What techniques does Dr. Howard use? As this is an extremely frequent question, we have developed a separate page of techniques used by Dr. Howard. click here.
Do you take insurance? Yes, Dr. Howard is a preferred provider for many major insurance companies. She also accepts assignment for Medicare and Medicaid. Dr. Howard is a preferred provider with the following insurance companies:
- Blue Cross / Blue Shield
- Midlands Choice
- Coventry
How do I know what my insurance covers? In order to find out the benefits that your insurance policy covers, you can call the toll free number on the back of the card. They will usually provide a disclaimer when you call that states "exact benefits can not be determined until claims have been reviewed." Basically, they are stating that they will not guarantee benefits before they get the claims.
Do I have to send my bills into my insurance? No, we send in all of your billing information for you. We do need to take a copy of the front and back of your card in order to provide the billing service, but we will do the billing for you. In this way, the insurance company will simply reimburse our office for the services that you receive.
Do you take worker's comp patients? Yes, we will see worker's compensation clients. Prior to receiving care at LifeArts, we will need to know the details of the injury and we will need to have documentation from your employer or employer's insurance company that you are able to be seen for the worker's compensation claim. If the documentation is not provided, you will be responsible for the payment of services at the time of service.
Do you take auto accident patients? Yes, we do see auto accident patients. We need some extra information from you prior to beginning your care here. We need to have a copy of your accident report and the entire billing information of the insurance company who is handling your claim. You will also be asked to fill out additional paperwork for the accident so that Dr. Howard can have a complete picture of the accident.
If your accident has been within the previous 72 hours - x-rays will need to be taken prior to beginning care. We do not do x-rays on site, so you will need to have them taken at your medical doctor's office or at an emergency room. Please bring copies of the reports and the x-rays to your visit.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance? Unfortunately, very few insurance policies cover acupuncture. You will have to check with your insurance policy to see if they do cover the service.
How much does acupuncture cost? Acupuncture treatments are generally $50. If you are receiving chiropractic care along with acupuncture therapy, Dr. Howard will discount the acupuncture treatments to $40.
Do you require x-rays? No. The only time that x-rays are required prior to being adjusted at LifeArts is when an accident has recently occurred. If you are seeking care after an automobile accident, within the first 72 hours, you are required to have x-rays prior to being adjusted. If x-rays are required, you will be asked to see your medical doctor or hospital to have x-rays taken. Dr. Howard will advise you on whether or not x-rays will be required.
Do you require contracts? No. Dr. Howard believes that your health care is up to you. If you chose to stop receiving care, that is your choice. She will discuss this matter with you and is happy to answer any questions that you might have about contracts, length of care, etc.
Do you sell nutritional supplements? A few, but Dr. Howard does not carry an inventory of supplements. She can order supplements for you if you wish her to, however, you will be responsible for the shipping and handling prices on any orders that you request.
What about the dangers / stroke risk that I hear about? Unfortunately, the media has taken this subject and created a huge fear phenomenon in our society. The actual risk of a stroke from a chiropractic adjustment is tiny. The statistics that have been published are very inconsistent, depending on who is reporting the information. NCMIC (one of the major chiropractic malpractice insurance companies) report the incidence of stroke from a cervical adjustment by a chiropractor is less than one in 2 million adjustments.
I have a herniated disc - does that change my treatment, can I still be seen? A herniated disc is not a complete contra-indication to chiropractic care. Dr. Howard will discuss your specific condition with you in more detail prior to any adjustments. If you have x-rays or an MRI that shows your disc herniation, it is important to bring those with you. Even if you do have a disc herniation, you can receive chiropractic care. Dr. Howard will simply alter her technique to accommodate your condition. Often times, getting adjustments and using acupuncture therapy can help aid the body in healing this type of injury.