FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Chiropractic Internist?

As a physician uniquely qualified to assess and treat ailments, a Board Certified Chiropractic Internist is trained in the use of medical diagnostics, such as Laboratory Testing, EKGs, Lung Studies, Venous Studies, and other such tests. Through these diagnostic tools, a Chiropractic Internist can identify areas of imbalance in the body, imbalances that can often lead to illness, disease, and dysfunction. Once properly identified, a Chiropractic Internist can then create a holistic wellness plan specific to your body�s needs. As a Board Certified Chiropractic Internist, Dr. Sandrine Martin, DC, DABCI, is trained in the most advanced forms of modern medical diagnosis and natural medicine. Her diagnostic training far exceeds the current standards of health care practice, utilizing many current and specialized diagnostics such as: blood chemistries, orthomolecular evaluation, electrocardiograms, vascular ultrasounds, lung function studies, bone density testing, hormonal evaluations, delayed food allergy testing, and much more. Treatments may include: nutritional support, dietary modification, supplement recommendations, homeopathic and naturopathic remedies, natural hormone replacement, etc. Dr. Sandrine Martin, DC, DABCI cares for these conditions with natural agents and non-surgical procedures. Being a Chiropractic Internist places her in the unique position of utilizing advanced diagnostic methods to uncover the source of illness and then treating with holistic and nutritional supplements to assist the body in healing. Our emphasis is based not on masking or alleviating symptoms of illness, but uncovering the cause of illness and correcting it. We specialize in helping you not only get well, but stay well and become truly healthy.

What is a DABCI?

A DABCI degree (Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists) requires doctors to attend and complete a 300 hour post doctorate course, pass a national certification examination, and complete 12 hours of continuing education in advanced coursework each year. The DABCI program is recognized by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and certified by the American board of Chiropractic Internists (ABCI). The DABCI program is also one of 6 programs recognized and approved by the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties (ABCS).

What does a Chiropractic Internist do?

The chiropractic internist has developed sharper skills at assessing and treating internal ailments of the body by the utilization of natural approaches (vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals), in order to address functional deficiencies and re-establish balance and health much like that of a naturopath doctor or an herbologist. Utilizing lab tests such as: multi-channel Blood Chemistries, CBC, Thyroid Panel, and TSH; to name a few, as well as tumor markers, urinalysis, and internal imaging, the Chiropractic Internist can determine the cause and treatment plan specially for the disorder.

How long is the duration of my first visit?

The duration of your first visit will be between one to one and half hours.

Are your services covered by insurance?

Based on your individual insurance coverage, it is recommended for you to call your insurance company to verify the out-of-network benefits and the coverage for any laboratory services. Call us at 704-895-6788 if you need assistance in this matter.

Do you prescribe medication?

No. We use pharmaceutical grade supplements, herbal remedies and homeopathy.

Can you act as my primary care physician?

Not really. Delivering high quality, personalized holistic care requires longer appointments during which you have my undivided attention. We strive to give you the best service possible. This becomes very difficult to do if we must also handle such matters as urgent and emergent medical problems, specialist referrals, lab/X-ray/pharmacy coordination and the extra administrative time needed to deal with insurance companies. The more typical doctor�s office is much better equipped to handle these types of issues. That being said, you may chose to use me as your primary care physician as long as you are comfortable with the following conditions:

• We do not "double book" or "work in" patients. This would either detract from someone else�s time or the personal time that I need to be able to be fully present with each patient. If you have an urgent problem and my schedule is full, we will direct you to the nearest urgent care facility or emergency room, as appropriate.
• We do not act as a "Primary Care Provider" (PCP) for any managed care plan, such as an HMO.
• We do not perform minor surgery or dermatologic procedures, administer immunizations, nor provide routine or acute gynecologic care. For routine Gynecology, I can recommend a number of practitioners in the area.
• For patients that have multiple medical conditions that require numerous medications, or are sufficiently complex that they need frequent medical attention, I may, at my discretion, request that you be established with a regular physician for day-to-day care. You and I will then focus on the underlying causes of these conditions with the intention of reducing or, if possible, eliminating your need for medication.

What is the fee for an office visit?

We are required to bill consistently for all visits, whether you are using insurance or not. This means we use the nationally accepted guidelines for medical billing, called CPT codes, as the determining factors in what fee is actually charged. As a result, there is no single set fee for visits. Initial evaluations, which are 55-85 minutes long. Follow-up visits, which are usually 25 to 55 minutes long. Please call the office, 704 895-6788, for information about charges for these visits. Additional charges may apply for cost of supplements or other services specific to your needs. We accept cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover