Common Questions
The Answers You’ve Been Looking For
Will my insurance cover my visit?
I have opted not to participate with any insurance plans, including Medicare. This allows me to spend quality time with my patients rather excessive time jumping through bureaucratic hoops which shortchange doctors and patients alike. I prefer to work directly for my patients and provide the time and care that they deserve, and not working for insurance groups that see you as a number.
What types of payments are accepted ?
Fees at Balanced Wellness are based on professional and community standards. I follow a direct pay model and ask that patients pay for services at the time they are rendered. Cash, checks, Venmo, VISA or Mastercard (including HSAs) are all accepted. For more information visit our Payment & Billing page.
How do I make an appointment?
All appointments are booked directly through Dr. Castleman. Patients are seen Monday through Saturday by appointment only. Either call the business number, 517-282-1825, or email at drsecastleman@gmail.com. Leave you name, contact information and a brief description of the reason for the appointment. Dr. Castleman will call you back within 48 hours.
How do I find your location?
The Office is located in the historic Wasserman House at 930 Mendocino Ave., #203, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. The building is on the Southeast corner of Mendocino Ave. and Nason St. There is a parking lot behind the building and also street parking on Nason. Please be aware that this is a second floor office without an elevator. If you have mobility issues making stairs difficult or impossible, please ask me about an in-home appointment.
What COVID precautions are put in place?
Your safety, with regard to COVID-19, are a priority and we are taking rigorous steps to ensure that safety during your visit. Review the full policy here.
What is a DO and what is OMT?
A DO, like an MD is a fully licensed physician, but typically has a more holistic, patient-centered approach in evaluation and assessment of the patient. While the differences between DOs and MDs are much less evident these days, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is one of the more notable aspects of care that set DOs apart.
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Will you be my primary care physician?
While I bring the training and experience of general internal medicine and primary care to my practice, I will not be replacing your primary care provider. I am functioning as a specialist who provides another perspective in assessing your health and wellness needs and specialized services to complement rather than replace your routine medical care.
If your PCP or other provider has referred you to me, I will be happy to talk to them, with your permission, and collaborate as appropriate regarding your care. Please note that in cases of extended time involved in this collaboration, additional fees may be charged.
What can I expect in my visit and how many treatments will I need?
Your first visit will be longer and focused on getting to know you, reviewing your history, current complaints and a physical evaluation. We will begin treatment at that visit, however additional treatments of OMT and/or acupuncture are typically needed even for acute problems or conditions. The expected number of treatments varies from person to person, but I usually recommend a minimum of six treatments completed within a six to eight week span to achieve the best response. For complex or longer-standing conditions, one or two treatments weekly for three or more months may be needed. Acute problems will usually require fewer visits and health maintenance may be achieved with as little as four visits per year.
What should I wear to my visits?
I recommend comfortable, loose fitting clothing with easy access to the arms and legs as well as body. I can provide a gown to wear if needed. Sheets and blankets are used for coverage and warmth.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people report little to no discomfort with acupuncture needling, however there is a wide range of what is experienced. Once needles are in place, there is typically no pain felt.
Acupuncture needles are very thin (only slightly thicker than a hair), made of sterilized, solid stainless steel and have smooth points, rather than the cutting edges of a hypodermic needle used in giving injections or drawing blood. There is also significantly less chance of infection with acupuncture needles because of these characteristics.
Is there anything I should do or avoid on treatment days?
I recommend making sure you've eaten a light meal an hour or two before you arrive for your appointment. Being hungry will make you uncomfortable during treatment and more likely to feel lightheaded or have a vasovagal response.
On the other hand, eating a large or heavy meal, before or after is discouraged.
Do not over-exercise or exert yourself, or consume alcohol within six hours, before or after treatment.
Plan your day so that you will be able to rest, or at least not have to work at peak performance after your treatment.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your other doctor(s).
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