Q&A
Q. What do I need to do before my first appointment?
A. You need to come about 30 minutes early for your first appointment to allow time to complete the required paperwork. If you wish to fill out the paperwork ahead of time, print the forms from this site, and bring them with you at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Click HERE for forms.
Q. What do I need to bring with me to my first appointment?
A. You will need your Insurance Card and your Driver’s License or other form of picture ID. If you do not have health insurance, you will need to bring another form of payment for your visit and/or Co-pay.
And most importantly, bring ALL of your MEDICATIONS with you , both PRESCRIPTION and NON-PRESCRIPTION drugs that you may be taking.
Q. What is a D.O.?
A. a D.O. is a Physician who is a Doctor of Osteopathy. Osteopathic Medicineis a unique form of American medical care that was developed back in 1874 by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still who was dissatisfied with the effectiveness of the medicine of his day. Dr. Still founded a philosophy of medicine focusing on the unity of all body parts with the musculoskeletal system as a key element of a person’s health. He recognized the body’s ability to heal itself, and stressed the need of proper nutrition and keeping fit to aid the body to do so. Dr. Still’s philosophy of medicine emphasizes the importance of prevention of illness by teaching patients to take a more active role in their health and that the patient has responsibility to change unhealthy habits.
Q. What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D.?
A. The fact is, that both D.O.s and M.D.s are fully qualified physicians licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medications to patients. They both have obtained at least a FOUR year undergraduate degree prior to completing FOUR years of medical school (either OSTEOPATHIC or ALLOPATHIC). After graduating from medical school they then do ONE year of a rotating internship. Thereafter a specialty area of medicine is chosen, such as FAMILY MEDICINE, PSYCHIATRY, SURGERY, OB/GYN, etc. for which 2 to 6 years of residency training is done. Both M.D.s and D.O.s must pass either national board licensing examinations or state exams for the state in which they will practice.
In addition, D.O.s usually receive an extra 300-500 hours of study of the body’s musculoskeletal system and training of OMT (Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment). It is OMT that is used by an Osteopathic physician to maintain alignment of a patient’s skeletal system thereby affecting other body systems to aid in the patients healing in coordination with appropriate modern medical treatment.
Q. What is a P.A.?
A. a P.A. is a Physician Assistant that is a licensed health care professional that under the supervision of a physician can see and treat patients for almost all medical conditions. Physician Assistants must complete a formal medical training program that is generally four to five years long and then must pass national exams in order to be licensed and Certified. A Physician Assistant must be re-certified every 6 years to remain as a health care provider and be able to examine and treat patients, and must complete ongoing training in order to receive these certifications.
Finding a healthcare provider that meets your individual needs will allow you to build a long-term, trusting relationship that will ensure excellent medical care and wellness for you and your family for years to come.
