Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a D.O. and a M.D.?
In a normal medical setting, nothing. D.O.s are trained and licensed to perform surgery, prescribe medications and treat with all medical modalities.
How is Dr.Xenos different then?
Dr.Xenos' practice focuses entirely on Osteopathic Manual Medicine (manipulation). She treats a variety of whole body concerns and issues including migraines, backaches, bulging discs, vertebrae stenosis, TMJ, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee and foot injuries, as well as post surgically helping dissolve scar tissue and restoring range of motion. Additional issues treated are head injuries, seizure disorders, autistic and spectrum children, infants post traumatic birth — all things related to the biomechanics (muscle, bone and connective tissue) in adults, children and infants — as well as visceral and organ manipulation.
How is osteopathic manual medicine different from chiropractics?
High velocity / low amplitude manipulation, better known as chiropractics, are indicated in some instances and can be very useful. Many people who do not gain relief through chiropractics should seek out the care of a D.O. Osteopathic manipulation is a gentle form of manipulation utilizing pressure points, trigger points, muscle balancing, spasm release, myofascial release and cranio-sacral techniques. It is not the "snap and crunch" that we might characterize as chiropractics.
How long does treatment last?
Depending upon the issue, Dr. Xenos usually only treats once weekly allowing the body to adjust and hold the treatment. Most people average 2-6 treatments over 4-8 weeks.
Does my insurance cover this treatment?
Dr. Xenos does not accept insurance but her services are generally covered by most health plans and so varying degrees of reimbursement are possible. Please check with your insurance provider.
California Law Requires Physicians to Notify Patients about Open Payments Database.
The Open Payments database is a federal tool used to search payments made by drug and device companies to physicians and teaching hospitals. It can be found at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov
For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and teaching hospitals be made available to the public.
For Further Information
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine discusses what Osteopathic Medicine is at their website. They state that:
“Osteopathic medicine provides all of the benefits of modern medicine including prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine.”
Western University of Health Sciences discusses the differences between a DO and an MD degree. They state that both “DOs and MDs are able to prescribe medication, make referrals, open their own practice, and specialize in any field, etc.”, but that “Osteopathic medicine practices a holistic approach” and that "osteopathic physicians receive additional training in what is called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)."
