- How much does a visit cost?

The initial visit costs $150, which includes a comprehensive consultation, exam and X-rays (if necessary). We do not offer single visits or walk-in appointments. Instead, Dr. McIntyre designs a personalized care plan - based on your initial fact-finding visit results - to correct your misalignment and facilitate your ability to hold your corrections consistently. Most initial plans for adults last 4, 5 or 6 months.  (See Dr. Chad's personal explanation here)

- How much will my plan cost?

Because each person is different, Dr. McIntyre develops a reasonably-priced care plan designed specifically for each patient. He reviews this care plan during the second visit as part of the report of findings, and we offer multiple payment options.  (See Dr. Chad's personal explanation here)

- Will my medical doctor or PCP need to refer me?

No, that will not be necessary. Dr. McIntyre is happy to work with your existing care providers to give you the most comprehensive care possible.

- Do you take private insurance?

We do not have a direct relationship with insurance companies; however we will provide you with the documentation you need to file a reimbursement claim on your own behalf. Please review your specific plan’s coverage for more details as we cannot guarantee private insurance companies will reimburse for our services.

- What about Medicare and Medicare replacement plans?

We are a non-participating provider with Medicare, but we will file the electronic claims on your behalf per legal requirements. Medicare replacement plans operate like private insurance plans, so we do not file claims on your behalf. We can provide the necessary documentation you need to file on your own behalf. Please note, not all services are covered by Medicare, so we therefore do not guarantee you will receive reimbursement.

- Do you take Medicaid?

No. We accept patients with Medicaid insurance, but we do not process Medicaid claims.

- Why isn’t Dr. McIntyre contracted with insurance companies?

When the practice first opened in 2010, Dr. McIntyre found that insurance coverage often determined people’s health decisions rather than the doctor and patient. In an effort to address that issue, Dr. McIntyre chooses to run a cash-based practice so that he and his patients can facilitate optimal health and healing in the most effective way possible in an environment where they know what to expect of him and they know what he expects of them without any third party confusion. Dr. McIntyre encourages his patients to take control of their health and empowers them with patient education so that they may make the best health decisions for themselves.

- Why does he offer care plans rather than individual visits like other doctors?

True healing (not just feeling better but being better) requires a commitment from both doctor and patient, and Dr. McIntyre's care plan model is structured to ensure that commitment, much as an orthodontist would expect a commitment when accepting you as a patient to straighten your teeth.  Facilitating a patient's return to health is a process that, from person to person, may require a highly variable office visit schedule, so plans based on the length of time proposed to work with you are better suited toward achieving specific clinical goals.   (See Dr. Chad's personal explanation here)

- How do I know if Upper Cervical Care is for me?

Our best advice is this: Learn as much as you can about the key aspects of being healthy and Upper Cervical Care’s role in helping you achieve your goals. We recommend making a New Patient Appointment so Dr. McIntyre can gather as many facts about your case as he can, including taking X-rays if needed. During that visit and the follow-up visit, Dr. McIntyre will answer your questions about Upper Cervical Care and how it can help you specifically.

- Will Upper Cervical Care cure my symptom or disease?

Upper Cervical Care has been shown to offer improvements with many diseases, including Fibromyalgia, migraines, diabetes, vertigo, back pain, autoimmune conditions, spinal disc degeneration and digestive disorders. However, the procedure itself is not a cure. Rather, it is what allows you to fully exhibit the ability to heal yourself. 

- How long does it take to feel better?

It must be emphasized that each person is unique with a different set of circumstances and biological composition, and therefore, each person will have their own unique healing experience. Many Upper Cervical Care patients report immediate and long-term improvements such as relief from severe pain, increased blood flow to limbs, elimination of vertigo, and improved lifestyle and quality of life.

- I’m hearing a lot about wellness and preventive care, and I am interested in finding ways to improve my long-term health. How does Upper Cervical Care fit into a Wellness Program?

Dr. McIntyre believes Upper Cervical Care is the foundation of any quality Wellness Program. Upper Cervical Care enables the brainstem to operate at its best, any additional healing modalities and lifestyle changes are improved in their effectiveness. 

- Is Upper Cervical Care an option for children?

Absolutely. There are numerous benefits for children, including being a safe, natural means of overcoming common pediatric conditions. In addition, being under care at a young age allows the body to continue developing at its optimum. Dr. McIntyre’s daughter was first checked (not corrected, mind you) on the day after she was born just to make sure that everything checked out OK. 

- Are there any age limits to being under Upper Cervical Care?

No. Our youngest patient is a few months old, and our oldest patient is in her 80s. 

- Does it hurt?

There are many misconceptions about an Upper Cervical correction, including people equating it with a general chiropractor’s manipulation. It is nothing like that. The correction is very gentle and safe for people of all ages. It requires no twisting, turning, cracking, popping, or uncomfortable jerking of the head or neck. The correction is made in a side-lying position, and it requires very little force. A great simulation of the force used is pressing on your closed eye until it becomes very noticeable.

- Will I have to go forever?

We strongly recommend that once you are under Upper Cervical Care that you remain under care for years to come. Upper Cervical Care removes irritation to the brainstem in order to restore both optimal internal function and structural balance. Just like your relationship with your dentist, periodic Upper Cervical Care check-ups help you maintain your structural balance and overall health. Dr. McIntyre recommends, long-term, getting checked on a quarterly basis. 

- Will I receive an adjustment every time I visit?

No. Upper Cervical Care corrects only the top two bones in the neck with the understanding that their proper alignment ensures your body’s structural balance from top to bottom. If your body is holding your correction, additional manipulations will not be necessary. This doesn’t mean that you don’t need regular visits, even if you feel well. The scan and check-up evaluation from Dr. McIntyre, however, will be completed at each visit. 

- Why haven’t I heard of this? Why is this not called “chiropractic”?

Upper Cervical Care is a specialization within chiropractic, an approach that has a history of over 100 years. However, this specialization is not as well-known or wide-spread as other approaches. Triad Upper Cervical Clinic is the only one of its kind here in the Piedmont Triad, and because it is so specific, we choose to highlight its uniqueness. If you are interested in more information about Upper Cervical Care, we recommend the following websites: www.upcspine.com / www.uppercervicalcare.com / www.uppercervicalawareness.com