Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DO?

A DO is a physician holding the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy. A DO learns all of the same material in medical school as their MD colleagues, however, they receive at least 200 additional hours of training focused on hands-on treatment. A DO may choose to specialize in any field of medicine, from neurosurgery to family practice; however, those who practice osteopathic manipulative medicine tend to specialize in primary care or neuromusculoskeletal medicine.

How often will I need to be treated?

Frequency of treatment varies greatly with each patient, however, there are some consistent expectations. After your first treatment, the doctor will want to follow up with you within 7-10 days to re-asses how the treatment has affected you. In addition, most patients will need 3-5 treatments for the majority of complaints (which includes the first two treatments). These initial treatments are usually best done 2-4 weeks apart. After these treatments, many patients will still want to come to the office for reassessment on whatever schedule feels right to them, with guidance from the doctor. This is a general expectation for treatment, but each patient is different; if you have any questions about what to expect for your unique condition, please contact the doctor.

What should I expect during treatment?

Dr. Murphy employs osteopathic manipulative medicine, which is a hands-on procedure. Patients should allow 30-60 minutes in their schedule for each appointment, and up to two hours for an initial visit. Symptomatic relief is not always experienced at the time of treatment, but instead in the following days or weeks, as treatment initiates the body’s own healing response. Dr. Murphy’s approach is extremely gentle and suitable for all ages and all medical complaints, from newborn screenings to elders with end-stage diseases.

What should I expect after treatment?

All bodies respond differently to treatment. Treatment is designed to facilitate the body’s own healing forces, which vary between patients. 1-4 days post treatment, patients often feel that their body is working on its healing response, and they may experience soreness and the desire to rest. This sensation generally does not last more than 48 hours and is comparable to muscle soreness experienced after exercise. The most significant benefits of treatment are most commonly felt after treatment has concluded. 

Do you take insurance?

This office is currently contracted only with some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. All major insurance companies, however, reimburse for osteopathic treatment to varying degrees. Currently, patients are required to pay in full at the time of the visit, and the office will submit a claim to your network on your behalf. The extent to which the service is covered will depend on the patient’s individual insurance plan. If you do not have Blue Cross Blue Shield and would like to ask your insurance if a visit will be covered, ask what your insurance covers for “out-of-network providers.”

If your insurance is Blue Cross Blue Shield, it is highly recommended that you call the insurance company to ask if your particular plan is in-network with this office, and if you need a referral for your particular plan. If you would like the visit to be covered and need a referral, please make sure your primary care doctor submits a referral before your scheduled appointment.

The office has made every attempt to contract with insurance companies, however, insurance companies are not willing to add anything that will incur additional cost. If you would like this service to be covered completely by your insurance company, please let your company know that they are not currently meeting your needs for comprehensive medical care.

Cancelation Policy

Please cancel appointments as early as possible; this can easily be done by texting (612) 367-6445. The office reserves the right to charge the patient for half of the appointment if not canceled 24 hours in advance, however, this policy may not always be enforced. Please contact the doctor if you need to cancel less than 24 hours in advance.