1.
What is Chiropractic Neurology?
2.
Is a chiropractic neurologist different from a "regular" chiropractor?
3.
What can I expect from my first visit?
4.
What kind of treatment do you offer?
5.
What is Interactive Metronome?
6.
After I see you, will I need to be in care forever?
7.
Do Chiropractic Neurologists use MRIs?
8.
Do you make house calls?
9.
What is your financial policy?
10.
How much do you charge?
11.
Why doesn't BCN accept my insurance plan?
1.
What is Chiropractic Neurology?
Chiropractic Neurology is a science-based health care specialty that focuses on optimizing the function of the nervous system using conservative methods.
Subtle changes in the function of the nervous system will affect things such as muscle tone, flexibility, balance & coordination and may result in chronic pain, headaches and other symptoms. In some cases, these changes may lead to attention deficits, decline in academic performance and cognitive processing disorders.
This new appreciation for the nervous system has influenced diagnosis and treatment from practitioners as diverse as optometry, occupational therapy, physical therapy and chiropractic. While the chiropractic profession has traditionally been rooted in respect for the nervous system, we are now better equipped to evaluate the functional state of your nervous system and target specific areas of dysfunction. Many people assume that if they don't have a classical nervous system disorder (Alzheimer, Parkinson's), then their nervous system is healthy. This is not always the case.
Chiropractic neurology is a safe and effective way to evaluate and treat the functional state of your nervous system and the symptoms that may result.
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2.
Is a chiropractic neurologist different from a "regular" chiropractor?
Chiropractors are well-trained experts who have completed a four-year doctoral program and passed all national and state Board examinations. A chiropractic neurologist undergoes a minimum of 300 hours of additional postgraduate training over 3 years specializing in clinical neurology. In order to become certified, the doctor of chiropractic must pass a rigorous Board examination consisting of written, oral and practicum tests administered by the
American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB). The ACNB is recognized by the American Chiropractic Association Council on Neurology and is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certification Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). Currently, there are approximately 600 chiropractic neurologists worldwide. Chiropractic neurologists are uniquely trained to evaluate and manage neurological disorders using safe, conservative techniques.
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3.
What can I expect from my first visit?
Your evaluation will consist of a complete history and physical examination including a comprehensive neurological evaluation. The neurological exam is designed to detect patterns of dysfunction in your nervous system. This may include study of ocular-motor patterns, reflexes, motor strength, sensory ability, balance & coordination. Following the assessment, your doctor will explain his findings and outline an individualized treatment program for you. Often, your first treatment will immediately follow the evaluation. In some situations, treatment will be initiated during a follow up visit. If your condition is not likely to respond to our care, you will be referred to another practitioner who may be able to help.
Your visit will last approximately 1.5 hours. We will conduct a thorough interview to understand your current health status and your goals. Your physical examination is designed to detect patterns of dysfunction in your nervous system. This may include study of eye movements, reflexes, motor strength, movement patterns, sensation, balance & coordination. If laboratory testing is necessary to better determine your biochemical individuality, we will make the appropriate recommendations.
In order to optimize your time, please complete the patient intake form and forward it, along with pertinent imaging & lab results, previous diagnoses and list of current medications, to our office prior to your visit.
4.
What kind of treatment do you offer?
Each treatment is individually tailored to your physiology. All of your treatments will be drug-free, non-invasive and safe. Your program may include:
- Visual, auditory or vestibular stimulation.
- Brain based timing exercises using
Interactive Metronome
- Dietary review and recommendations
- High quality nutritional supplements based on objective laboratory findings
- Chiropractic adjustments to your spine and extremities.
- Rehabilitation exercises to improve flexibility, strength and coordination
- Soft tissue therapy: muscle release, muscle facilitation, stretching
- Breathing exercises, eye movement exercises
- Custom orthotics to support your biomechanics
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5.
What is Interactive Metronome?
Interactive Metronome is a device used by many physicians and therapists to improve the functioning of your brain. Often, a patient's neurological deficit is not a decline in one specific part of the brain but a loss of timing between healthy parts of the brain.
For example, the world's best musicians will create beautiful music only if they play together. In other words, they must have excellent timing with one another. If they are not coordinated, the entire musical piece will fall apart and the listener will hear nothing but noise. Similarly, the world's best athletes must play as a team to win trophies and championships. If each individual athlete does not cooperate with his teammates, then the team is not likely to be successful no matter how skilled the individuals are.
The parts of your brain may be healthy. But if the timing among all its parts is not coordinated, you are likely to have some compromise in function. Interactive metronome restores the timing between parts of your brain.
Interactive metronome has been used to successfully treat patients with:
- Attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD)
- Learning disorders
- Poor fine and gross motor skills
- Developmental delays
- Sensory Integration Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dr. Jo is trained in the use of Interactive Metronome.
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6.
After I see you, will I need to be in care forever?
Some treatments may take longer than others depending on the severity of your symptoms. Our goal is to get you out of our office and back to your life. While some conditions resolve over a few office visits, others require a greater commitment from both the doctor and the patient. After your initial evaluation, your doctor will be able to tell you how long your treatment may take.
If your condition is not likely to respond to our care, you will be referred to another practitioner who may be able to help you.
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7.
Do Chiropractic Neurologists use MRIs?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a technology to detect changes in soft tissue including nervous system structures. While these images are required in some situations, chiropractic neurologists are trained to detect functional changes that often are not visible on MRI. Your nervous system may not be "broken" but may be suffering from a decline in efficiency. Thorough information on reflexes, muscle strength, sensory perception, eye movements & coordination tests will reveal a pattern of deficiency, if present.
Although functional imaging techniques are available, these technologies are currently used primarily in research settings and not routinely used in clinical evaluation.
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8.
Do you make house calls?
Yes. If you are unable to come to us, we are willing to come to you. We understand that many conditions make it painful or distressful to come into the office. At times, the experience of getting into a car and driving may aggravate your pain or suffering. Those people who need our care the most should have access. Please contact our office to make arrangements.
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9.
What is your financial policy?
Bellevue Chiropractic Neurology, Inc. is a fee for service clinic. Payment is due at the time of service. Because we do not want to place restrictions on your quality of care, we have chosen not to honor insurance plans. We will provide you with diagnosis codes and receipts so that you may file for reimbursement directly to your insurance company. We accept cash, check and major credit cards.
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10.
How much do you charge?
The cost of the initial visit is $150 (1.5 hours). Follow up visits cost $65-$100 (30-45 minutes).
11.
Why doesn't BCN accept my insurance plan?
We have chosen to make you and your health our top priority. Many clinics dedicate a large portion of their time and resources to dealing with insurance companies. Unfortunately, this often leads to treatment that is influenced by those third parties. With our fee for service arrangement, your doctor is committed only to you without obligations that may limit your access to top quality healthcare. By eliminating direct communication between your doctor and your insurance carrier, we can offer uncompromising service with the attention and respect that you deserve.
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