We are proud to announce that as of today, we will be changing our name from HealthAware to OpenCare as we are expanding our service nationally and globally.

With over 2,500 health providers sharing over 700,000 appointments, OpenCare is the easiest way to find any health service in neighbourhood and book an appointment online instantly.

OpenCare offers access to many specialties, which include dentists, physiotherapists, registered massage therapists, chiropractors, ultrasound, mammography, optometrists, naturopathic doctors, and many more.

Visit OpenCare today to book more appointments online. If you have any feedback or questions, feel free to reply to this email or call us directly at 1-888-729-5494.

A recent study done by OpenCare revealed that over 45% of patients are researching health practitioners such as dentists after business hours. This results in 40% of all appointments being booked after hours. Dental clinics who are not equipped to handle this are losing many potential patients to others who have the right tools in place.

ACTIONS: 

• Make sure that your website has a visible, and easily accessible request form that allows patients to notify your clinic of their desire for an appointment via email.
• Include a guarantee that the patient will receive a reply within 24 hours. Research shows that promising promptness will increase the likelihood of patients using this feature.
• The top clinics forward appointment requests to their smartphones. This ensures prompt customer service after hours or when the clinic is closed.

We post a successful practice tip every week. If there is a particular topic you would like covered, please feel free to reply to this e-mail.

About OpenCare 
Bridging the gap between patients and practitioners.

Practice Perfect boasts an impressive reputation amongst rehabilitation EMR platforms, having received consistently higher ratings than competing platforms by members of Physical Therapy Associations. Both parties aim to combine their respective strengths to help provide more value to new and existing clientele. While Practice Perfect’s client base and reputation is showing steady growth, HealthAware compliments with their own rapid evolvement into the fastest growing player in North America, known as the one stop place to find health practitioners and book appointments effortlessly.

HealthAware is an online platform that helps patients see comprehensive search results of nearby health practitioners, with a simple 5 second postal code search. The company’s unique technology allows for patients to send real-time, live appointment requests within seconds of visiting the site. The system also breeds perfect environments for clinics to acquire new patients, and provide exceptional and prompt customer service, helping cement new patients as long term customers.

HealthAware’s rapid growth and reputation for innovation and customer service, fit well with Practice Perfect’s model of maximizing existing client revenue, growing new revenue, and enhancing clinic productivity.

With the boards of both parties working closely to augment each other’s reach and presence in the markets, the industry should expect great things to come from HealthAware and Practice Perfect.

In case you need a recap, here is part 1 and part 2 can be found!

#8 What Activities Should Be Avoided?
Many times this question will come up towards the end of your consultation. It is to be expected that if you’ve hurt your back running, you will probably be instructed to postpone your morning jog. But other questions such as, is any form of exercise okay? What postures or additional activities should I avoid? Is lifting prohibited? Give your Chiropractor a rundown of your daily activities to make sure you don’t do anything that is detrimental to your treatment.

#9 What Activities Can Help My Pain?
While Chiropractors will primarily treat you in the office, they will also go over a comprehensive treatment plan which includes outside efforts made on your part. This could be a number of things, including new stretches, changing your posture while at work, taking more walks in between sitting. Doing these little things everyday can lead to a faster recovery…Chiropractor’s orders. Again, go over your daily fitness and work related activities so you find the right balance for you.

#10 Are Alternative & Traditional Treatments Recommended?
With the number of ‘alternative’ modalities on the rise, ranging from Licensed Massage Therapists to Herbalists and Acupuncturists, natural healing is in demand more than ever. These practices often go hand in hand with Chiropractors, largely because they complement their treatments and maximize their patients’ healing. Ask your Toronto Chiropractor if they recommend any forms of alternative therapies, as many will have Massage Therapists as part of their practice. Some injuries related to auto or worker’s compensation claims, will include Massage Therapy as part of the coverage. During your first visit with your Chiropractor be sure to also ask if taking ‘traditional’ over the counter medications will help or hinder any treatment methods. As ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin all achieve the goal of alleviating pain, many can have different effects on the body, such as thinning the blood, reducing inflammation, etc. Ask your Chiropractor which OTCs are okay to take and which, if any, should be avoided. As always, talk with your Primary Care Physician before getting started with Chiropractic care. Live and be well.

About OpenCare
OpenCare helps patients easily find the best practitioners around them and book appointments online. Popular searches include: Toronto Chiropractors, Toronto Physiotherapists, Toronto Registered Massage Therapists and More!

About the Author

Liz Mueller is a Health & Nutrition Writer from Denver, Colorado. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is currently seeking her Nutrition Practitioner’s Certificate from the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver. She loves being outdoors, walking her dog, practicing yoga and sharing new health and nutrition information with others.

In case you need a recap, Questions 1 – 3 can be found here!

#4 How Often Will You Need To Be Treated?
Chiropractors differ from other medical practitioners in many ways. One way is the duration and frequency that they treat their patients. After describing your reason for visiting, ask your potential Chiropractor how often they recommend you be treated (1 or more times per week, once a month?) In cases of auto accidents for example, someone with severe whiplash may need to see a Chiropractor every week, or up to two times a week, slowly increasing the amount of time between visits until fully healed. For less severe back and neck problems, you may only need “maintenance” care which may only be once a month or less. The frequency will depend on your specific injury and comprehensive treatment plan.

#5 How Long Is a Typical Session & What Does a Session Include?
While this might come up as part of Question #4, be sure to find out how long a typical Chiropractic session lasts. The amount of time will vary depending on the severity of your injury and pain level. You also want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your session. Will the Chiropractor use different methods each time? Will the session include props or mechanical devices as part of their treatment? How much time typically will your Chiropractor spend with you during your sessions?

#6 What Is Your Estimated Recovery Time?
Having an estimated total recovery time is highly recommended, especially when dealing with personal injury claims where third party insurances are involved. Depending on your claim you should find out if you have a year, or possibly more, to seek treatment with a Licensed Toronto Chiropractor. The duration of your treatment can also have a profound effect on your work, household and family duties, to name a few. For example, what will the effect be on everyday activities such as housecleaning (which may be covered by insurance)? Will daycare services be needed? Should you find extra work coverage? Ask your Chiropractor how long you can expect to be under their care and if they feel you will need extra assistance with your everyday tasks.

#7 Will You Need To Miss Work?
Depending on the severity and pain level, your Chiropractor will recommend whether or not you should miss work. Often times, even with less severe injuries, it can be a good idea to take a day or two off work to let your body recuperate. Be sure to ask if you should limit certain activities while returning to work. Specify if you are typically at a desk all day, if you’re required to do heavy lifting, etc. While resting can certainly help, too much sitting can often make muscles and ligaments tighten, causing pain to worsen. Aim for an ideal activity level balance unless otherwise directed by your Chiropractor.

About OpenCare
OpenCare helps patients easily find the best practitioners around them and book appointments online. Popular searches include: Toronto Chiropractors, Toronto Physiotherapists, Toronto Registered Massage Therapists and More!

About the Author

Liz Mueller is a Health & Nutrition Writer from Denver, Colorado. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is currently seeking her Nutrition Practitioner’s Certificate from the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver. She loves being outdoors, walking her dog, practicing yoga and sharing new health and nutrition information with others.

You may be saying, “I’ve seen plenty of doctors and health practitioners in my life, I have an idea of what to expect.” And while that may be true, there are several questions one should ask their potential Chiropractor in particular. Being prepared and knowing what to expect from your practitioner, can not only help you recover faster, but can also better prepare you for everyday nuisances that may arise due to your pain, and help you avoid any medical-related financial stresses down the road.

#1 What Chiropractic Services Will My Insurance Cover?
According to the Ontario Chiropractic Association website, funding and services for Chiropractic coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan was delisted in 2004. However, most Extended Health Care (EHC) plans cover chiropractic services. It’s estimated that as many as 7 out of every 10 Ontario residents still have some form of Extended Health Care coverage. Under the EHC program there are two basic types of Extended Health Care plans, group and individual. The most common type of EHC coverage is provided through employer group benefits, unions, and trade and professional associations. Check your benefits plan to see if your EHC covers Chiropractic care. The front office staff can also be helpful in finding out from your insurance what exactly is covered by your benefits plan.

#2 What Does a Session Cost Without Insurance?
Ideally your insurance will cover all, or some of your treatment, but since that’s not always the case you may need to pay out-of-pocket for your Chiropractic care. Find out from your Chiropractor directly, or the office staff, what the session charge is without coverage. Find out if they offer payment plans or any first-time client discounts on services, including Massage Therapy if available. If you book more than one session in advance ask if they will reduce their prices. Furthermore, will there be any copays? And is payment required upfront or can you be billed for services?

#3 What Other Products Are Recommended?
A lot of times during your initial consultation or appointment, your Chiropractor will recommend supplemental products, such as a back brace, specialty neck pillow, or pain relieving gels and creams. When dealing with an insurance claim you should ask if the items will be covered. If not, find out their cost and how imperative they are to your rehabilitation. While you may or may not be open to these add-on products, they can be quite effective in helping you become pain-free quicker. Ask about the products’ uses and ways they have helped other patients. From there you can make an informed decision whether or not the products are right for you.

About OpenCare
HealthAware helps patients easily find the best practitioners around them and book appointments online. Popular searches include: Toronto Chiropractors, Toronto Physiotherapists, Toronto Registered Massage Therapists and More!

About the Author

Liz Mueller is a Health & Nutrition Writer from Denver, Colorado. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is currently seeking her Nutrition Practitioner’s Certificate from the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver. She loves being outdoors, walking her dog, practicing yoga and sharing new health and nutrition information with others.

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1 Statistics Canada: Perspectives on Labour and Income, Vol. 15, No. 2; Canadian Life and Health Insurance
http://www.chiropractic.on.ca/ChiropracticCoverage/CoverageOverview.aspx

1. Know Your Availability

Often Chiropractors will want to see you for a series of visits, depending on the severity of your injury and level of pain. Be sure to have your calendar handy to determine the frequency of visits needed and how they may fit into your schedule. Find out from your Chiropractor how many visits you can expect initially, and in the long run. Sometimes you may need to see your Chiropractor once or even twice per week, while other times you may only need to be adjusted every other week or once per month. Every treatment plan is different so have your calendar readily available to fit in appointment times that work best for you.

OpenCare is a great way to match your availabilities with your practitioner in your area. For example, you can easily search for a Toronto Chiropractor, review their availabilities to find the best practitioner for you and instantly book an appointment online!

2. Wear Comfortable, Loose Fitting Clothing

During your initial visit your Chiropractor will need to exam your spine to assess your mobility and range of motion. Often you’ll be laying facedown on a padded table. Wearing comfortable and loose fitting clothing will help your Chiropractor evaluate your spine, joints and muscles more effectively. Depending on the area that they’ll be focusing on, you might want to:

• Avoid wearing tight jeans if it’s your lower back
• Avoid wearing bulky clothing, such as sweaters or sweatshirts
• Bring a hair tie if it’s your neck
• And wear shoes that are easy to take on and off

You may also be placed on a roller machine which helps restore your spinal curve, increase range of motion, and aid in the circulation of spinal fluids. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing will increase the effectiveness of the machine and the Chiropractor’s manual spine manipulations.

3. Drink Water

You can expect most Chiropractors to tell you to drink a lot of water after your visit. But making sure you are well hydrated beforehand can also greatly impact your recovery post treatment. It can be quite normal to experience minor side effects after Chiropractic care, such as:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Additional pain and stiffness

Drinking enough water before your visit can help reduce these symptoms. Often the tissues, joints and muscles being targeted haven’t been adjusted or manipulated in a long time. Drinking water can help mitigate these common side effects by flushing out any toxins that are built-up and then released during your session. Ask your Chiropractor what symptoms, if any, you should expect after your treatment and ways to reduce any discomfort.

4. Take it Easy

Although this may seem obvious, try to get plenty of rest before your visit. Chances are, when you’re in pain, you won’t be feeling up to running or weight lifting. Be sure to monitor your activity level and don’t overextend yourself leading up to your appointment. Even light activities such as walking may be tough to do. Reduce your activity level to what is most comfortable and cut back on intense workouts until you’ve been given the green light from your Toronto Chiropractor. Live and Be Well.

By Liz Mueller
Health & Nutrition Writer

About OpenCare
OpenCare helps patients easily find the best practitioners around them and book appointments online. Popular searches include: Toronto Chiropractors, Toronto Physiotherapists, Toronto Registered Massage Therapists and More!

Here is how it works. This page will help you to find all doctors and clinics, with which you can currently book your appointments. Select desired specialty and location to find the one most convenient for you. Click on the desired clinic, and proceed with the booking process.

Currently, OpenCare Online Booking is available in selected cities all across Ontario. We are also expanding our bookings to new locations and more specialties, including dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapists and many more. Want to suggest a location or a specialty? Give us a shout! Also, subscribe for updates from HealthAware to be informed about clinics that join our service in your neighbourhood.

Help your friends find great health care service. Spread the word:

There is, however, something the doctors don’t mention – you don’t need to go the same clinic as specified in the referral. Most of the time, you can go to any specialized clinic you want. The referral that the doctor gives let’s the doctors know what procedures need to be done, on which parts of the body. Most of the clinics will accept the referral from any family physicians for the needed procedure. Bellow is an example of a referral form to a specific clinic:

Even though the clinic is specified on the referral, you can take this referral to any other clinic you find. So next time, you get your referral see what other options you have. To find the doctor nearest to you, check out OpenCare.com If you are interested in booking the appointment online, you can see the list of available clinics and doctors at http://opencare.com/find/ontario.