfere with the benefits of the procedure.
a. Tylenol is appropriate for pain relief if necessary.
b. Lidocaine patches applied to the affected area also will not interfere with PRP.
It is recommended that prior to any injection and blood draw, you are well hydrated and in good health. Any recent fevers or sickness should be communicated prior to your appointment.
- 07
On the day of your appointment, a sample of your blood will be obtained. Your blood will be processed on site to create your PRP. A small needle will be introduced to the affected area and your PRP will then be injected. The entire appointment will take approximately 45-60 minutes.
- 08
After your PRP injection, it is common to experience some pain in that area. If this occurs, you can ice the area for 20 minutes every hour as needed in order to reduce the pain. You may also take 1-2 Acetaminophen 500mg tablets ever 4-6 hours if needed with a max daily dose of 4000mg.
It is also common to have increased pain in the region of the injection for the first 1-2 weeks, as the injection stimulates an inflammatory reaction, which is a necessary component of the healing process. You may resume routine activities of daily living immediately. Any activity restrictions can be discussed on the day of your appointment. Please understand that PRP requires time and rest in order to work. Most patients will notice early benefit after 4-8 weeks that may continue to further improve beyond as more time progresses.
- 09
That all depends on what the issue is.
-If the treatment issue is less than 3 months old, then you may only need one PRP injection.
-If the treatment issue is 6 months to a year old, then you may need 1-3 injections.
-If the treatment issue is more than 1 year old, then the issue is longstanding, and you will likely need injections 1-2 times per year.
