BONE HEALTH CONSULTATION

Osteoporosis is a difficult diagnosis to receive, and patients are often shocked and unsure of where to turn. Most doctors do not take the time to properly diagnose the cause(s) for the excessive bone loss, nor do they adequately explain treatment options. A quick, one-size fits-all approach to bone loss, and a quick flick of the prescription pad is, quite frankly, the norm when seeking care for osteoporosis. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Individual factors should be taken into account. A consultation with Dr. McCormick includes a review of your health history and an evaluation of body systems. Lab test results are assessed, and natural and pharmacological therapeutic options are considered and discussed.
By scheduling a bone health consultation, you will be making a huge first step in taking back control of your skeletal health. It is Dr. McCormick's hope that he can help guide you to a better understanding of how your bone loss occurred and determine ways to improve your skeletal health/strength and reduce your fracture risk.
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
To make an appointment with Dr. McCormick,
call 413-253-9777.
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Initial appointments of 45 minutes to one hour, in person or by phone are $350.
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Fifteen to thirty minute follow-up appointments are $85 to $145.
We ask you to send (BY MAIL only please...no email attachments) the following important information.
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A brief (one page) health summary.
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All prior bone mineral density (DXA) test results.
This is the 3 to 4 page paper printout of results from the testing,
not just the one page radiologist's summary report.
These test results can be black and white copies (color is not necessary) and
must be of good quality (the thumb nail pictures of faxed copies are not clear, so please, no faxed copies). If you cannot get the paper printout, you may send us a CD of the DXA results.
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All lab test results (with reference ranges) from the past 2-3 years.
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List of medications you have taken with approximate dates you started/stopped.
Once we receive the above information we will call you to schedule your appointment (please make sure to include your contact information). During your appointment, Dr. McCormick may determine that further laboratory testing is necessary. The following is a partial list of labs that he may suggest. Some tests should be performed in a "fasting" state to be more accurate which means nothing to eat or drink, except water, for 8 to 12 hours before. (Note: Dr. McCormick can order lab testing in all states except for New York, Rhode Island, and New Jersey and he does not accept insurance. He uses LabCorp testing facilities only.)
The following is a list of lab tests that can be helpful in assessing bone loss:
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CBC (complete blood count)
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CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel) Fasting.
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CTX (C-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type 1 collagen) Fasting. Morning collection. No supplemental collagen or biotin for 48 hours before the blood draw. CTX is a bone-resorption marker that measures how much bone collagen is in your blood. The higher the level, the more active is the osteoclastic and (usually) overall bone remodeling activity.
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CRP (hs-CRP) (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein)
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DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate)
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Electrophoresis (serum)
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Estradiol (ultrasensitive)
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Ferriten
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Gluten testing: Includes the following 4 tests:
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Tissue transglutaminase antibody IgA
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Deaminated gliadin peptide antibody IgG
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Deaminated gliadin peptide antibody IgA
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Total Immunoglobulin A (Total IgA)
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Homocysteine
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Ionized calcium
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Magnesium (RBC-magnesium)
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P1NP (Procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide) This is a bone-formation marker that measures osteoblastic bone-building activity. No supplemental biotin or collagen for 48 hours before the blood draw.
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PTH (intact PTH) (parathyroid hormone)
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Phosphorous
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SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)
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Testosterone (total)
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Testosterone (free)
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TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
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Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D)
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Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D)
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24-hour urine calcium (No supplemental calcium for 48 hours before or during the collection of urine.)
QUESTIONS - CONTACT US

Dr. Keith McCormick Chiropractor
145 Old Amherst Rd.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Tel: 413-253-9777
Fax: 413-253-7290
Office Hours:
9am - 5:30pm