Complementary (no charge) Consultation... ...for chiropractic/neuromuscular conditions.** *(See below for "Nutritional and Naturopathic" initial consultation fees.)
On your first visit to our office, you will be welcomed by our receptionist, who will treat you professionally, with friendliness, respect and the compassion you deserve. You will then be asked to fill out our required health information forms, which will help us understand your health history and your current health needs. It is always helpful to arrive a few minutes before your appointment, to complete these required health information forms.
Dr. Mooring will then talk with you, and ask specific questions regarding your health history and your current complaints. A detailed consultation will allow Dr. Mooring to determine if, and how, his services may be of help to you. The consultative interview allows Dr. Mooring to make specific recommendations regarding examinations and treatment. If Dr. Mooring does not believe his services would be of benefit, he will advise you and do his best to suggest what type of health specialist you might need.
Dr. Mooring usually allows a minimum of 30 minutes for a "face-to-face" consultation. You WILL be seen by Dr. Mooring and NOT an assistant, nor an associate.
There is no charge and no obligation for the initial chiropractic, neuro-musculo-skeletal complementary consultation with Dr. Mooring. (Note: For those patients requesting "Nutritional/Naturopathic Consultations," please see the (*)section below, for related initial consultation fees.)*
Note: Please refer to the section "What do examinations and treatment cost?"
Examination
After a thorough consultation, Dr. Mooring will recommend the type examination which fits your needs. Some patients present with simple problems, requiring only simple examination procedures. Others are experiencing more complex problems, which will require more attention and more detailed examination procedures. Examination methods may include testing your reflexes, your ability to turn and bend, as well as other standard orthopedic, neurologic, postural, and physical examinations. This will allow Dr. Mooring to gain valuable information regarding your condition, so that he may better understand how we may be of help to you. If necessary, Dr. Mooring may recommend X-rays, or refer you for additional testing procedures. Again, your needs are determined individually.
X-ray
We are often asked if X-ray is always "required." The answer is a simple "NO." Dr. Mooring utilizes only the diagnostic procedures he truly feels your situation requires. This is certaily an issue you may feel free to discuss with Dr. Mooring. He will be happy to tell you why he does, or does not, believe X-rays, or any other diagnstic test, are needed. Some patients who may think they need an X-ray actually do not!
Modern X-rays, when needed, are performed safely and with equipment registered and inspected every year by Colorado State Radiation Safety Inspectors. Radiology procedures can be a very helpful tool in determining the health of your spine, or other body areas of concern. Dr. Mooring also uses X-ray to determin what type of treatment may be needed, or if he needs to consult with any other specialists about your problem.
Report of Findings
After Dr. Mooring has all the information he requires, he will typically spend some time discussing your treatment needs with you. For those patients who require more comprehensive treatment planning, Dr. Mooring may schedule a seperate time to detail those comprehensive treatment needs. Dr. Mooring welcomes any questions you may have about any treatment recommendations. He encourages patient envolvement, as he knows that patients who participate in their care, and understand treatment needs and goals, are usually compliant patients and are more likely to be successful with treatment results.
Treatment
We are often asked; "Will I get a treatment on the first day?" The answer is: "If Dr. Mooring feesl it is appropriate, he will provide treatment immediately." However, there are situations, because of the complexity of a patients problem, that Dr. Mooring may opt to obtain more detailed information, such as hospital or other clinical records. This information may be critical to what Dr. Mooring may recommend, and how he may proceed with treatment planning. Dr. Mooring has every desire to be of help as soon as possible! He knows you have come to see him for help and does not believe in delaying your desire to feel better.
Another question we are often asked is; "What kind of treatment will I get, and will it hurt?" Remember, Dr. Mooring, recommends treatment which is specific to your needs. Treatment may be simple, gentle spinal "alignments," or, in more complicated cases, treatment may involve phycial therapy measures, such as muscle stimulation, ultrasound, hydro-therapy, tissue release techniques, heat, cold, or even tractions. There really is not any pain associated with treatment. Certainly, there may be some discomfort noted, with some procedures, however, most treatment is so gentle that even infants and the very elderly have no problems with our methods.
Treatment sessions are usually brief, lasting only a few minutes. The more complex rehabillitative cases may require a more lengthy encounter. Details of this can be best discussed with Dr. Mooring, based on your needs.
How many treatments will I need?
This is a common and sometimes difficult question to answer. Unfortunately, the body often heals at it's own pace. Simple, uncomplicated complaints such as occasional tension headaches, a simple back ache or muscle strain, or that "morning stiff neck," may only require 1-3 treatmetment sessions. However, more complex rehabilitative needs may require specific treatment planning and goal setting, to monitor progress over a longer period of time. Dr. Mooring uses common and well established treatment quidelines, recommended by well recognized research, and clinical management groups. Dr. Mooring's experience and his familiarity, with commonly accepted treatment methods and guidelines, enables him to provide the best possible treatment in the shortest possible time.
When will I feel better?
Our goal is to provide treatment, and recommendations, which allow you to feel improvement usually after your first visit. Most of our patients notice relief very quickly, and Dr. Mooring may recommend certain natural medicines, or, depending on your needs, over the counter (OTC) medicines, to help with your discomfort. However, unlike allopathic (medical) practitioners, chiropractic physicians (alaternative medicine specialists) do not utilize powerful Rx pharmaceuticals, such as pain killers, muscle relaxers or sedatives. The reason for this is that chiropractic/natural medicine specialists do not wish to "cover over" symptoms, thereby making you only "think" you are better. At the same time, Dr. Mooring recognizes the need for, and is trained to work with your allopathic (medical) doctor/family doctor, in obtaining reasonable medications, should your problem warrant.
Remember, our goal is to work with the natural healing processes, thereby restoring function and health...not "masking symptoms."
What do examinations and treatment cost?
Costs vary, depending on the complexity of the problem. Prior to a consultation with Dr. Mooring, we are unable to state the exact cost, simply because we do not yet understand the nature of your problem. It is much like repairing your automobile; The mechanic cannot tell you what it will cost, until he checks out the problem.
Because everyones needs are different, Dr. Mooring offers his first chiropractic, neuro-musculo-skeletal consultation at NO CHARGE. (Please see below for "Naturopathic/Nutritional" initial consultation fees).* That means, you will be scheduled to meet with Dr. Mooring, discuss your symptoms and health concerns, without any financial obligation! Once Dr. Mooring understands your needs, he will then advise you of his recommendations, and the cost of each service. You are under no obligation to proceed with any services; we leave that choice completely up to you! We do everything possible to provide the best, most effective care, at a cost that is affordable, even for our patients who are "under insured" or "un-insured." We do accept most insurance. Personal payment plans are available, and we accept credit and debit card payment, as well as direct payment from Health Savings Accounts (HSA). (For more insurance information, please refer to the below section.)
Does insruance cover my care?
Our office participates in dozens of insurance programs. We are contracted by many insurance companies which have a variety of coverage and payment plans. Some insurance covers our services at 100%. Others may have specific "out of pocket" expenses, which have to be paid by the patient. When we are contracted with a specific insurance company, we typically use their fee schedule, thereby minimizing direct costs to our patients. Our insurance office will be able to assist you with your insurance questions, and it is our policy to verify insurance coverage (though we cannot guarantee coverage nor payment under any contract), as soon as possible...usually the same day of your first visit. Please select the "insurance programs" icon shown above, for more specific insurance information.
Many people now have HSA "Health Savings Accounts." These accounts will often cover virtually any doctor recommended health related service, and sometimes beyond what traditional insurance may cover. For those individuals who have direct access to their HSA's, via debit cards or check writing, we accept these payment methods directly in our office. Some HSA accounts require insurance to be filed and may have more restrictive benefits use of the HSA funds. If you do not have direct debit card or check writing access to your HSA account, you may wish to check with your HSA account manager, regarding health services allwed.
We also accept auto accident insurance, personal and group health and accident plans and "We welcome Medicare!" Please feel free to contact our office to find out if your insurance covers our services. Also, you may call our office directly, with your insurance questions, or schedule your complementary chiropractic neuro-musculo-skeletal consultation** at 719.544.2009.
*Naturopathic/Nutritional Initial Consultation:
Initial consultations for "Naturopathic/Nutritional" health related concerns is $65.00, for up to approximately one hour, face to face interview with Dr. Mooring. During this time, you will have the opportunity to discuss, in detail, your alternative medicine, naturopathic and nutritional related questions. Dr. Mooring, uses this time to become familiar with your specific health issues, and determines if his "Naturopathic/Nutritional" approach would be appropriate. At this time, Dr. Mooring may make recommendations, regarding testing, evaluations, and how he may choose to approach your specific helath concerns.
All additional fees for "Naturopathic/Nutritional" services will be discussed, without further obligation.
**Complementary neuro-musculo-skeletal consultation means a face to face meeting with Dr. Mooring, to discuss the history and nature of your health concerns. There is no financial obligation to proceed with any recommendations that Dr. Mooring may advise. Any additional services, such as examinations, x-ray, laboratory, or therapeutics are subject to our typical office fees. Any such fees will be advised to you in advance.
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