A D.O. is a doctor of Osteopathy.
In the United States, both D.O.s an M.D.s are the only two degrees that qualifies a person as a licensed physician. Both complete 4 years of medical school and then residency training in hospitals and clinics within their specialty. Either degree can practice in any specialty – family medicine, oncology, neurology, general surgery, etc. In other countries, a D.O. is not trained as a physician and their scope of practice is thus limited.
D.O.s have historically emphasized a holistic approach to medicine with an emphasis on supporting the patients health. They receive over 400 hours of additional training beyond the standard medical school curriculum to refine their manual diagnostic skill and provide a hands on treatment to support the healing process, know as osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
The greatest difference is the extend of training and scope of practice. Chiropractors are not physicians and do not complete residency training in a hospital. Their practice typically emphasizes working with the spine and spinal nerves to improve health. They are not allowed to prescribe medications, perform surgery, practice obstetrics or any other branch of medicine. In contrast, D.O.s work directly with the anatomy and physiology of the entire body.
Most chiropractors focus on high-velocity, low amplitude adjustments (“cracking”). D.O.s may also use this, but it is one of many possible techniques, many of which are very gentle.
Osteopathy focuses on finding and fixing the cause of the structural and functional problem. Thereby, osteopathic treatments tend to be much less frequent as the patient experiences improvement in their symptoms.
Physicians who practice cranial osteopathy are fully licensed doctors who have completed extensive training in anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopedics, and other aspects of medicine. All DOs have completed 500+ hours of training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), passed standardized licensing exams, completed internship and often finish residency training in any medical specialty and/or in OMM. Cranial osteopaths then complete additional post-graduate training in this sub-specialty of the field.
In contrast, craniosacral therapy is a highly simplified approach derived from cranial osteopathic principles. There is no standardized training, certification, or licensure, and some programs require little to no medical knowledge. One 4 day course is required to start practicing and two 4 day courses are required for certification.
Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is the hands-on application of osteopathic principles. It is used to diagnose and treat many health-related issues. OMM identifies and addresses restrictions in all the tissues, fluids, organs, and physiologic systems of the body. The goal is to restore normal motion, which translates to normal function and health. There are a wide variety of techniques applied, from the very gentle to more direct, but all are applied with little force. Regardless of the technique, patients’ comfort and sense of wellbeing are the most important aspect of any treatment.
We do not accept insurance. You will be given an Insurance Invoice that may be submitted to insurance for reimbursement. There is no guarantee how much may be covered, as Dr. Higgens is an out-of-network provider. He is also opted-out of Medicare, so no reimbursement will be made by Medicare for his services. HSA and FSA accounts are accepted
Payment is due the day that you are seen. We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. HSA and FSA accounts are also generally accepted. Checks are preferred.
No, you must maintain your primary care at a different office. He is happy to communicate with them as needed.
A minimum of 2 weeks advanced notice is required for rescheduling or canceling a new patient appointment. Follow up appointments require a minimum 48 hours advanced noticefor rescheduling or canceling. Without such notification, 50% of the appointment fee will apply for the first late cancellation and 100% of the appointment fee will apply for subsequent late cancell