Chiropractic Physicians are first-contact doctors and can order most of the same tests as other health care providers and doctors.

Lab Testing:

For lab testing our office uses a local company called Boyce and Bynum Pathology labs.  Our office has an account with them which makes getting your labs performed and interpreted economical and easy!

Q: How do I get labs performed?

A: First you must schedule an office visit with Dr. Johnson so that your condition can be accurately assessed.  Upon determining which tests are required, our office will send an order form over to Boyce and Bynum.  Once they receive the lab order form, you can walk into their location any time after that to have your labs drawn. 

Once your labs are performed, your tests will be sent to our office within 3-5 business days on average.  When we receive your labs,  you will be contacted to schedule a follow-up appointment so your results can be discussed with you.  Also at this time, Dr. Johnson will give suggestions as to how to improve your lab results naturally, assuming you don't have a problem that needs immediate medicating or other more invasive intervention.  Boyce and Bynum bills our office directly, which saves you as the patient money.  You will pay us for your lab tests at the conclusion of your visit.  Sometimes patients can save more than 50% off typical labs costs by having billing performed in this manner.

X-Rays, CT Scans, & MRI's:

After you meet with Dr. Johnson, if you require additional imaging studies you will be referred to Advanced Radiology here in Columbia, MO.  Advanced Radiology can perform X-rays, CT's, MRI's, Ultrasound, as well as other services.  They have medical radiologists onsite that read all studies performed before they are sent out.

Q: Will my insurance cover if a chiropractor orders an MRI?

A: Typically Yes.  Most insurance companies only require that the ordering doctor be in-network and sometimes this may not be required either.  Medicare and Tricare are the only two insurance plans that will require a Medical Doctor to order the MRI or other studies in order for it to be covered.  This is not to say that a chiropractic physician isn't capable of ordering these tests for Medicare or Tricare beneficiaries...the law is just antiquated in this regard and hasn't caught up with the times as of yet. 

However, for most other plans any provider can order an MRI provided that the provider is in-network, and that it is in the provider's scope of practice to do so.  Ordering any testing is well within a chiropractic physician's scope of practice in the state of Missouri.