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How long does a
course of treatment take?
That depends on a number of factors like
the severity of the problem, the age and healing capability
of the patient, and most importantly, the compliance with
the treatment plan and home exercise program. However, in
general, most cases resolve in 8-12 treatments, over a 2-4
week span.
Who needs Chiropractic Care?
Not only patients who have back pain are
candidates for chiropractic care. This is a very common misconception
about chiropractic treatment. Anyone who demonstrates spinal
segmental dysfunction (joints not moving normally, or to the
extent they are supposed to) would most certainly benefit
from chiropractic care. Interestingly, this often does not
produce pain or symptoms for years, but can be detected early
through a number of different methods that chiropractors frequently
employ. This can actually prevent degeneration and arthritis
that would otherwise have occurred later in life and produced
pain and restriction of movement.
Once you see a chiropractor, do I
have to for the rest of my life?
No. The extent to which you choose to benefit from your chiropractic
care is ultimately up to you. Each and everyone of us is solely
responsible for the quality of our health and well-being.
However, we do strongly urge all patients to consider their
bodies and overall health and consider, wellness chiropractic
care. This is where the long-term, lasting benefits of care
are enjoyed. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits are
a lifestyle decision and so is lifetime, wellness chiropractic
care. The goal is to remain subluxation free and correct function
for life. When a problem arises, hopefully we
are your first choice.
Should I continue care if I don't have any symptoms and I
feel better?
Yes. Just because your symptoms disappear does not mean your
injuries are corrected. Most of the patients seen in our office
have spinal degeneration (decay) which has taken years to
develop. The trauma of the birth process, slips, falls, accidents
and countless other stresses over the course of your lifetime
adversely affect the health of your spine. The longer you
wait to have your spine checked by a chiropractor, the longer
it will take to correct your fixated or jammed misalignments.
However, how you choose to use chiropractic care is ultimately
up to you. It has been our experience that those who stop
care when they are "feeling fine" return with the
same health challenge(s) which brought them to our office
in the first place...only it's usually gotten worse. On the
other hand, those patients who commit to long-term chiropractic
care will find their health challenge(s) rarely return and
they enjoy a higher quality of life & health.
What can I expect on the first visit?
When you first arrive, there will be a
small amount of paperwork to complete, which for most people
takes no more than 5-10 minutes. After that, you will meet
with Dr Rudelich for a thorough consultation, health history,
and examination to determine the nature of your problem, what
the best course of treatment would be, and if diagnostic testing
(x-rays, MRI etc) is necessary. This usually takes between
20-30 minutes. Most patients will start treatment on the first
visit unless there are potential complicating factors to be
ruled out first. Additionally, you can expect to meet with
someone who will briefly review your insurance policy and
explain what your exact financial responsibility will be towards
your care.
When Can I expect to Start Feeling Positive
Results?
Again, that depends on a number of factors like the severity
of condition, age and healing ability, and compliance with
the treatment plan and recommendations. We do schedule regular
follow-up visits with all our patients so we can closely monitor
your progress. If it seems you are not progressing as quickly
as we would expect, we may make changes to the treatment plan,
recommend further testing, or refer to a specialist whom we
work closely with. While we cannot predict how quickly a patient
will respond, if you are accepted as a patient in our office,
we do expect progress, and will not allow treatment to continue
indefinitely if we are not seeing it.
What do I need to avoid while on a treatment
plan at your office?
First and foremost, you need to avoid letting other things
take priority over your health while you are getting treatment
with us. Obviously things like work and family are important
too, and we make every effort to work around your busy life
— but in order to get you well, we do expect that you
will take your treatment with us seriously and make it a priority.
Additionally, your doctor will give you specific instructions
as to activities and movements that you should refrain from
while under care.
Do you Take X-rays on Site?
If the doctor determines it is necessary and appropriate to
take x-rays, we can do them right in our office. Very rarely,
we will send out for x-rays if a special or unusual study
is required. Other advanced imaging studies like MRI, diagnostic
ultrasound, CT scans, and nuclear bone scans are typically
referred out. Results from all diagnostic testing are reviewed
with the patient on a subsequent visit.
How Long does each visit Take?
The first visit is obviously longer than most because there
is a small amount of paperwork that needs to be completed,
and then the doctor will spend as much time with you as is
necessary to determine the nature of your problem, and if
in fact we will be able to help you. Additionally, sometimes
x-rays (which can be completed on site) will also take additional
time. However, in general, we try and keep the length of the
first visit to an hour or less. Once you are an established
patient, most visits are between 20-30 minutes, unless an
evaluation is scheduled or test results need to be discussed.
We make every effort to respect your time and keep visit time
and waiting to a minimum.
How much does it cost to come in there?
We do not charge anything to consult with Dr Rudelich to determine
if the office is right for you. Beyond that, the cost of the
first visit can vary greatly depending the depth of examination,
whether or not x-rays or other diagnostic testing is performed,
and if treatment it started on the first visit. Of course
different insurance plans will also vary greatly in how much
you are responsible for on the first visit. As a very general
range though, the first visit ranges in cost from $1-$30 (Co-pay)
to $85 (Cash= $25 exam+ $35 treatment +$25 x-ray).
What Insurance do you accept?
Random Lake Spine & Sports Clinic accepts all Insurance
plans and is in-network with most plans in Southeastern Wisconsin.
We do accept Medicare and Badgercare/Medicaid. We will verify
your benefits for you and let you know of Co-pays and co-insurance.
All Co-pays are due at the time of service, unless other arrangements
are made.
If I don’t want X-rays can I get an MRI
instead?
Unfortunately, the cost of MRI far exceeds
that of plane film x-rays, so most insurance companies will
not pay for MRI unless simpler, less expensive studies have
been obtained, and usually not before a course of conservative
treatment has been tried. However, there are exceptions to
this, such as a severely acute injury. We do not perform MRI
at Random Lake Spine & Sports Clinic, but we have a very
good relationship with MRI centers in the area, and can usually
get you an appointment same day if necessary.
Do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician?
No, you do not.
What types of problems can you help me with?
If you are suffering from most types of
pain, whether in a muscle or joint; Dr. Rudelich will be able
to help you find a solution to your pain.
I have a question that was not answered on your website.
What can I do?
You may contact the office to set up a
Free Consultation to discuss in-person your current condition
with the doctor. Conditions will not be discussed in a phone
conversation with the doctor.
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