There are many people in the Denver area that have never been to a chiropractor and do not know what to expect when entering a chiropractic clinic. It is a perplexing task to try and find a clinic that is suitable for you when you have not experienced treatment before. Chiropractors vary quite differently and not every practice is the same. It is important to be educated on the differences between chiropractors so that you can make an educated decision on where to pursue care for your condition.
What are some important things to look for when choosing a chiropractor in Denver?
The first is treatment technique. There are a wide variety of adjustment techniques in the chiropractic profession. There is the traditional “hands-on” technique and many variations, but the most common is Diversified technique. This technique pulls different adjusting methods from other types of adjusting and is generally used by a vast majority of chiropractors. You may notice that some chiropractic tables have “drops” or pieces of the table that can pop up or move while a patient is laying on them. This is Thompson technique, or drop table technique, and can be utilized for certain adjustments as well. Instrument adjusting is also another technique that many people prefer when they do not like “hands-on” or rotation in the neck and low back. This allows the patient to lay flat on the table without rotation or a popping sound. These are just a short few of the different techniques out there but gives you a general idea of the variety of treatment options. Our chiropractor, Dr. Todd Williams, D.C. specializes in many different techniques to customize treatment to the patient’s condition and comfort level.
Do Denver chiropractors accept insurance?
Some chiropractors are in-network with most major insurance networks, like our clinic near Wheat Ridge. Other clinics are cash-based and will provide you a superbill for out of network benefits. These clinics will work with your insurance, but typically out-of-network benefits will not cover the amount of treatment required and are typically higher deductible and copay/coinsurance than in-network. You will also typically be required to pay upfront and wait to see what benefits you receive once you fill out and submit the paperwork. In-network clinics, like Core Family Chiropractic, will submit all the paperwork and answer any questions on your behalf. Most clinics can work with car insurance companies or lawyers in the case of a car accident and can be verified by calling the clinic.
Another important thing to look for is availability. Chiropractors can have a wide variety of treatment hours so you want to make sure your schedule fits well with their open hours. Wait times are also important as many people dread visiting the doctor due to the hassle of taking a half day off work. The experience of sitting in a waiting room only to sit in a treatment room until the doctor is available is a frustrating experience. Core Family Chiropractic was set up with these two principles in mind and we are open 6 days a week with before and after work options and the doctor will see patients outside normal hours by appointment. We normally have zero wait times and the majority are less than 5 minutes until the doctor is treating you. Many people visit us before and after work, on Saturdays, or even on their lunch break.
Experience with certain patient populations and use of X-ray and additional imaging
If you are currently pregnant, seeking treatment for your kids or baby, a high level sports athlete, or elderly individual it is important to find a chiropractor who has experience and specialty treating your condition. There are many different techniques used with each individual population and it is important to find a chiropractor who can treat your population or multiple so that you do not have to find multiple clinics if something arises in the future with another family member. Our Denver chiropractor has treated patients of all ages and utilizes different techniques and treatment options for each individual.
It is also important to understand the clinic’s policy on x-rays or additional imaging. X-rays are used by some chiropractic techniques for each individual entering the office, and while this is necessary for their specific technique, it is important to not radiate a patient unnecessarily. The typical guidelines for x-ray are to rule out any underlying pathology or fracture that may be causing the pain the patient present with. It can also be used to determine severity of scoliosis or for other red flags that may arise during the initial exam. Our office only uses x-ray and additional imaging when necessary for the patient’s well being.
General advice for choosing a clinic:
The best advice to carefully review clinics or ask for a referral of a trusted friend
- Doctor specializes in multiple treatment techniques
- Your chiropractor is in network with your insurance (or has flexible cash payment plans when insurance is not present)
- Treatment hours fit with your schedule
- Doctor has specialty with the type of patient: Pediatric, prenatal, sports, or geriatric
- Look at online reviews and ask friends for referral
- Clinic will provide free consultation to discuss your questions about treatment
If you are currently looking for a chiropractor and would like to discuss your options with Dr. Todd Williams, please contact us at 720-242-6251 or schedule online.