Frequently Asked Questions

1. What insurance coverage do you accept?
2. Do I Need X-Ray's Before Treatment?
3. I have been adjusted by my chiropractor three times per week for six weeks and my symptoms have not changed; is this a common response to treatment?
4. Would anti-inflammatory or analgesic medication help my recovery?
5. Do chiropractors use MRI?
6. Should I see a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon as well as a chiropractor?
7. Do you have parking close to your office?

What insurance coverage do you accept?

We are a preferred provider for a variety of insurance groups, including Medicare and Workman's Comp. My office staff is very good at sorting out insurance questions and explaining coverage issues. If you have a question regarding your insurance coverage, please call my office at (360) 332-4730 with your insurance card information.

Our list of Preferred Insurance Providers:


1. Aetna
2. Carpenters Health and Security Trust of Western Washington
3. CIGNA Healthcare
4. Fire Fighters Family Medical
5. Great West Healthcare
6. Group Health OPTIONS
7. HMA - Healthcare Management Administrators
8. KPS Health Plans
9. Lifewise Health Plan of Washington
10. Northwest Administrators Inc.
11. Premera Blue Cross
12. Regence Blue Shield
13. Sound Health and Wellness Trust (formerly Retail Clerks' Welfare Trust)
14. The Mega Life and Health Insurance Company
15. Uniform Medical Plan
16. United Health Care (AARP)

Medicare affiliation:


1. Coventry Health Care
2. Medicare Part B
3. Palmetto GBA (Railroad Medicare)
4. Sterling Life Insurance Company

Medicare Supplimental affiliation:


1. Aetna
2. GEHA (Government Employees Health Association)
3. Mutual of Omaha
4. Regence
5. United Health Care (AARP)

TOP Do I need x-rays before treatment?

Sometimes they are necessary, but often not. However, if a case poses certain clinical questions, then I may suggest that x-rays be made.

TOP I have been adjusted by my chiropractor three times per week for six weeks and my symptoms have not changed; is this a common response to treatment?

In short, no. Change of some sort should be noted within four to six office visits. While some problems are very difficult to correct and may require extended treatment plans, improvement should be noted, even if it is only gradual; otherwise, further diagnostic measures should be taken and the treatment plan amended accordingly.

TOP Would anti-inflamatory or analgesic medication help my recovery?

Very often, yes. Sometimes anti-inflamatory or analgesic medication can diminish symptoms and objectives signs, causing the patient and the chiropractor to misjudge improvement. However, if both are aware of the patient's true pain level and activity capacity without medication, such medication may speed recovery along.

The chiropractic scope of practice in this state does not allow commentary or advice of a medical nature to be given to patients by chiropractors but I have successfully referred patients to cooperative MDs who prescribe appropriate medications and returned patients to me for continued chiropractic treatment. The clinical outcomes with this approach have proven quite successful. The difficulty in the mix can be finding the cooperative MD.

TOP Do chiropractors use MRI?

MRI is a wonderful tool. While it does not replace regular xray films, MRI can certainly reveal a great deal that xray cannot. The bonus of MRI lies in the visualization of soft tissue, which is more limited with xray. MRI is excellent for actually allowing the doctor to see what has happened to spinal discs or to look into the neural canal.

TOP Should I see a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon as well as a chiropractor?

If I perform an initial orthopedic/neurological examination and the findings indicate that consultation with either a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon is warranted (or at least prudent) I will make that recommendation to the patient and call the office of the particular doctor to whom I wish to refer and make the appointment. This I usually do personally to avoid confusion.

However, I still conservatively treat the patient to try what relief and correction I may achieve for him or her, because it usually takes a minimum of two weeks to get in to see a neurosurgeon or an orthopod. During the interval, I obtain the requisite xrays and MRI for the referral, for there is no point in the consultation without these diagnostic procedures in hand.

If a patient well into a conservative treatment plan with me does not manifest the expected clinical outcome, I may refer for consultation at that protracted interval. Again, xrays and MRI are obtained.

TOP Do you have parking close to your office?

There is plenty of level street parking directly in front of my office on H Street in Blaine. If you cannot walk up the short flight of steps to my front entrance, we have ramp access in the rear of our facility. Please call ahead if you require this access and we will ensure it is available to you.

TOP

If you have a specific question that is not listed here, please call us at (360) 332-4730.