Clinical Questions
-
Dr. Cheikin and the Center provide programs that
- help identify the root cause(s) of chronic and obscure conditions and
- help you make over your lifestyle to optimize health.
While lifestyle changes can be challenging, the frustration of being “sick and tired”, taking multiple medications, and being dependent on the “health care” system can be even worse.
MoreWe have developed a team-oriented approach to evaluate all aspects of lifestyle including sleep, air, food, water, EMF’s, exercise, spirituality, and sexuality. Depending upon your goals, we can also help you explore issues of toxicity (lead, Roundup, pesticides), leaky gut and SIBO, hormonal imbalance and chronic infection. We can help you formulate a safe, successful, sustainable and simple lifestyle that is designed to slow down and reverse aging and illness, and enable a healthy productive life through the 80’s and 90’s.
While there is cost involved in any holistic program, we pride ourselves on the fact that we offer the most comprehensive and cost-effective holistic program in the region, even accepting several insurance plans to help cover portions of the program.
The cost of the initial consultation with Dr. Cheikin will not be greater than seeing any specialist physician under your plan. We are transparent about our costs and you will know in advance before you need to expend any out-of-pocket expenses. See below for other Q&A about our evaluation process.
-
The Initial Evaluation Program is a comprehensive evaluation that takes between three and six visits.
The first visit begins with a check-in with the staff, essential forms, and review of how our practice works. You will then spend a minimum of 45 minutes with the doctor, where your intake forms are reviewed and initial goals and plan developed. We will review your options for your Holistic Program, including goals and expectations, time frame and required resources. Your questions about the benefits and requirements of your Program will be reviewed in detail. You should expect to be at the Center for approximately two hours.
MoreSubsequent visits with the doctor are 45 minutes. The first several visits have specific evaluation protocols, including physical exam with elements of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. We look in great detail at your history related to
-
- gut (leaky gut)
- malabsorption and nutrient deficiency
- toxic exposures (mercury and lead, halides, pesticides, petro-chemicals, glyphosate)
- infections
- dental issues
- stressors and
- traumas.
We review current and past food plans, their successes and failures. as well as past and present supplement protocols.
Some visits include coaching meetings and follow-up phone calls to assist in implementing the lifestyle changes that are valuable in your healing journey.
This practice values individuality. A rewarding partnership between patient/client, family, staff team and practitioners can be achieved when we approach lifestyle changes by integrating science, compassion, and honesty.
-
-
Extensive metabolic testing is strategized, based on past labs, current problems, and the above histories. Using conventional labs, we can test for some:
-
- vitamins,
- minerals,
- essential oils (omega-3 and -6 oils) and toxic oils (trans and odd fats)
- hormones
- amino acids
- inflammation and autoimmune markers and
- infections.
After or during the evaluation phase of three to six visits, a program plan is formulated between doctor and patient. This program can include: changes in lifestyle (sleep, exercise), environment (air, water, EMF’s), food and supplement plan, and specific metabolic, detoxification and anti-microbial protocols.MoreEach set of labs is followed by adjustment of treatment protocols. Three sets of labs over 9-12 months establish a clear trend. Oftentimes persistent abnormalities provide important clues to advanced healing. Thyroid, sex and adrenal hormones can achieve optimal balancing through this methodology.
-
-
The speed in which we proceed with diagnostic testing and treatment protocols is based upon the patient’s goals and desired time frame, along with the practicality of implementing hthe various components of lifestyle change including sleep, food plan and medical status. If a patient is working full time, or is caring for children or others, we must go slow enough to maintain function while healing. Most patients will see some positive results within three months if they can commit a certain amount of resource (including time and commitment) to the program. Sometimes problems that have been present for months to years take longer.
-
As a holistic doctor, Dr. Cheikin’s approach to hormonal balance is multi-dimensional. Addressing lifestyle factors such as sleep, food plan, and stress management, assisted by metabolic testing allows the formulation of a natural healing protocol. Yoga, psycho-spiritual and energetic components are encouraged, supported and can be provided based on individualÂ
Dr. Cheikin can write prescriptions for retail and compounded hormones based on need. If you are trying to avoid or reduce medications, the tool box with options is robust.
If you are already on hormones, he may accept management of the prescription(s) in the context of your individualized holistic needs.                                                                                                                                                                                                    Â
-
As a holistic doctor and specialist in chronic conditions, Dr. Cheikin can write prescriptions for retail and compounded medications based on need.Â
If you are trying to avoid or reduce medications, the tool box with options is robust.
If you are already on medication(s) Dr. Cheikin may accept the management of the prescription(s) as a component of your healing program.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Â
-
As a holistic doctor and specialist in chronic conditions, Dr. Cheikin has an extensive experience in using plants and essential oils, and has formulated several products utilized by hundreds of patients. Since many of the compounds in Medical Marijuana (MM)Â overlap with well-established essential oils and plants, Dr. Cheikin has obtained certification to recomend MM for his patients. He does not provide such certification in a first visit, and it is provided in the context of continuously updated healing protocols. (For more info see /mouthwash, /sniffer, and /enhanced-oil-pull).Â
If you are trying to avoid or reduce medications, the tool box with options is robust.
If you are already on medication(s) Dr. Cheikin may accept the management of the prescription(s) as a component of your healing program. Â
-
Yoga classes are taught personally by Dr. Cheikin, and occur on Monday evenings (6:15 pm – 7:30) and Thursday mornings (7:30 am – 8:45). Medical visits can be coordinated with yoga classes to enable patients coming from a distance to attend a few classes for educational and diagnostic purposes. The role of yoga in your healing program will be reviewed in your initial visits.
-
Contact us by phone or email here:Â contact us
Administrative Questions
-
Dr. Cheikin participates in many insurance plans for adult care. He does not accept insurance for Medicaid plans or children under 18 years old. With high deductible plans, it is sometimes less expensive to utilize phone visits and coaching rather than going the conventional route of traveling to the doctors office for each visit. Please speak with the staff if you have any further questions.
-
- Am I required to get a referral from my PCP (Primary Care Physician) before seeing Dr. Cheikin?
- What is the copay, if any, for a specialist visit? (Dr. Cheikin is considered a specialist by most plans)
- Do I have any deductibles. If so, what is my deductible per year?
- If I do have a deductible, when does my insurance plan’s year begin and end?
- Am I required to go to a specific lab for blood work? (LabCorp or Quest or either)
- Is there a copay or deductible for lab services? (some plans do not apply labs to deductibles)
-
If your insurance requires a referral, this is obtained by calling the Primary Care Physician (PCP). The PCP staff will ask for a practice name and number. Ours is Wyndmoor Rehab Associates, NPI # 144-729-5779. For the problem, many patients use fatigue (ICD-10 code R53.83).
Most HMO’s require that a patient obtain a referral prior to seeing the doctor and many will not issue a referral retroactively. It’s important for the patient to obtain the referral at least 3 days in advance to decrease the chances of a cancellation fee. See our cancellation policy here.Â
-
The costs of the first visit are determined by your insurance company for a specialist physician consultation, such as copay and deductible.Â
There are holistic fees associated with our holistic program that will be reviewed in the first visit. They will only apply if you decide to continue to work with us after your first visit. More specific questions about costs and other resources required (time, lifestyle change, support) will be reviewed in your initial visit with the doctor.
-
We have alternative financial and visit strategies that can be helpful if you have a high-deductible plan. These options can be discussed in your initial visit with the doctor (which will be paid toward your deductible).Â
-
Contact us by phone or email here:Â contact us
