What can I expect on the first visit?
When you first arrive, there will be some insurance paperwork to complete which takes about 3-5 minutes. After that, you will meet with one of our doctors for a thorough consultation, health history, and examination to determine the nature of your diagnosis. This will allow our team of doctors to determine what the best and most cost effective course of treatment is and if diagnostic testing (x-rays, MRI, CT scan EMG/NCV, blood test, etc) is necessary. Most patients do start some conservative treatment on the first visit unless the patient has contraindication that will not allow us to treat it immediately.
Do you have an X-Ray or other diagnostic testing available on site ?
If the doctor determines it is necessary and appropriate to take x-rays, we can do it right in our office with immediate results. In some cases, we do refer patients to imaging centers that are more equipped to handle these specialized studies. However, almost all of the X-ray studies are performed and interpreted in the office. In addition, diagnostic ultrasound, neurological tests like Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) and Electromyogram (EMG) studies within our office by our Board Certified Neurodiagnostic specialist or medical doctors.
What insurance do you accept?
Since we are a multidisciplinary practice, certain procedures and treatments may or may not be covered by your policy and our participating status can also vary. But don’t worry, we will inform you the cost of every procedure before we perform them so there are no surprise medical bills. Our insurance specialist will verbally verify with your insurance company and find out your EXACT out-of-pocket cost (co-pay, deductible, co-insurance, etc…) and limits to coverage (how many visits and dollar maximum you are covered for). We will call you back to discuss your out-of pocket expenses BEFORE you arrive in our office. This service is provided for the benefit of patients so you are well informed of your out-of-pocket expenses for the visits before we render any treatment. You as the patient can determine if treatment is affordable before you make an appointment. What we tell you is EXACTLY what it will cost you prior to arrival.
Keep in mind, we are willing to work with any patient with high out-of-pocket expense or simply in financial difficulty with a suitable payment plan that is affordable to allow them to receive treatment. In addition, we also accept non-insured patients with payment plans through credit cards.
Is massage therapy covered by my insurance?
YES! Massage therapy can be covered by most insurance plans, but it must be medically necessary. You can call us to find out! Currently 80% of our patients are authorized to receive medical massages as part of their treatment plan for their musculoskeletal condition. Since insurance plans can vary, our insurance experts will verbally confirm your insurance benefits before you receive any treatment.
How long have you been in business?
Manhattan Spine Rehabilitation was found by Dr. Gary Yen in 2002. Shortly after, Dr. Yen created a "one-stop shop" simply for the convenience for the patients to receive the most comprehensive and highest quality of care. Since 2002 we grew from a two treatment room single doctor office to a multidisciplinary practice with two locations in midtown Manhattan. What is unique about our practice is that 85% of our patients are REFERRED by a coworker, family member or friend. Our philosophy is simple, low volume and high quality of care through the word of mouth.
How many visits will I need to come in?
The hands on nature of the chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture treatment is essentially what requires patients to come in to the office a number of times. To be treated HANDS-ON, the patient must to be present. In contrast, a course of treatment prescribed by a medical doctor often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (ie. oral antibiotics taking over the course of a couple weeks). A course of treatment from our office can vary from patient to patient depending on a number of factors like the type of medical condition, age, healing ability, occupation, lifestyle, medical history and compliance with treatment.
In general, most patients start to see symptomatic relief in 4-6 weeks from the start of the treatment. This is followed by a sub-acute phase of care that will stabilize your condition through strengthening to promote the healing process. Corrective care also helps return the spine to its normal position to allow proper ranges of motions. Continuing care will help retrain supporting muscles and ligaments to provide the spine with better biomechanics. However, the length of the treatment will depend on the number of factors listed above. In order for the treatment to be effective, you MUST BE present in the office. Missing or canceling appointments will severely decrease the effectiveness of the treatment, therefore creating a “yo-yo” effect. (Get better, and then get worse and continuing that cycle) Therefore, it is in your best interest to make every effort to be here for your treatment.
Patients’ response to treatment can be unpredictable but our medical team will not allow treatment to continue indefinitely if we are not getting the results we are anticipating.
What's that popping noise?
Adjustment of a joint may results in the release of gas bubbles between your joints, which makes a popping sound. This occurs also when you “crack” your knuckles. the noise is caused by a change of pressure within the joint capsules, which results in the bubble being released.
Once I receive chiropractic care, will I feel the need to be adjusted all the time?
Short answer: No.
Spinal manipulation is a safe and effective method for treating acute and chronic spinal disorders. Some patients seek to resolve acute symptoms and be discharged when the symptoms disappear. However, there are many chronic spinal conditions (ie, degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, arthritis, spinal stenosis, etc…) that are managed through non-surgical and non-medicated methods such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage and/or acupuncture. These types of patients opt to not rely on injections, oral pain medication, or surgery.
Keep in mind, your spine is like a car, maintenance is always recommended to prevent early premature breakdowns. Our supportive care patients are typically seen in the office ranging from one time a week to once every 2-3 months depending on your condition and lifestyle. Remember, how long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to YOU.
What is your cancellation policy?
We live in perhaps the fastest city in the country, so we understand time is very important. We ask you to respect our other patients’ time by giving us a 24 hrs cancellation notice. Some of our extended massage therapy appointments are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY and will incur a $50 cancellation fee if not done in within 24 hrs of the appointment.
