FAQS

How does a chiropractic internist differ from a regular medical doctor?

A doctor of chiropractic is trained and licensed to treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders using many different chiropractic adjustments or manipulations as well as soft tissue work and even physiotherapeutic modalities (electrical stimulation, ultrasound, ice, heat, laser, etc.). A Chiropractic Internist is still licensed as a doctor of chiropractic but has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions beyond just joints and muscles.

Chiropractic Internists use the same diagnostic tests commonly utilized by other medical professionals. However it is in the treatment methods where they differ. Since Chiropractic Internists do not seek prescription pharmaceutical license and are not interested in doing surgery like medical doctors are, they treat their patients' conditions using natural treatment methods, which often include dietary and lifestyle advice, nutritional changes, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbs and other natural-based therapies. While it is true that the scope of practice varies from state to state, Chiropractic Internists practice in most states of the US as primary care practitioners helping people with a wide breadth of conditions and diseases.

The list might include things like eczema, thyroid problems, diabetes, parasitic infections, cold sores, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, heartburn/reflux, autoimmune diseases (like lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn's Disease), infertility, constipation, and vast amount of other diseases.

Some Chiropractic Internists work with insurance and some don’t. It typically depends on the insurance laws within each state and what insurance companies are required to cover.

As a rule of thumb, medical treatments revolve around drugs and surgery and, many times, are designed to manage a problem (anti-inflammatory, pain killer, decrease stomach acid, provide hormone not being made by the body, etc.) while Chiropractic Internists attempt to diagnosis and treat the cause of the symptom and not just the symptom.

Chiropractic Internists are trained and licensed to draw blood, order tests and can not only read lab reports but are good at looking at those reports and evaluating nutritional status. You many find your DABCI also orders saliva, urine, and stool tests as well. And since Chiropractic Internists are the natural version of a Medical General Practitioner, you’ll find they are trained to order and read a wide variety of tests (e.g. abdominal ultrasound, EKG, breathing tests, MRIs, CT scans, etc.).
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