These are some of the mostly commonly asked questions about our practice, the care we provide, and about osteopathic manipulative treatment.
Osteopathic Medicine is a unique form of medicine founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still MD, DO in 1892. Doctor's of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) are fully licensed in all 50 states and in any medical specialty. Osteopathic Medicine as practiced today incorporates the latest in scientific ideas to promote wellness and prevent illness. The Tenets of Osteopathy are 1.) The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit. 2.) The body is capable of self regulation, self healing, and health maintenance. 3.) Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated. 4.) Rationale treatment is based upon an understanding of the above three principles.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a gentle, hands on form of treatment used to work with your body's structure (muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, nerves, CSF, lymphatics, etc.) to improve health and correct illness. Many modalities can be used such as cranial osteopathy, myofascial release, muscle energy technique, balanced ligamentous tension, counter-strain, soft tissue, HVLA, articulatory, Still-technique, etc.
YES! OMT helps correct imbalances in your body's structure so that it can function better. This is especially good for times when your body is rapidly changing such as pregnancy and childhood. This is also perfect for active people such as athletes and "weekend warriors", or regular folks that just want to feel better and stay healthy. Think of it as a "tune up" for your body.
Here’s a few articles and links that profile the Osteopathic Difference.
https://findado.osteopathic.org/
https://cranialacademy.org/patients/benefit/
https://www.acofp.org/acofpimis/
https://www.academyofosteopathy.org/for-patients#/
We treat all kinds of common everyday acute and chronic problems like Back pain, Sciatica, Neck pain, Headaches, Sprains, Strains, TMJ, muscle spasm, fibromyalgia, Epicondylitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Sinusitis, Constipation, Ear Infections, Asthma, COPD, Bronchitis, IBS, Obesity, and many more.
Dr. Johns will be happy to evaluate you. If you need more care than he can provide, he will refer you to the proper place.
Yes. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is very helpful in treating many conditions such as colic, poor suckling, torticollis, ear infections, sprains, strains, etc.
We maintain high standards of patient privacy. We will never provide your health information to any third party unless you specifically ask that we do so.
Charges will be added and applied to your preferred method of payment at the time of office visit.
OMT, trigger point injections, spray and stretch, exercise prescriptions, nerve blocks, joint injections, suturing, incision and drainage, lesion excisions, skin biopsies, and more
Almost anything that can be done in the office. Some examples are ear infections, bronchitis, asthma, back pain, migraine headache, tension headache, ankle sprain, laceration, abscess, skin infection, rash, sore throat, Flu, dental infection, etc.
Yes. Dr. Johns will prescribe medications for members with chronic conditions in addition to lifestyle recommendations such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction. Dr. Johns will prescribe short courses of medications for an acute illness or injury. He can also refill medications for cholesterol, hypertension, hypothyroid, diabetes, etc for visitors to Bay County to last them until they return to their personal doctor. Dr. Johns does not prescribe controlled substances such as Percocet, Xanax, Adderall, Lortab, Vicodin, etc.
No, fortunately for both you and us membership is not covered by insurance. This way a lower price can be offered. For labs, imaging studies, medications, and hospitalizations you can still use your insurance as usual. A superbill can be provided to you if you wish to turn this into your insurance company for possible reimbursement for non member visits.
Yes, we take care of any patient regardless of your insurance situation.
Yes. We recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high-deductible and health savings account. If you experience a major health issue, you will still need insurance to help cover it. We’re happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs. You may also wish to pair our membership with a flexible spending account and or a healthshare program. Please contact your account as membership fees are not usually covered by HSAs.
No we are currently not accepting Medicare patients at this time.
Cash, credit cards, HSA, and ACH draft
Proper nutrition is vital in the prevention of most chronic illnesses. Through proper nutrition and a whole foods plant based diet along with daily exercise a whole host of medical conditions can be improved, reversed and/or prevented! I encourage you to read books, websites, listen to podcasts, or watch TV/documentaries to better understand how to help yourself stay healthy. Some very good authors on the subject are Michael Greger MD, Neil Barnard MD, Dean Ornish MD, T. Colin Campbell PHD, Jason Fung MD, Joel Furhman MD, Caldwell Esselstyn MD.
Great websites below:
Direct Primary Care is a relationship model between the physician and the patient without a third party interference. This allows for lower costs, price transparency, and much less wasted time.
To learn more:
Still want to learn more about Osteopathic Family Medicine or our practice? Reach out! We’re happy to chat and answer questions, at no obligation to you.
Get in touch! We’re happy to chat and answer questions, at no obligation to you.
