FAQ's (frequently asked questions)

Q: Who goes to Chiropractors and why?

A: According to a 1999 ALTERNATIVE HEALTH SURVEY (CAM-complementary
alternative medicine) - only 34% of all Americans have ever been to a Chiropractor or
are currently going to a Chiropractor.

Why? Most of our patients come in because of low back pain, or they have shoulder
and upper back pain, or they have leg pain, or they have headaches, or they "tingle" in
places they shouldn't. Most of our new patients don't come to us first. They come after
a round or two of pain pills, etc. don't cover it up or surgery doesn't do it.

Most of our patients are pleased we can help their problem without drugs or surgery
and usually within a short period of time.

Q: Do Chiropractors have Medical (M.D.) Degrees?

A: Chiropractors have Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degrees granted from Chiropractic
colleges. Chiropractic and medical education are similar in some respects and different
in others because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs and medical doctors do not
correct the vertebral subluxation complex.

Q: Is Chiropractic safe?

A: Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. As proof, one merely has to
compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health professionals.
Chiropractor's malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors,
especially orthopedists and surgeons.

Q: Can I go to a Chiropractor if I am under medical care?

A: Yes. Having your subluxations corrected is important, no matter what other type of
healthcare you are receiving. Today many D.C.'s and M.D.'s are working together in
clinics and on joint research projects. M.D.'s are quite likely to have patients who are
under Chiropractic care; in fact many medical doctors see a doctor of Chiropractic
themselves.

Q: What do I need to bring if I’m involved in an auto accident?

A: You need to bring any information you have ……….

1. Auto Accident Report
2. ER Report – if you went to the emergency room or convenient care.
3. Name of Insurance Company – including address, claim number, adjuster name and phone number(s).
4. Name of Attorney (if you have one) – including address, phone number(s).
5. Copy of your auto insurance policy declaration page. (Med Pay Info)

Q: Do you accept my insurance?

A: We accept and file any insurance providing there are Chiropractic benefits on your specific policy. Not all insurance companies carry Chiropractic benefits. We will gladly call and get your specific benefits for Chiropractic care.

Q: What hours is your office open?

A: Our office is open 7:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday-Friday and 8:00 am until 12:00 pm Saturday. Please call for your appointment.

Q: Where are you located?

A: We are located at 409 Northside Dr. in Valdosta, Georgia. Click HERE for directions.

The following are questions specific to medicare claims.

Q: What is the difference between an assigned and a non-assigned claim?

A: An assigned claim means the provider will accept the Medicare allowed amount as full payment for a given service. Medicare will make payment directly to the provider. The patient is responsible for the co-insurance, which is the difference between the Medicare allowed amount and the amount Medicare paid directly to the provider. The co­insurance is usually 20% of the allowed amount.

For example, if Medicare approves payment to the provider for $100.00, Medicare would pay 80% ($80.00). It is the patient’s responsibility to pay the difference between what Medicare allowed and what Medicare paid. In this case, the patient would pay $20.00 (20% of the Medicare allowed amount), unless the have a secondary or supplemental insurance.

A non-assigned claim means the provider will not accept the Medicare allowed amount as full payment. Medicare will make payment to the patient. Most services are subject to “limiting charge’ regulations. The provider cannot charge the patient more than 115% of the Medicare allowed amount for services subject to limiting charge. It is the patient’s responsibility to pay the full billed amount to the provider for services that are not subject to limiting charges (such as non-covered Medicare services).

Q: What is the difference between a participating and a nonparticipating provider?
A: A participating provider has signed a participation agreement with Medicare to submit only assigned claims and follow all the regulations for assigned claims. The provider has agreed to accept as payment the Medicare allowed amount for a given service.

A nonparticipating provider has not signed a participation agreement with Medicare and can submit either assigned or non-assigned claims. This can be done on a claim-by-claim basis. A nonparticipating provider must follow all the regulations that apply to the type of claim submitted.

Q: How do I know if a doctor is a participating provider?
A: Check Medpard, the directory of participating providers on Cahaba GBA web page (www.cahabagba.com).