Category: Health

What to Ask Your Dentist During Your Next Appointment

For many, a dentist’s appointment is an unpleasant visit that should get done with as soon as possible. We all know the importance of getting your teeth cleaned twice a year, but you should also try to view the dentist’s appointment as a time to maximize your dental health.

Spend some time getting to know your dentist and oral hygienist, as they can offer you plenty of great advice that will keep your teeth and mouth in healthy shape for years to come. Below are some questions that you should be asking during your dentist appointment.

#1: Discuss your overall mouth health

The first question you should ask is about the overall health of your mouth. Your dentist should inform you if anything is severely wrong, but it may be that you can do extra to improve your mouth health. Most people underestimate the impact that foods can have on their dental health, and a good dentist will give you the advice you need to address any potential issues that can arise.

#2: Types of implements you should be using

The range of toothbrushes, toothpastes and dental floss on the market can be intimidating and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. The choice of toothbrush can vary depending on how hard you brush your teeth, with some people needing softer brushes than others. Speak to your dentist to find out what products they would recommend specifically for you.

#3: Questions about procedures

If your dentist or oral hygienist recommends some procedures during your dentist appointment, try and get much more information about them. Which of the treatments are really necessary, which are optional and which are purely cosmetic. Also discuss which of the treatments are extremely urgent and which ones are less so. This gives you a good idea of your priorities and what you should be spending your money on. Your dentist may strongly recommend vanity treatments, but these may not be necessary for your general mouth health.

#4: Grinding teeth

Many people grind their teeth and may not even know it. A good dentist will pick up on this and inform you, but if you notice symptoms of teeth-grinding such as headaches in the morning or clicking and popping of your jawline, mention it during your dentist appointment. Your dentist will be able to verify whether you do grind your teeth or not and recommend various treatments depending on the severity of the condition, such as mouth guards in mild cases to Botox in severe ones.

#5: Find out about oral cancer

Nobody considers oral cancer, and it is very difficult to detect in the early stages, even for experienced dentists. Talk to your dentist during your appointment to find out about ways that you can be screened for oral cancer, even if you don’t think you have it. Early detection is key to successful treatment and many dentists recommend screens at least once a year to detect any abnormal cells in your mouth, throat or tongue. This allows for a rapid response and early detection that may be the difference between successful or unsuccessful treatment.

 

Questions You Must Ask When Choosing a Dentist

Finding the best dentist is a very important step in ensuring your family maintains optimum dental health. Asking questions before booking an actual appointment is not only okay but highly recommended. Here are 10 questions you must ask when choosing a dentist.

Do you have experience with children?

Although all dentists must have a four-year bachelor’s degree to practice dentistry, some might have chosen to specialize in certain areas. As specialists, they might be better suited to your needs depending on conditions you might have or treatments you might require. As parents, you should always look for a dental clinic that has experience dealing with children.

Do you take X-rays?

You want a dentist who uses a preventative approach to dentistry. Using X-rays to identify serious issues and confirm a diagnosis is a must. Regular X-rays are also important to find issues that can’t be detected during a basic oral exam.

Do you provide treatment plans?

Treatment plans are very important as they provide each member of your family with specific recommendations based on their individual needs. It also provides you with a budget to determine how much treatment will cost and if it is covered by insurance.

Do you have any references?

Do not be afraid to ask for references. If you prefer to avoid this awkward question, you can opt to do a search for online reviews. Online ratings for a dentist show how well liked and appreciated they are by their patients. Established dental offices will often have reviews on their website as well.

What financing options are available?

This question is especially important if you do not have insurance. However, it can also provide insight into the success of a practice. When an office demands payment up front with no exceptions, it could be a sign they have few patients. A more successful practice will offer financing options with manageable payment plans that allow their patients to get the treatment they need.

 

3 Questions to Ask Your Dentist On Your First Visit

Regular dental visits are extremely important for maintaining healthy teeth and a perfect smile. Finding a dental practice and a dentist that’s right for you isn’t a very difficult job when you know what you are looking for and are aware of the questions you should ask your dentist. Good communication is the key to a healthy relationship. Your connection with your dentist depends on how effectively you communicate with them.

Discussing your health concerns, dental habits, fears, and apprehensions with your dentist makes a big difference. After all, this is the person who will look inside your mouth every 6 months. Hence, you must be comfortable with your dentist, especially when asking questions! Here are three questions that you must ask when going to a new dentist.

Question 1: How Can We Improve My Dental Health?

Dental health can be improved when you and your dentists work together towards the same goal. Share your routine with your new dentist and get the necessary guidelines about brushing and flossing. You can ask about what kind of toothbrush you should use and how often should you replace it. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the right way to brush and floss. Your dentist will guide you about the frequency of your dental visits. You can discuss the oral hygiene products that you are using or wish to use. Your dentist will give suggestions about your fluoride intake, night guards, and bad breath. Be sure to inform your dentist about any pain, discomfort, or anything out of the ordinary that you’re experiencing.

Question 2: How Is My Current Dental Health?

A new dentist will most probably examine your entire oral cavity, including teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, and throat. You’ll be checked for lesions, wounds, bumps, cavities, plaque, tartar, or signs of teeth grinding. They’ll assess your overall dental health and will be able to give you a proper analysis. Once this is done, they’ll discuss your treatment options and preferences. This is a good time to ask your dentist any questions about your current oral health, and any ways you can improve your oral health.

Question 3: What Ways Can I Optimize My Dental Health Through Diet and Hygiene?

Your diet and oral hygiene impact your oral health in many ways. Ask your Dentist about ways you can adjust your daily routine to support any dental treatments or needs you may have. What foods may impact your teeth for better or worse? What daily habits will support your goals? Your Dentist may be able to advise specific changes that will help to support what they are doing to treat or maintain your oral health.

 

The Three Most Common Dental Procedures

If you have been experiencing prolonged dental pain, or your dentist has already discovered a significant issue during an exam and/or x-ray, it’s likely that your dentist will recommend one of the following three dental procedures:

Filling

It is much preferred to leverage proper diet and dental hygiene to reverse cavities naturally, but that isn’t always possible. If a cavity is causing pain, is overly sensitive to heat or cold, or has reached the pulp of your tooth, you probably need a filling.

A filling is exactly what it sounds like: Your dentist will remove the diseased portion from the inside of your tooth and fill the resulting hole with a material that holds the form of your tooth.

The remaining part of the tooth is still alive and will continue to remineralize and demineralize based on your habits and diet.

Root Canal

A root canal is necessary if decay has grown unchecked to reach the roots of tooth, or if there is an infection.

Root canals differ from fillings in that they are designed to preserve—not save—a dead tooth. I compare this dental procedure to the mummification process.

A tooth that is dead will become brittle and prone to breaking after it is filled, which is why you need the crown that is placed on top of the tooth to protect it. And doing this, instead of pulling the tooth, can help you avoid problematic shifting and the need for a bridge or implant to fill the space.

Root Planing

When tartar builds up on teeth and is not removed through dental cleanings, it will slowly creep down past the gum line. And when the tartar gets to a certain point below the gums, the tooth will no longer attach correctly.

A root planing, also referred to as scaling, is the process of cleaning, scraping, and disinfecting affected teeth. Those words may sound scary, but the end result of this sometimes necessary procedure is smoother, healthier teeth.

Root planing is often more expensive than other dental procedures due to the additional time and work involved. Also, your dentist may recommend that you be given anesthesia depending on the extent of the tartar and calculus on your teeth.

 

What Are the Best Ways to Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home?

It’s vital that all adults engage in daily brushing and flossing, but to take your oral hygiene to the next level, follow a handful of particular steps to good dental health. These include:

• Using products that contain fluoride.
• Limiting snacks that are high in sugar.
• Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables.
• Avoiding tobacco in any form.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity and Why Do I Have It?

Your dentist will examine the affected teeth and recommend treatment to reduce your sensitivity.

• Receding gums
• Tooth grinding during sleep
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Tooth whitening
• Orthodontics and fillings

Massage appointment helpful tips

Scheduling an appointment

It is important that we know as much about your preferences, health situation and past massage experience as possible. If you are looking for a specific type of massage, deep tissue, relaxation, etc., be specific so we can pair you with a therapist that does that type of massage. Please inform us if you are pregnant, or have any major health conditions. We will ask you specific questions when making your appointment to help customize your session to meet your needs.

Preparing for your appointment

Personal hygiene is always important when you come in for massage. Shower or bathe prior to your massage. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to undress and dress easily. Your comfort and privacy are important to us. You may undress to a level that is comfortable to you (most clients are nude, or underwear only). Therapists are trained in the proper draping techniques, and only expose the area that is being worked on. Your privacy is always respected, and it is never required that you completely disrobe.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a natural, safe, drug free, hands-on form of health care. The basis of chiropractic is that the nervous system directly or indirectly controls every cell in the body. The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. The brain communicates through the spinal cord and nerves, and the nerves branch away from the cord between each vertebra. A misaligned bone may cause irritation of the nerve. The nerves go to the muscles and organs and influence the cells in your body. So when the nerves are irritated it may lead to pain, muscle tightness or other health problems. This misaligned bone is called a subluxation

What can I expect of a visit to the Chiropractor?

On your first visit you will begin by filling out paperwork.  You can find forms located in the left hand side bar on this page.   Those forms may ask about any current health problems, past health history, family history, and request information that is used for billing purposes. Your doctor will review the paperwork and then ask you questions regarding this information and any additional information he/she may need to determine your health problem. The doctor will then do a physical examination that involves various tests to help determine your diagnosis. This may include x-rays and/or lab work. After reviewing all the information, the doctor will determine if chiropractic care can help with your health concerns. They will discuss your diagnosis and the treatment plan they recommend for you. If you are comfortable with this plan, the chiropractic treatment will be performed. This treatment usually involves a chiropractic adjustment. It may also include heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, exercise recommendations, massage therapy, and/or stretches.

Which forms do I use for my appointment?

We have provided forms for you to print and complete prior to your appointment.  See the left side bar for those forms.  If you cannot or choose not to print forms but want to review what information you will need at your appointment you can do so.  If you have never been a patient in our clinic you will need to complete the new patient appointment forms.  If you have been a patient in our clinic in the past and it has been more than 4 months since you have been seen, you will need to complete the update patient appointment forms. If you were involved in an auto accident or work related injury you will also need to complete the applicable form for the type of accident you were involved in.  If you print and complete forms be sure to bring them along with you to your appointment

 

Helpful Tips

DOT Physical Exam: Things to Plan in Advance

If you have a medical condition you’re going to need some paperwork:

Diabetic Condition – Bring a list of medications and name of prescribing doctor.

High Blood Pressure – Bring a list of medications and name of prescribing doctor.

Heart Condition – If you’ve had a heart attack or cardiovascular disease, you’ll need to bring a copy of your last stress test.

Sleep Apnea – Bring a copy of your latest sleep test results, if you have one.

Medications – List all the prescription medicines you take, including strength and dosage. If you regularly take over-the counter medications, such as antacids or allergy pills, list them, too.

Contact information – Have names and phone numbers of your doctors in case you need to call and have them fax missing information.

DOT Physical Exam: Things To Do to Manage Your Blood Pressure

Make sure you don’t run out of your prescribed blood-pressure medication.

Remember to take your medication on schedule. If you forget, most doctors recommend taking your medication as soon as possible.

If you’re significantly late taking your medication, tell the doctor conducting the DOT physical you forgot to take your regular medication. If your blood pressure is too high, ask to have it rechecked later that day – or even the following day.

Cutting back on caffeine and nicotine can help improve your blood pressure.

Reducing the amount of salty foods you eat and avoiding adding salt to your food can also help to lower your blood pressure.

The week before your DOT physical exam, cut back on coffee, sodas, energy drinks, potato chops, etc, and don’t add salt to your food. Also reduce your use of nicotine as much as possible. Doing this can help lower your blood pressure reading

The Day of the DOT Physical Exam:

Remember to bring the medical records you’ve prepared in advance, including your list of medications.

Remember to bring eye glasses (it’s surprising how many people forget this).

Drink water. Come with a need to pee.

Getting Past ‘White Coat’ Syndrome:

First off, we understand that this is a very real concern for some drivers.

Secondly, we work with drivers all day long. We understand that passing your DOT physical exam is important to your continued career and your livelihood

 

Tips for a Healthy Summer!

Summer is full of activity. Whether it’s volleyball with friends, vacations with family, or just spending all day on the move, we tend to be much more active during the summer months. While this is actually very good for overall health, it can cause pain for those of us who are not used to it. This is where chiropractors can really help. They can ease pain in the back and neck by reducing restrictions of the vertebrae of the spine. By removing these problem areas, pain is reduced and activity and movement become much easier. Having the best summer is more than a schedule crammed full of outdoor activities. It’s staying healthy and fit, too

Keep hydrated.  Plan on drinking fluids at least one hour before you head out for the day. Aim for half your body weight in ounces a day.  Drinking enough water per day to keep the kidneys functioning properly and flush toxins from the body. Add some variety to your water by infusing it with fresh fruit — delicious, nutritious and hydrating!

Add daily exercise to your summer routine. This winter’s cold weather was a valid reason for not getting out as much for outdoor activities. Now that summer is here, there is no excuse! Hiking, biking, running and walking are all great ways to boost energy and fitness levels. Gardening can be a great workout, too!

Support our local farmers and your health too! Farmers markets are open. Treat your family and yourself to fresh organic fruits, veggies, honey and herbs. Farmers markets often offer an amazing array of produce that are not typically available in your local supermarket.

tick to your regular wellness schedule.  There’s no vacation when it comes to your health! Keeping up with your visits helps maintain structural alignment, promoting optimal health and range of motion that helps you to do the summer activities you love. Massage and acupuncture can help soothe sore muscles from summer sports and gardening. Going long stretches without chiropractic care can set you back – which means more extensive care down the road. Don’t be a stranger this summer!

 

SPINE HEALTH TIPS FOR HOLIDAY ROAD TRIPS

Whether you’re sitting in a car for too long or working at a desk job, sitting causes a lot of pressure on your lumbar spine. For those of you who are traveling more than an hour away, it’s important to keep your spinal health in mind. In fact, sitting for too long – especially with improper posture – is a leading cause of back pain and issues.

Use a lumbar pillow. To help relieve some of the pressure, you can use a lumbar pillow. This pillow will help improve your form too. If you don’t have a lumbar spine pillow, try using a folded up sweatshirt. Place it in the small of your back to help keep the natural curve in your low back. Use either of these lumbar support options for as long as possible.

Schedule stretch breaks. Schedule rest breaks every 1 to 2 hours. Instead of pulling through a drive thru, hop out of the car and go inside. Spend 5 to 10 minutes walking around and stretching out your back, legs, neck, and arms.

Maintain good posture. While you are traveling, be mindful of your posture. Scoot toward the end of your seat and point your toes and knees inward. This posture will force you to sit up properly and make sure your spine is properly aligned. This tip is more ideal for a passenger as opposed to the driver. Always be sure you are safe while driving

Give your neck a break. If you’re a passenger, do you spend a lot time on your phone playing games and stalking people on Facebook? I know I am guilty of those habits!  Looking down at your phone or book for too long can create neck pain after a long drive. You could also experience headaches or shoulder aches. Set aside “device free” time on the road. Use a neck pillow to stay comfortable and maintain good form.

 

Tips for Travelling

Trips away are always fantastic and looked forward to all year however all too often I see patients in pain when they return. Frequently patients complain of neck and lower back pain after travelling; here are a few tips to help you whilst you are away

Bring your Own Supports

If you know you are prone to suffering spinal pain when travelling be proactive

Use a neck pillow or lumbar cushion to support your spine

Take your own pillow when you go away

Do the exercises your chiropractor has given you

Use a hot shower to mimic a heat pack whilst away

Lifting Luggage

Bend at the knees

Use your low back muscles, not your spine to lift

Don’t twist when lifting or carrying

Carry backpacks on both shoulders

Pack light, just bring what you need

Move Move Move

Don’t get stuck in one position for too long

If you’re on a plane get up every hour and walk around

If you’re driving stop every two hours and go for a walk

Try to maintain good posture, head and shoulders back, don’t slouch

Hydration and Nutrition

Drink plenty of water

Eat well, plan ahead and avoid junk food

How to Find a Good Pediatrician

Wondering how to find a good pediatrician for baby? First and foremost: Ask around. Good old-fashioned of word of mouth is probably the best way to find a great doctor. No matter what medical school a pediatrician graduated from, it really all boils down to patients’ reports. You can’t go wrong by asking your friends and family for advice in this department—you’ll be sure to get an honest answer and a valued recommendation from someone.

Also try calling up your insurance company to get a list of doctors in your area that accept your plan. Once you’ve got a list of possible candidates, verify that your top choices are members of the American Academy of Pediatrics. That means they’ll be up to date on the latest developments in child health

Before you start making some phone calls and setting up consultations (don’t worry, they’re usually free), check out our Interviewing a Pediatrician Checklist. Some things to consider: What are their hours? Is the waiting room kid-friendly? Do they have any sub-specialties? Do their views on bottlefeeing or vaccinations align with yours? A round of interviews will weed the bad ones from the good, and you should have yourself a good doctor in no time.

And don’t stress too much about it! It’s easy to get worked up about all the details and decision leading up to baby’s arrival, but keep in mind that nothing is irreversible. If it turns out later that the pediatrician you picked isn’t quite working out, you’ll simply find a new one and move on.

Here’s how other Bumpies made the final decision on their own pediatricians: “We wanted a clinic that had more than one doctor, that was affiliated with good hospitals in the area, and that had emergency hours and after-hours lines. We also went with a man because we hope that he will be our pediatrician for our son’s entire childhood.”

 

Shopping for a Pediatrician

Choosing a pediatrician can be daunting. Here are tips to find the right doctor for you and your baby

Experts say it’s a good idea to actively look for a pediatrician who is not only competent but is agreeable to you. After all, this person will be your healthcare soulmate — the one who will patiently answer when your little one has a high fever and won’t stop crying. You’ll need to feel comfortable enough with this doctor to discuss your kid’s ailments, immunizations, thumb sucking, bed-wetting, and developmental changes during puberty.

Check a Pediatrician’s Credentials

The best time to start searching for a pediatrician is in the last few weeks before your expected due date, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Families that move or change insurance are encouraged to find a doctor well before the child needs a checkup or becomes sick

Do the Footwork to Find a Pediatrician

During her eighth month of pregnancy, Lilybell Nakamura wanted to find a pediatrician she felt comfortable with, who was accessible for checkups and emergency visits. So the 29-year-old human resources professional made appointments to talk with several doctors.

Assess Your Feelings About a Pediatrician

The bond between the parent and pediatrician is a critical one. A doctor may be well-qualified, but experts say if a parent doesn’t have confidence in the physician, it may affect the welfare of the child

 

How to Choose the Best Pediatrician for Your Child

Parents seem to go to a lot of different extremes when choosing a pediatrician. Some do almost nothing and simply choose the pediatrician on call in the hospital when their baby is born or pick a doctor randomly from a list in the phone book or their insurance directory

The Importance of Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing the right pediatrician is more important than most parents think. While you can simply change doctors if you don’t like the first pediatrician you see, if your newborn or older child is truly sick, the first doctor you see could be making life-changing decisions about your child. Or they could miss a potentially life-threatening problem.

Pediatrician Recommendations

A common way for parents to choose a pediatrician is to get a recommendation from their friends or family members. This is probably one of the best ways, but when someone tells you that they love going to their pediatrician, be sure to ask why before you blindly follow them to the same office

Choosing a Pediatrician

Although we like to think that things like cost and convenience should be secondary when making such an important decision, they can be very important when choosing a pediatrician. If the pediatrician you would like to see is not on your insurance plan or is an hour away, it may not be very practical to go to her office

Interviewing Pediatricians

Although you can typically narrow down your choice of pediatricians by figuring out who is on your insurance plan and in your area, who is accepting new patients and getting some recommendations from friends and family, the best way to find a good pediatrician is to actually set up an appointment and meet with a few

 

Steps to Picking the Best Pediatrician

Find someone you’re comfortable talking to.

“As a physician and a parent, I think the most important component in choosing a pediatrician, or any physician for that matter, is the level of comfort you have with the physician. One of the most important relationship one will have in life is the physician – patient ( parent) relationship. In today’s ever-expanding digital world, there is still the need for humanism in this relationship.”

Get recommendations.

“I think board certification and education go without saying. More importantly to me I recommend that patients get personal recommendations, so looking for personal experiences online from other parents is very important.”

Focus on the staff.

“As a nurse for 8 years and a dad of two young daughters, I know the frustrations of finding a great pediatrician. My go-to list for finding someone great has always been to first make sure they understand our insurance because nothing is more annoying than having them bill your insurance wrong every time. You are hiring the staff as much as you are hiring the doctor.”

Choose a prevention-focused doctor.

“Does the Pediatrician practice prevention? The old model where you waited until the child was sick to seek medical care no longer applies. You need a Pediatrician who believe that a child doesn’t have to be sick to get better.”

Make sure their philosophy lines up with yours.

Determine if a pediatrician’s tenants of care are in alignment with your own, including philosophy of care, emergency procedures, conveniences and supportive or supplemental treatment options in the case of the primary doctor’s absence.

 

Ways to Find a Good Pediatrician You Can Trust

Your gut instinct feels good

A parent’s instinct should not be ignored, and may even be the best way to make important decisions when it comes to your children. No one knows your child the way that you do, and if you feel good about a decision regarding his care, then trust yourself. Everyone has heard the stories about parents saving their children based on instinct alone, that simple gut feeling that you get when something just isn’t right. So if you’re feeling good about your child’s physician, chances are that you’ve made a good choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that you consider how you feel during an appointment: rushed and hurried, or as though the doctor is genuinely concerned about your child’s health? Examine the way you feel about the care you received after a visit as well. Do you feel at peace with the decisions made, and like your concerns were considered to be valid? Choosing a doctor for your child and yourself can sometimes feel a bit like any other relationship: it either clicks or it doesn’t. This is not the time to settle. If it doesn’t feel like there’s a connection and understanding about your wishes for your child’s care, it might be time to move on

You feel comfortable enough to tell her your biggest health worries for your child

Every parent worries about their child’s health. It starts as soon as they’re born. Are they eating enough? Pooping enough? Breathing correctly? For first-time parents these fears can feel magnified, as every day with their newborn is uncharted territory. Having a physician who understands this, and can sympathize, is invaluable. You need to find someone that takes each of your concerns seriously, even if you must preface them with, “I know this sounds crazy but…” A parent should never feel like they cannot bring up an issue with a pediatrician for fear of seeming paranoid, over-protective, or annoying. This is a non-negotiable issue that directly affects the health of your child. Your child needs an advocate who isn’t afraid or intimidated to ask every question necessary concerning her health. Find a pediatrician that hears your concerns, validates them, and then puts them to rest

You trust him to tell you the truth

If you know without a doubt that your pediatrician is always truthful with you, even when it isn’t what you want to hear, that is a very good thing. When a child’s health is at stake, there is no room for sugar-coating. This doesn’t mean that he delivers bad news with a harsh tone or attitude, but rather that the information is given in its entirety. Dr. Spitalnick says, “You know you’ve got a good pediatrician when he is willing to admit he doesn’t automatically know the diagnosis to an illness, but he can explain what steps they will take to help you find out. It may take lab work, a call to a sub-specialist, or simple follow up as an illness evolves, but a great pediatrician is willing to admit there is more than one possible reason you are sick, and understand the process needed to narrow down the answer.” You should never leave an appointment wondering if there were other tests that could have or should have been performed to help diagnose your child. Your pediatrician should also offer you any and all information you request about a diagnosis, and be willing to go the extra step to provide other recommendations of resources such as helpful books or websites

She returns your calls

Not every illness requires a visit to the doctor, and sometimes a simple question about medicine or care can be answered with a quick phone call. If your pediatrician understands this and returns your calls promptly, it can make life with little ones at home much easier. Moms and dads that place requests for their child’s doctor to return a call should also be prepared for the possibility that a visit is recommended by front office staff. This should be taken seriously, as they are properly trained to determine when a child needs to be seen and a phone call will not suffice. Having trust in not only the physician you have chosen, but also in the ability of the front office staff to ensure your child receives prompt and considerate care is key. While awaiting a call back from the doctor, have questions to ask a pediatrician ready, so that nothing is forgotten. Dr. Spitalnick says, “You know you’ve got a great pediatrician, when you feel you can reach her when you need her. If you know your pediatrician’s office has access seven days a week then you can expect consistency; as opposed to using urgent care centers for sick visits.” When interviewing physicians, one of the questions to ask a pediatrician is what their call return policy entails.

How To Select The Best Chiropractor

Collecting Recommendations

One place to start is to ask a primary care physician, physical therapist, or spine specialist for recommendations of chiropractors who they view as competent and trustworthy. One way to phrase this question is: “If someone in your family needed a chiropractor, who would you recommend?” However, many medical professionals lack regular interaction with chiropractors and therefore may not be able to provide a recommendation.

Interviewing a Chiropractor

Before starting treatment, it is usually best to conduct a telephone interview or request an in-office consultation to learn more about the chiropractor, the clinic, and techniques used. The treating chiropractor will typically request a personal consultation to discuss these details.

Background Research

Patients may want to research if there are any disciplinary actions against the chiropractor. This information is available from each state’s chiropractic regulation and licensing board, which can usually be found on the state’s website.

 

Tips for Choosing a Chiropractor

Know What Your Insurance Covers

Your insurance coverage is a practical matter. To receive the most insurance benefits and pay the least out-of-pocket for your care, you may need to choose a chiropractor who participates in your plan. You should still consider credentials, experience, outcomes, and hospital quality as you select a chiropractor from your plan.

Review Patient Satisfaction Surveys

Reading what other people have to say about a chiropractor can provide insight into how the chiropractor provides care, as well as how his or her practice is operated. Patient satisfaction surveys typically ask people about their experience with scheduling appointments, wait times, office environment, and office staff friendliness. You can learn about how well patients trust the chiropractor, how much time he or she spends with their patients, and how well he or she answers questions.

Evaluate Communication Style

Choose a chiropractor with whom you are comfortable talking and who supports your information needs. When you first meet the chiropractor, ask a question and notice how he or she responds. Does he or she welcome your questions and answer them in ways that you can understand? Find a chiropractor who shows an interest in getting to know you, who will consider your treatment preferences, and who will respect your decision-making process.

Research Hospital Quality

Some chiropractors are affiliated with hospitals. For this reason, consider the quality of care at the hospital where the chiropractor can treat patients. Hospital quality matters to you because patients at top-rated hospitals have fewer complications and better survival rates. Additionally, consider whether the hospital’s location is important to you. Should you need to go the hospital for exams or treatment, you want the location to encourage, rather than discourage timely care.

Consider Gender

It’s important to feel comfortable with your chiropractor’s gender because you will need to openly discuss personal information. When it comes to chiropractic care, your own gender is also an important consideration. Chiropractors are becoming more skilled in caring for women and men differently. Ask the chiropractor about his or her recent training and experience specifically related to your condition and your gender.

 

Tips For Choosing The Best Chiropractor

Fees

During your free consultation with the Chiropractor, before you proceed with treatment, be sure to find out what the fees for services will be. If you have health insurance, they should be able to give you a break down of what is covered and what is not.

Schedule a Free Consultation

The majority of Chiropractors will offer a free consultation so you can meet with them and discuss your injury or pain condition.During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions that will help you with deciding if they are the right fit for you.

Ask What Techniques are Used

There are multiple techniques that can be utilized by Chiropractors to ensure optimal recovery.If there is a particular treatment that you prefer, or are curious as to which ones are offered, it is important to ask the Chiropractor during your initial consultation.

Ask About Experience

A Chiropractors experience matters when you are facing musculoskeletal or spine health issues. The more experience the chiropractor has with a particular condition or procedure, your results are likely to be better.

Research the Chiropractor’s Credentials

Making sure the Chiropractor you are about to see has the proper licensure is a very important factor. It will tell you if the chiropractor has the proper training, experience, and skills to provide chiropractic care. It is also good to confirm the doctor has not history of malpractice or disciplinary actions against him/her.

 

Tips for Finding the Best Chiropractor

Do they offer free consultations?

While not a requirement, it’s considered good practice to offer free short consultations with would-be patients, particularly those who’ve never had chiropractic care before.  This helps distinguish the better chiropractors, as well as giving you a chance to personally meet the doctor and make up your mind about them.

What other techniques do they use?

It’s not uncommon for a chiropractor to have interest in other alternative medicines or rehabilitation techniques, such as Yoga, or acupuncture.  Nothing prevents a chiropractor from making other such methods part of their overall care package.  So, you may be able to find a good match for your own needs based on the other care options they provide.

What’s their educational background?

Becoming a chiropractic practitioner is as difficult as becoming licensed in any other major medical field.  So, check their educational history, and make sure they’ve attended reputable schools.  For chiropractic education in particular, look for alma maters such as Parker, Logan, or Life University.

Are they properly licensed?

In the United States, licenses to perform chiropractic are issued on a state-by-state basis.  A visit to the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards can point you to the appropriate licensing board for your state or territory, and from there you can look up the doctor in question to ensure their credentials are in order.

Referrals

At the end of the day, word-of-mouth is still one of the best options.  If you know someone with similar issues, and they have a chiropractor who helped them, that chiropractor will probably be able to help you too.   No amount of online research can replace a firsthand report.

 

Tips To Consider When Finding A Chiropractor

Look at the Experience

There is a quite a number of trained and licensed chiropractors in Singapore. However, not all chiropractors have the experience to handle treatments such as, such as slight more obscure spine or musculoskeletal health issues. An experienced chiropractor will guarantee quality service. They will have also encountered various challenges in the career, and have the necessary skills and knowledge to work around them.

Schedule a Consultation Session

Professional chiropractors will arrange a free consultation session with the patent prior to treatment. This is an important meeting where you can learn more about the health facility and chiropractor, and your own injury. It is advisable that you take advantage of this session to interview the chiropractor. Make sure that this consultation session makes you feel comfortable. Are you comfortable to discuss your injury with the chiropractor? Chiropractors for back pain come in endless shapes and forms, so you should choose a chiropractor you’re convinced will provide you the best treatment.

Fees

Before you start treatment, discuss the total cost of your ideal chiropractic care. Most people will have health insurance. Ask on what your insurance will cover. You can also compare health costs from different health facilities and insurance requirements.

Get Referrals

For first time patients, its best to get a referral from your primary care doctor. Your doctor knows of the best chiropractors in your area. In fact, he can probably recommend a few for you to choose from, as a rough starting point. You can also get referrals from your friends, family and colleagues. Do they know of the best chiropractic care unit? Have they been receiving chiropractic care in Singapore? These are referrals and reviews you can trust.

Check on Credentials

Licensing is one of the key factors you need to consider when looking for health professionals. Chiropractors are entrusted to provide quality and reliable health care to their patients. For this reason, they are required to undergo training and practise to perfect the techniques in this field of science. A professional chiropractor should be trained, qualified and accredited. You can get all this information from the Internet by checking out the education and working background of the chiropractor.