FAQ

FAQ

Do you offer telehealth visits?

Yes, we confidently offer secure and private telehealth (video) appointments for exams, coordination of care, consultations, test reviews, nutrition, exercise, etc.

Telehealth appointments can be done on your smart phone or computer. Telehealth appointments are billed the same as in-office appointments.

What are you doing in regards to COVID safety?

In this time of uncertainty you can be certain that we will do our very best to go above & beyond to deliver optimal care in a safe environment.

Two Hands Chiropractic and Acupuncture is currently and continuously following all applicable infectious disease precautions and protocols as recommended and mandated by the CDC, IDPH, ICS and CDPH.

Since you are out-of-network with my insurance provider will I also have to self-pay for blood tests and x-rays or MRIs that you order?

No! Most insurance providers are in-network with most laboratories and imaging centers. This means that you will receive in-network coverage for these services.

Do I need a referral from my MD for acupuncture or chiropractic care?

No. In Illinois, Doctors of Chiropractic are primary care physicians. Just like going to a Medical Doctor, you do not need a referral.

Do you take Medicare?

Yes! Two Hands accepts Medicare patients.

Does Medicare cover acupuncture at Two Hands?

No, it does not. Please see this document for more information if Medicare has told you otherwise.

Do I have to have an exam with the Doctor prior to getting treated?

Prior to treatment with the doctors you must have an exam. The exam ensures that the treatment will be safe and effective for you. You can, however, see our Clinical Massage Therapist without seeing the doctor for an exam.

Do you offer discount plans?

Yes! Discounted care plans and payment plans are available. We feel that it is important that the patient gets the recommended care when it is needed, not when they can afford it.

If I drive to my appointment will there be street parking available?

We recommend taking public transportation, but if you do drive there is valet parking available directly in front of the building on Wabash Ave. It costs $20 to park for four hours. Metered street parking is rarely available on Wabash and costs $6/hr with a two hour limit. If you plan on looking for a metered parking spot, please give yourself ample time.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Click here to learn more about your first appointment.

If I start treatment, will I have to come forever?

No, but most patients find that they indeed do benefit from Wellness Care after their Active Care treatment plan is complete. Usually this entails treatments once per month or less. Long term care is not mandatory, but promotes long-term corrections and can help to prevent or minimize the return of symptoms.

What kind of training does a DC have? How does it compare to that of a MD?

Doctors of Chiropractic are educated in nationally accredited, four-year doctoral graduate school programs through a curriculum that includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical internship,  with the average DC program equivalent in classroom hours to allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical schools.

The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly a pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.
In some areas, such as anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, nutrition and public health, they receive more intensive education than their MD counterparts. Like other primary health care doctors, chiropractic students spend a significant portion of their curriculum studying clinical subjects related to evaluating and caring for patients. Typically, as part of their professional training, they must complete a minimum of a one-year clinical-based program dealing with actual patient care.

This extensive education prepares doctors of chiropractic to diagnose health care conditions, treat those that are within their scope of practice and refer patients to other healthcare practitioners when appropriate.

This course of study is approved by an accrediting agency, the Council on Chiropractic Education, that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Chiropractors are designated as physician-level providers in the vast majority of states and the federal Medicare program. (Source: https://handsdownbetter.org)

Is chiropractic safe and effective?

Yes, chiropractic and acupuncture treatments are safe and effective. While any form of health treatment contains a degree of inherent risk, there is little danger in chiropractic or acupuncture care when administered by a properly trained and qualified practitioner. To assure competency, all states require that DCs be board-qualified, licensed, and regulated according to stringent criteria. Statistics show that patient risk is substantially lower for chiropractic and acupuncture care because the use of prescription drugs and surgery are not used.

Acupuncture Needle Size

Does acupuncture hurt?

While some patients are more sensitive that others, many patients note that they “hardly even felt the needle go in”. It is important to note that an acupuncture needle is much smaller than a medical needle and even a sewing needle.

Does chiropractic care hurt?

In an acute case, the patient may feel some discomfort during a treatment, and some soreness afterwards. Usually patients enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and find the experience quite pleasant!

What is that popping sound when a joint is adjusted?

Adjustment of a joint may result in a release of a gas bubble from between the joints that makes a popping sound – a sound similar to that of cracking knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released. There is no pain involved. A focused Chiropractic adjustment allows the restricted joint to move normally to improve motion and posture, relieve pain, and restore proper function.

Is chiropractic safe for kids?

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from daily activities, as well as from participating in sports. Their injuries may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

Our doctors have taken additional coursework in pediatric care.

Can pregnant women safely receive treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy?

Yes, in our office we are trained to treat pregnant women through every stage of their development. These treatments are not only safe, but highly effective for the ailments that can accompany pregnancy.

Do you offer “Good Faith Estimates”?

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost

  • Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
  • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

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