FAQ

NCIM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is the vision of the National Center for Integrative Medicine®
A. Transformation of healthcare from disease management to age reversal and life extension medicine through health and wellness promotion.

Q. What type of treatments are offered at NCIM?
A. At NCIM we offer programs and treatments that include conventional medicine, complementary and alternative therapies. These include executive health physicals, concierge medicine, laboratory and diagnostic work, chiropractic and naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, personal training and fitness as well as a complete line of cosmetic care laser and aesthetic therapies.

Q. What types of patients are seen at the clinic?
A. Our clinic is open to anyone with health concerns or a desire to maintain wellness. The focus is on treating the whole person with an integrated approach that combines the best tools for each situation– diet, exercise, laser therapy, acupuncture, body sculpting, skin therapy, medical testing . . . . We employ conventional technology as well as traditional wisdom to achieve the optimum outcome for our patients.

Q. Is the program covered by health insurance?
A. Some insurance companies will limit the amount they will pay for care. It is always best to contact your health insurance company prior to receiving care to see exactly what your insurance plan covers.

Q. Does the National Center for Integrative Medicine® accept charge cards or checks?
A. Payment is accepted in cash, check, credit card or by online debit.

Q. How would I go about learning whether the services of the National Center for Integrative Medicine® will suit my needs?
A. Call 815-330-3100 to set up a private consultation. We are confident that we can help you achieve your ultimate best. Your well-being is our highest mission.

EXECUTIVE HEALTH

Q. What is the focus of the Executive Health Program?
A. Our Executive Health Services are tailored to business professionals. The Executive Physical @ NCIM is designed to be comprehensive and sophisticated, while respecting the competing demands on your time. Our goal is to give you “Executive Level Treatment” without the executive price tag.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Executive Health Services @ NCIM, Joliet, IL.

Q. Who is eligible for the program?
A. The program is designed for busy executives or anyone who desire a custom medical-team approach.

Q. What is included in the Executive Physical @ NCIM?
A. At NCIM you will be evaluated by four healthcare professionals each of whom are highly qualified in their disciplines. Equally important is their follow-up analysis and personalized results and action plan.

• We perform a comprehensive medical evaluation that includes assessments of an integrative medical team comprised of a medical doctor, chiropractic doctor, naturopathic doctor, and personal trainer/exercise specialist.
• We perform blood tests, radiological imaging, fitness testing, cardiovascular and pulmonary function analysis.
• Our diagnostic testing is state-of-the-art and assesses your overall health status. The tests we run provide you with more detailed information than you experience during your normal doctor’s office visit.
• Our healthcare professionals thoroughly analyze the information gathered from the extensive day of examination and testing and formulate a personalized health plan to achieve your health and wellness objectives.

Q. What is covered under the Executive Health Program?
A. The program includes a Comprehensive Medical History, Physical Examination as well as the following:

• Executive Physical
• Concierge Medicine Membership
• Personal Training and Fitness
• Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing
• Weight Reduction / Management Program
• Comprehensive Laboratory Screening Tests
• Hemoccult Test
• Urinalysis
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Chest X-ray
• Audiogram
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Eye Evaluation
• Nutrition Counseling
• Chiropractic Evaluation
• Naturopathic Evaluation
• Personal Training and Fitness Assessment
• Exercise Counseling
• Body Fat Analysis
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
• Bone Density Testing (women)
• Pap Smear (women)
• PSA Testing (men)

Q. May I still see my primary care physician?
A. You may choose to continue seeing your personal physician. We will forward test results to that physician on request.

Q. How long does the initial health evaluation take?
A. The initial assessment takes place in one day. When the results are in we will meet again to go over your information and after which you will be treated to a complimentary body massage.

Q. What do I need for the health evaluation?
A. You should wear comfortable, casual clothing and athletic shoes. You are welcome to bring work or reading with you. Wi-Fi is available on site. You should also bring any recent medical records and contact information. Please take no food by mouth after midnight the day before your initial assessment, as there will be blood tests.

Q. Is the program covered by health insurance?
A. Some insurance companies will limit the amount they will pay for care. It is always best to contact your health insurance company prior to receiving care to see exactly what your insurance plan covers.

Q. Does the National Center for Integrative Medicine® accept charge cards or checks?
A. Payment is accepted in cash, check, credit card or by online debit.

Call the National Center for Integrative Medicine® to learn more about our comprehensive and customized Executive Health Program. The direct line for the Executive Health Program is 815-330-3140.

At NCIM, our highest mission is your well-being.

COSMETIC CARE

Q. What types of services are offered through your Cosmetic Care program?
A. Our doctors, aestheticians and technicians offer laser, chemical peels and infrared treatment for skin problems such as acne, wrinkles or scarring. They are skilled in Botox therapy, photofacials and fractional resurfacing. We offer free consultation and skin analysis and specialize in hair removal, tattoo removal, elimination of spider veins and varicose veins… there is virtually no aesthetic, non-surgical therapy that is not included in our skill set.

Q. Does the National Center for Integrative Medicine® accept charge cards or checks?
A. Payment is accepted in cash, check, credit card or by online debit.

Laser Hair Removal

Q. How does the laser remove hair?
A. The laser emits a beam of light that is attracted to the pigment or melanin in the hair follicle that is in an active growing cycle. Pre-determined pulse duration and energy settings are directed at and absorbed by the hair follicles, disabling the growth of the follicles, resulting in quick, safe, and effective hair removal.

Q. What is the advantage of using a laser?
A. Lasers are precise instruments that can be adjusted to the exact parameters that will specifically disable the hair follicle. The laser uses a wide beam that treats many hairs at once instead of treating hair-by-hair like electrolysis. Because of this, large areas such as your legs, arms, or back can be treated in a short period of time. You will see results that last far longer than tweezing, waxing, shaving, chemical depilation, or other temporary methods.

Q. What does the laser treatment feel like?
A. The treatment does have a slight prickly or stinging sensation. Most of our clients are able to tolerate the treatment without difficulty. However, since every person’s level of sensitivity is different and treatment areas may vary, a topical numbing cream is available.

Q. What happens to the skin after laser treatment?
A. Reddening of the skin is the desired reaction. The redness usually subsides within a few minutes to a few hours and returns to normal. Since the laser is not invasive in any way, no bandages are necessary. You are able to re-apply your make-up, return to work, and continue with your normal daily activities immediately following treatment.

Q. How many laser treatments will I need?
A. It has been our experience that most of our patients are able to discontinue treatments, knowing they will probably need an occasional touchup, after an average of 6 to 8 treatments, providing that the recommended treatment schedule is followed. It is also important to understand that results may vary depending on the individuals hair type, their stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels. Keep in mind some individuals will require fewer treatments and some will require more treatments depending on the results desired.

Q. Is laser hair removal permanent?
A. The FDA has cleared laser hair removal, regardless of the laser, for “Permanent Hair Reduction” only. Based on our experience we believe that the hair treated will probably not re-grow. Each individual’s treatment response may be different because of their hair or skin type and given that there are between 500 and 1000 follicles per square cm, of which many are dormant at the time of treatment, we have no way of knowing if and when they may start growing due to stress levels, certain medications and different hormone levels. Any new growth or re-growth after treatment may result in fewer hairs that are very fine, and less noticeable.

Q. What to expect after laser treatment?
A. After your initial treatment, you should enjoy a significant reduction of hair. However, it will take 2-4 weeks for the treated hair to push its way to the surface and fall out. With each treatment, the hair in the active growing phase will be effectively treated. A follow up appointment is scheduled 4-8 weeks after each treatment. With that in mind, remember the importance of maintaining your follow up appointments.

Q. What if I have gray, white, blonde, red or light fine hair?
A. Since the laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair follicle, these hair colors may not have enough pigment to be successfully treated with the laser. If this applies to you, we may want to try a test spot to see if your hair responds to the laser.

Q. How many treatments will be necessary?
A. Hair grows in cycles. The laser only affects hair when it is in its early growth phase. In fact, the system will disable follicles that are actively producing hair at the time of treatment. At any time, some hair follicles are dormant. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the growth phase. Usually 5 to 8 treatments are required to achieve the desired response, but the exact number of treatments may vary depending on the individual. Hormones, certain medications or medical conditions might decrease the response to treatment.

Botox®

Q. What is Botox® ?
A. While we may have earned every one of our worry or laughter lines, the prospect of these permanent creases in the skin may not appeal to everyone. Botox® is a purified preparation of Botolinum toxin Type A, obtained from the bacterium Clostridium Botolinum. Botox® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe upper facial lines and wrinkles in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Q. How does Botox® work?
A. Botox (Botolinum Toxin) causes a temporary paralysis of the treated facial muscles and this allows the lines to soften over a few weeks to months. By doing this, the muscles cannot contract and therefore tend to relax. When muscles relax, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles continue to work in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected by the treatment.

Q. What areas can Botox® treat?
A. Botox is most commonly performed in the upper face. The most requested areas for the use of Botox are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines, and crows feet or laughter lines.

Q. How is the treatment performed?
A. Botox is a simple and safe clinic procedure. Botox® is injected with a very fine needle into the muscles of the affected areas. Depending on the area treated several injections may be necessary.

Q. How long does it last?
A. There is no immediate response to the Botox® injections. It takes several days for the muscles to be affected. The effects are temporary and last approximately 3-6 months. Repeat injections will be required after this period of time to maintain the skin smoothing effects. After several treatments, the effects of Botox® may begin to last longer, sometimes up to six to eight months

Q. Are there any side effects?
A. There are very few side effects to this procedure. You may experience a mild burning sensation with injection like the snapping of an elastic band and a local anesthetic cream can be applied if patient prefers. Minimal bruising may occur. While allergy to any medicine is possible allergic reactions to Botox® are extremely rare.

SkinCeuticals Products

Q. How soon does an average user see results?
A. SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products will start to be absorbed by the skin almost immediately. Because these vitamin-C products were developed as a preventative treatment with the goal of protecting the skin from further environmental damage, the skin should benefit the moment the vitamin-C is applied.
Vitamin-C is necessary for the production of collagen, the major structural protein of the skin and although visible differences will not be seen for approximately two months, you may notice a visible difference in skin texture, color and tone in as early as a few days. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles should become less noticeable within three to eight months. Individual results may vary, depending upon the condition of the skin at the time of initial use.

Q. Are there any side effects associated with SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin-C products?
A. The enzyme tyrosinase converts the amino acid tyrosine into melanin in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can result when too much melanin is produced. Ingredients such as arbutin, kojic acid, and thymol inhibit or suppress tyrosinase, preventing the appearance of additional pigmentation.

Q. How would I go about learning whether the services of the National Center for Integrative Medicine® will suit my needs?
A. Call 815-330-3120 to set up a private consultation. We are confident that we can help you achieve your ultimate best. Your well-being is our highest mission.

ACUPUNCTURE

Q. What is included in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine program?
A. Our Complementary and Alternative Medicine program strives to integrate various disciplines to achieve your best health. Acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathic, personal training and fitness, and massage therapy . . . . are among the many tools we have at our disposal.

Q. What is Acupuncture?
A. Eastern medicine states that the connective force between the mind, body and the spirit is called Qi (pronounced chee). Qi is the energy that flows through the body along pathways called meridians. When Qi flow is blocked by injury, stress, disease or pain, dysfunction can occur. Acupuncture points are opened, promoting balance and harmony to the flow of Qi, relieving symptoms of disease.

Q. Does it hurt?
A. Most people enjoy treatment and find it very comfortable and relaxing. Needle insertion may produce a quick pinch, followed by mild tingling, heaviness, or warmth. After treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a heightened sense of wellbeing.

Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. The number of required treatments is dependent on the severity and duration of the symptoms. Patients often find relief after just one or two treatments. Chronic health concerns existing for years (or lifelong) may take upwards of six sessions or more to start to feeling relief.

Q. Are the needles reused?
A. Of course not. We use only sterilized, single-use, disposable needles which are discarded following the treatment of each patient.

Q. Are there any side effects?
A. Acupuncture is an extremely safe method of treatment. Side effects are extremely rare. A small number of patients, however, may experience nausea or lightheadedness. Any concerns you may have should be discussed prior to treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Q. How long is an Acupuncture treatment?
A. Generally speaking, each visit will last forty-five minutes. Your first visit may take more time, however, in order to get you familiarized and comfortable with the procedure. Upon insertion, the needles are left in place for about twenty minutes. Acute and painful conditions usually require longer treatment time.

Q. Cupping, what is it?
A. Cupping is the application of suction through a small jar. This treatment is used to stimulate acupuncture points and is useful in treating backaches, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and helping relieve fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.

Q. Does the National Center for Integrative Medicine® accept charge cards or checks?
A. Payment is accepted in cash, check, credit card or by online debit.

Q. Do insurance plans cover acupuncture?
A. Some insurance companies will limit the amount they will pay for care, or may limit the number of visits one may take to the chiropractor. It is always best to contact your health insurance company prior to receiving care to see exactly what your insurance plan covers.

Q. How would I go about learning whether the services of the National Center for Integrative Medicine® will suit my needs?
A. Call 815-330-3130 to set up a private consultation. We are confident that we can help you achieve your ultimate best. Your well-being is our highest mission.

CHIROPRACTIC

Q. What is included in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine program?
A. Our Complementary and Alternative Medicine program strives to integrate various disciplines to achieve your best health. Acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathic, personal training and fitness, and massage therapy . . . . are among the many tools we have at our disposal.

Q. Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from my MD?
A. No, patients do not need a referral from their MD in order to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are portal of entry physicians, licensed for diagnosis and treatment. Following a complete health history, physical, diagnostics, and diagnosis, our doctors will determine if chiropractic care is right for you. Otherwise, our doctor will refer you to an appropriate health care provider.

Q. What conditions do chiropractors treat?
A. Chiropractors focus on conditions that affect the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat musculoskeletal complaints, including (but not limited to) low back and neck pain, headaches, sciatica, TMJ, plantar fasciitis, muscle strains/sprains, sports injuries, and fatigue.

Q. Is chiropractic treatment safe and effective?
A. Yes, there are many studies supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic care. There have been many controlled and individual research studies showing chiropractic care to be highly successful without the use of prescription medication or surgical intervention. Incidence of injury is very rare. Our clinic uses only evidence-based treatments, procedures and techniques.

Q. Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?
A. Yes, children and families both benefit from chiropractic care through treatment and prevention. Participation in sports or dance activities may cause injuries that we can treat utilizing minimally invasive procedures. Just as you would prevent cavities by going to the dentist, you can prevent chronic injuries and illness by going to your chiropractor. Teaching kids and families how to live and stay healthy is our specialty at National Center for Integrative Medicine®.

Q. Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
A. A majority of health insurance plans do cover chiropractic services. Some insurance companies will limit the amount they will pay for chiropractic care, or may limit the number of visits one may take to the chiropractor. It is always best to contact your health insurance company prior to receiving care to see exactly what your insurance plan covers.

Q. What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
A. Chiropractors are trained as primary care physicians that specialize in neuromusculoskeletal disorder diagnosis and treatment. Our chiropractor at NCIM graduated with a pre-medical undergraduate degree prior to attending medical school. The chiropractic curriculum demands at least 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience. Chiropractors are then required to pass 4 boards, pass a physiological therapeutics exam, and obtain licensing before they can practice.

Q. Does the National Center for Integrative Medicine® accept charge cards or checks?
A. Payment is accepted in cash, check, credit card or by online debit.

Q. How would I go about learning whether the services of the National Center for Integrative Medicine® will suit my needs?
A. Call 815-330-3130 to set up a private consultation. We are confident that we can help you achieve your ultimate best. Your well-being is our highest mission.

NATUROPATHIC

Q. What is included in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine program?
A. Our Complementary and Alternative Medicine program strives to integrate various disciplines to achieve your best health. Acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathic, personal training and fitness, and massage therapy . . . . are among the many tools we have at our disposal.

Q. What is naturopathic medicine?
A. Naturopathic medicine is founded in six principles: treat the whole, treat the cause, doctor as teacher, the healing power of nature, prevention and wellness. Naturopathic doctors strive to provide comprehensive care that is the least invasive possible, while fostering the body’s own ability to heal itself. Botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, nutrition counseling, hydrotherapy and nutritive supplementation are all methods naturopathic doctors use to work toward this goal.

Q. Does my insurance cover naturopathic services?
A. Because the state of Illinois does not yet offer naturopathic doctors (ND) licensure, naturopathic doctors are not able to submit claims to insurance.

Q. What states license naturopathic medicine?
A. Currently 16 states and several US territories offer ND licensure. These include:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Maine
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington
• United States Territories: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

Q. What is the education of a naturopathic doctor?
A. A naturopathic physician (ND) that is eligible for licensure attends a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school after receiving a Bachelor’s degree and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD, but also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling (to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of their personal health). A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician.
Practitioners who receive their degrees in a non-accredited program, such as an online or trade school, are not eligible for licensure in the previously mentioned states and jurisdictions.

Q. What is homeopathy?
A. Homeopathy is a physics-based medicine that is founded on three principles:

• “Like cures like”: Take the example of Allium cepa (red onion). When a healthy person is exposed to a chopped onion, watery eyes develop and are often itchy and inflamed. When your flu or cold is causing similar symptoms of itchy, watery discharge from your eyes, homeopathic onion may be indicated to resolve it.
• Minimal dose: Each remedy is prepared in an ultra-dilute form in the form of a pellet or liquid.
• The Single Remedy: Traditional homeopaths believe that only one remedy is needed at a time and if the correct remedy is administered, it will treat all symptoms at once.

Homeopathy is a practical form of medicine because it is inexpensive, completely safe and without side effects, unlike many medications available today. Remedies are formulated from natural ingredients and are not addictive or interactive with medications or other supplementations. It is a holistic approach to wellness, as it treats physical, mental and emotional causes of disturbed health, and it is extremely effective: results can be rapid, complete and permanent.

Q. Are supplements regulated by the FDA?
A. Unless the natural supplement is a pharmaceutical prescription (written by an MD, DC or ND with license to do so), it is not currently regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Because no formal body is governing the safety and efficacy of supplements at this time, it is becoming extremely important to make educated decisions regarding vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements in order to ensure high quality products that are safe and effective.

Q. Where can I get more information on the practice of naturopathic medicine?
A. More information at:

• www.naturopathic.org: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) is the national governing body of licensable naturopathic doctors and provides ample resources for patients and health professionals curious about naturopathic medicine.
• www.abchomeopathy.com: A patient-friendly guide to the use of homeopathy and explanations of common remedies.
• www.drouano.com: Website of Sarah Ouano, ND, which more fully explains the process and philosophy of naturopathic medicine at NCIM.

Q. Does the National Center for Integrative Medicine® accept charge cards or checks?
A. Payment is accepted in cash, check, credit card or by online debit.

Q. How would I go about learning whether the services of the National Center for Integrative Medicine® will suit my needs?
A. Call 815-330-3130 to set up a private consultation. We are confident that we can help you achieve your ultimate best. Your well-being is our highest mission.