General
What should I expect on my first visit?
Upon arrival you will check in and supply a photo ID and insurance card (if applicable). Once all administrative work is complete, you will be escorted to an examination room to meet with your doctor. She will collect a thorough history and answer any questions. At that point if agreed upon, she will perform a physical examination and provide treatment or referral as deemed necessary.
How long will my first visit take?
Because we want to give you the best care possible, we ask that you allow 45-60 minutes for your initial visit. This will provide ample opportunity to check in and meet with the doctor, as well as, receive treatment on the same visit. We strive to maintain our schedule in a way that respects your time. We ask the same courtesy, and require a minimum of a 24 hour notice if you are not able to make your initial visit. We also request a phone call if you will be late to your appointment, as we may have to then reschedule you for a different time. Please note that we do have a voicemail set up where messages can be left at any time 24 hours a day, we will receive them on the next business day and respond accordingly then.
How do I pay for it?
We are in network providers for most major health insurance companies and we will file your health insurance, if available, for you. Most insurance policies have chiropractic benefits that cover treatment for acute conditions in our office. Some plans even cover maintenance type care, but we also offer rates for those plans that do not. Each plan and policy is very unique and benefits will be verified upon arrival for your initial visit. We encourage you to contact your insurance company directly for detailed benefit information prior to your first visit. All patient responsibility will be determined by your health insurance (if applicable) and payment is required at the time of service. For your convenience we accept cash, check, major credit cards and Flex/Health savings cards.
Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies do have chiropractic benefits although each plan is different and therefore must be checked individually. We do encourage patients to contact their insurance company in advance of the initial visit to verify coverage. At that time, you will also be able to determine if there are any specific requirements or notifications needed prior to treatment. In order to provide you with the most accurate information, your coverage and benefit specifics will also be verified by our office on your first visit as well.
How much will it cost?
As noted above, each individual insurance plan is unique to the member. For this reason, we encourage you to contact your insurance company prior to your first visit. Any out of pocket responsibility would be determined by your insurance plans chiropractic coverage clause, and would be due at the time services are rendered. For those without any coverage we will review our fee schedule with you upon request.
Payment options:
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Flex and HSA cards.
Do I need a referral?
Very often we receive referrals directly from many of the local OB/GYN or Midwife offices, lactation consultants, doulas and other providers, but usually it is not required by the insurance company. Please do check our plan individually to make certain.
Will your office take x-rays?
We do not take X-Rays in our office. If they are deemed necessary by your doctor, she will refer you to one of the walk in facilities that is most convenient for you.
How many treatments are needed?
Each case is very unique and the care plan will be matched to the specific needs of that person in order to reach their potential to reach maximum treatment benefits.
Are there certain stretches or exercises that will also help?
Yes, there will be “homework” in many cases given and reviewed with you. For home assignments or tips for the positioning, stretches, ice, ergonomics, and variations on activities of daily living to help maximize the treatment benefits.
Pregnancy
What are the most common pregnancy complaints that benefit from chiropractic care?
Low back pain, sciatica, malposition tensions and discomforts, pubic symphysis dysfunction pain, mid back and neck tension, headaches and pelvic alignment.
What is the adjustment like during pregnancy?
Care is used to make sure the mother to be is as comfortable as possible. Special tables are used that can be moved and maneuvered to create open spaces where the mother and her beautiful belly can fit with no direct pressure to the baby. Most women find the tables to be very comfortable and often ask if they can stay and take a nap on them! The support from this table allows the mother to lay neutral on the table, allowing the doctor to then work with modified hands on techniques to address the joints, muscle and ligaments.
Are there certain stretches or exercises that will help also?
Yes and the specific ones most beneficial to you will be reviewed by your doctor. Homecare is a big part of our treatment plans.
What does Diplomate mean?
Dr. Hedgepeth, DC, DACCP has completed rigorous 3.5 year post doctorate chiropractic training, specifically for pregnancy and pediatrics. She is one of only a handful of doctors in the state that currently hold the rank of diplomate in this area and it is considered a specialty by the state North Carolina’s Chiropractic Association. Dr. Katie Lucht, DC, CACCP is working on getting this diplomate as well and will have it soon completed to sit for the final test.
Will your office take x-rays?
We do not take X-Rays in our office. If they are deemed necessary by your doctor, she will refer you to one of the walk in facilities that is most convenient for you.
Do I need a referral?
Very often we receive referrals directly from many of the local OB/GYN or Midwife offices, lactation consultants, doulas and other providers, but usually it is not required by the insurance company. Please do check our plan individually to make certain.
Does insurance cover this?
Yes. Please see our section “What to expect on your 1st visit” for more details.
Children
Why do kids need chiropractic care?
There are a variety of reasons kids would benefit from chiropractic care, just as in adult cases. The most common situations change dependent upon the age of the child. Infants and young children usually are seen with concerns of breastfeeding difficulties, torticollis (a tilting or turn of the head to one side), repeat ear fluid buildup either before or after tubes or GI issues. Toddlers and older children often require checks after hard falls or repetitive athletic or hobby activities, time bent over electronics or reading and heavy backpacks and prolonged sitting in classrooms.
What is a typical visit like?
There will be 45 minutes to an hour allotted for the first visit. This allows for plenty of one on one time with the doctor to take a thorough history, go over an explanation of the treatment and to address any questions.
What is an adjustment like for a child?
Working with infants or children is very specialized and different than working with any other aged population so the techniques are modified accordingly. Dr. Hedgepeth, DC, DACCP and Dr. Lucht, DC, CACCP are both trained to use a light sustained hold and some stretches to help release restricted areas of motion thereby increasing the coordination in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This work is gentle without any large moves using light pressure.
What age can be adjusted?
A person of any age may be checked and adjusted as need with the proper techniques. Dr. Hedgepeth, DC, DACCP and Dr. Lucht, DC, CACCP work with infants on up.
Is it painful?
Dr. Hedgepeth, DC, DACCP and Dr. Lucht, DC, CACCP refer to the areas of tension as “yuck” spots that may be annoying to the child if pressed on for very long. The adjustments are very short and always with the child’s comfort in mind. Every child responds differently as to whether they sleep through the adjustment or whether they seem to wiggle around a bit. Most infants simply lay there or just wiggle around as infants normally do when placed on their backs. Toddlers tend to move around a bit more and the doctor will "bob and weave" with them as needed whether on a parents lap or leaving them to play on the floor with toys while she works on them. Dr. Hedgepeth, DC, DACCP and Dr. Lucht, DC, CACCP will always take both the child and the parents’ comfort into consideration when providing treatments and the parents are always present.
Are parents allowed in the treatment room?
Absolutely! Parents are continuously present through any treatment at my office.
How many treatments are needed?
Children respond quickly to chiropractic care and the visits are can range from about 5 to 10 in most cases. Each case is very unique and the care plan will be matched to the specific needs of that child in order to reach their potential to reach maximum treatment benefits.
Does insurance cover chiropractic?
Most policies do have chiropractic benefits although each plan is different and therefore must be checked individually. We do encourage patients to contact their insurance company in advance to verify coverage. At that time, you will also be able to determine if there are any specific requirements or notifications needed prior to treatment. In order to provide you with the most accurate information, your coverage and benefit specifics will also be verified by our office on your first visit as well.
Are there any home exercises or ergonomic tips given to the parents?
Yes, there will be “homework” in many cases related to this. Dr. Hedgepeth, DC, DACCP and Dr. Lucht, DC, CACCP will give home assignments or tips for the positioning, stretches, ice, ergonomics, and variations on activities of daily living to help maximize the treatment benefits.