Download new patient intake – far infared sauna

Michael Uzick, N.M.D.
Nancy Aton, N.M.D.
Britt Marie Deegan, N.M.D.
3920 N. Campbell Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: (520) 495-4400
Fax: (520) 495-5400
NEW PATIENT INTAKE – FAR INFARED SAUNA
Name ___________________________________________________ Today’s date: ____/____/_____
Address______________________________________City_____________State______Zip___________
Birthdate ____/____/_____ Age _____ Sex _____ E-mail ______________________________________
Marital Status
Single
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Married
Divorced
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Separated
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Other ____________
Domestic Partner
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Name (if applicable) ___________________________
PHONE NUMBERS
Home
Cell
Work
Employer ______________________________________ Occupation _____________________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact is:
Parent
Guardian
Spouse
Domestic Partner
Other _________________________
Name ___________________________________ Phone Number ________________________________
How did you hear about us?
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FA R INFARED SA UNA CONTRA INDICA TIONS
Far infrared saunas creating a cure for or treating any disease is neither implied nor should be inferred.
DO NOT attempt to self treat any disease with a far infrared sauna without direct supervision of a certified physician. If you have
any health concerns, be certain to consult with your physician before using a far infrared sauna. In all situations, hydration is a
requirement for sauna use. Drinking advanced electrolyte replacement water is also recommended before and after sauna use.
1. MEDICATIONS
Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their personal physician or a pharmacist for possible changes
in the drugs effect when the body is exposed to Far infrared waves or elevated body temperature. Diuretics, barbiturates and betablockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Some over the counter drugs such as antihistamines may also cause
the body to be more prone to heat stroke.
2. CHILDREN
The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass,
limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. Consult
with the child’s Pediatrician before using the sauna.
3. THE ELDERLY
The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased
sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to maintain core body temperature.
4. CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS
Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or problems (hypertension / hypo tension), congestive heart failure, impaired coronary
circulation or those who are taking medications, which might affect blood pressure, should exercise extreme caution when exposed
to prolonged heat. Heat stress increases cardiac output, blood flow, in an effort to transfer internal body heat to the outside
environment via the skin (perspiration) and respiratory system. This takes place primarily due to major changes in the heart rate,
which has the potential to increase by thirty (30) beats per minute for each degree increase in core body temperature.
5. ALCOHOL / ALCOHOL ABUSE
Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to attempt to “Sweat Out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a person’s
judgment; therefore they may not realize it when the body has a negative reaction to high heat. Alcohol also increases the heart
rate, which may be further increased by heat stress.
6. CHRONIC CONDITIONS / DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH A REDUCED ABILITY TO SWEAT OR
PERSPIRE
Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated
with impaired sweating.
7. HEMOPHILIACS / INDIVIDUALS PRONE TO BLEEDING
The use of Infrared should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.
8. FEVER
An individual that has a fever should not use the Solo® or any other type of sauna.
9. INSENSITIVITY TO HEAT
An individual that has insensitivity to heat should not use the Solo® or any other type of sauna.
10. PREGNANCY
Pregnant women should consult a physician before using the Solo® or any other type of sauna because fetal damage can occur with
a certain elevated body temperature.
11. MENSTRUATION
Heating of the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase their menstrual flow. Some women
endure this process to gain the pain relief commonly associated with their cycle whereas others simply choose to avoid sauna use
during that time of the month.
12. JOINT INJURY
If you have a recent (acute) joint injury, it should not be heated for the first 48 hours after an injury or until the hot and swollen
symptoms subside. If you have a joint or joints that are chronically hot and swollen, these joints may respond poorly to vigorous
heating of any kind. Vigorous heating is strictly contra-indicated in cases of enclosed infections be they dental, in joints or in any
other tissues.
13. IMPLANTS
Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect Far infrared waves and thus are not heated by this
system, nevertheless you should consult your surgeon prior to using an Infrared Sauna. Certainly, the usage of an Infrared Sauna
must be discontinued if you experience pain near any such implants. Silicone does absorb Far infrared energy. Implanted silicone or
silicone prostheses for nose or ear replacement may be warmed by the Far infrared waves. Since silicone melts at over 200°C
(392°F), it should not be adversely affected by the usage of an Infrared Sauna. It is still advised that you check with your surgeon and
possibly a representative from the implant manufacturer to be certain.
14. PACEMAKER / DEFIBRILLATOR
The magnets used to assemble our units can interrupt the pacing and inhibit the output of pacemakers. Please discuss with your
doctor the possible risks this may cause.
In the rare event, you experience pain and/or discomfort, immediately discontinue sauna use.
I have read and understand the contraindications for use of infra-red sauna and acknowledge that none apply
to me.
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Patient Financial Policy
Thank you for choosing Genesis Natural Medicine Center as your naturopathic health care provider. We are committed to walking
with you on your road to good health. It is important to us that you understand your financial responsibility to Genesis to ensure
there will not be any misunderstanding regarding payment for services rendered. Please ask us if you have any questions about our
policies or your responsibilities. Carefully review the following information and return this form to us with your signature and
today’s date.
Our doctors require that all patients complete the New Patient Intake Form prior to seeing the doctor. This information needs to be
updated annually or at the time of an appointment if there are information changes (i.e. address, name, email, insurance
information, etc.).
PAYMENT: We require full payment at the time of service. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Our policy is to take
credit card information before a phone consult unless other arrangements were made prior to the appointment.
INSURANCE: It is the patient’s responsibility to provide Genesis Natural Medicine Center with current, accurate insurance
information. Our doctors use your insurance information when working with one of our labs so they can submit the claim for
payment. There are some insurance plans that do not cover labs when ordered by a naturopath (i.e. Medicare, AHCCA, Tricare,
etc.). When your insurance changes please give the front office your new insurance card.
Genesis understands how expensive health care can be for our patients. We have partnered with Ronnette’s Medical Billing and
Coding to provide to you an excellent referral service to enable you to file your claim for reimbursement. Ronnette’s Medical Billing
and Coding charges our patients $10 to file a claim. She accepts cash and checks only. If you choose to use her service, we will
collect the payment during checkout and provide you with her information. Ronnette picks up receipts to begin the reimbursement
process once a week. She will contact you to discuss the details of her service with you.
MEDICARE: Only our Chiropractor accepts Medicare. If you are a Chiropractic patient and a Medicare recipient, please provide us
with your current Medicare card. You will be charged the Medicare allowable rate at the time of service. Our Medical Biller and
Coder will file your claim for reimbursement. Your reimbursement will be mailed directly to you. If you have any questions, please
speak to our front office.
GYNECOLOGY VISITS: If a Pap test has been ordered, the lab bill will either be submitted to your insurance, or billed directly to you.
DISCOUNTS: Genesis Natural Medicine offers discounts to patients. After the first initial appointment, any follow up visits reflect
only the time spent with the doctor. We do not charge a flat rate for follow up visits as is the practice of many medical offices. We
charge based on 15 minute increments, this gives our patients a considerable savings.
Many patients do not have insurance. We offer lab work at doctor pricing. This is a significant savings for our patients.
When our patients enjoy a massage, acupuncture or colon hydrotherapy for the first time at Genesis, we give a 20% discount. We
also give our patients a FREE first time Far Infra-red experience.
At Genesis Natural Medicine Center the more expensive a supplement is, the deeper the discount. It is important to us to offer
supplements that are Rx quality at the best possible rate.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Genesis Natural Medicine Center has a 24 hour cancellation / rescheduling policy. The doctor has reserved
your appointment time specifically for you. For your convenience, we will call you 48 hours in advanced to remind you of your
appointment.
If you miss your appointment, cancel or change your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged $50.
Thank you for understanding our Financial Policy. We appreciate the opportunity to provide our services for your medical needs. If
you have any questions, we encourage you to speak with the front office.
I have read and understand the Genesis Natural Medicine Center Financial Policy.
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Naturopathic Informed Consent to Treat
Consent: I hereby request and voluntarily consent to the performance of naturopathic treatments and/or other services related to
naturopathy, including various modes of physical therapy and diagnostic procedures, on me (or on the patient named below, for
whom I am legally responsible) by doctors and practitioners at Genesis Natural Medicine Center.
I understand that this office utilizes many forms of diagnosis and therapy including but not limited to:

Physical exam: e.g. general, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gynecological, abdominal, respiratory, neurological, and
urological.
 Medicinal use of nutrition: therapeutic nutrition, nutritional supplementation
 Botanical medicine: botanical substances may be prescribed as teas, alcoholic tinctures, capsules, tablets, creams, plasters
or suppositories.
 Homeopathic medicine: the use of highly dilute quantities of naturally occurring plants, animals and minerals to gently
stimulate the body’s healing responses.
 Lifestyle counseling and hygiene: diet therapy, promotion of wellness including recommendations for exercise, sleep,
stress reduction and balancing of work and social activities.
 Psychological counseling
 Colon Hydrotherapy
 Hydrotherapies: e.g., hydrocolator, contrast treatments, wet sheet wrap, WAON therapy
 LED light therapy
 Far Infra-red Sauna
 Acupuncture
 Soft tissue manipulation: massage, neuro-muscular technique, muscle energy stretching, visceral manipulation.
 Contraception and hormone replacement therapies
 Intravenous, Intramuscular and Subcutaneous injections: nutritional supplementation, therapeutic nutrition, pain
management, joint care
 Chiropractic
 Gynecology
No Guarantee: I understand that results are not guaranteed.
Recital of Risks: I understand and am informed that, in the practice of medicine, there is some degree of risk to treatment. Within
the general healthcare setting for services from doctors and practitioners, the possible outcomes of these practices range from
minor to fatal.
I understand that some herbs and supplements may be inappropriate during pregnancy, and I will notify the doctor if I am or
become pregnant or have another condition of which he is unaware.
I will inform the doctor and or practitioner if I experience any gastrointestinal upset (nausea, gas, stomach ache, vomiting), allergic
reactions (hives, rashes, tingling of the tongue, difficulty breathing, headache), or any unanticipated or unpleasant effects associated
with the herbs, supplements or other treatment prescribed by the doctor or practitioner. I understand that while this document
describes the major risks of treatment, other side effects and risks may occur. I do not expect the doctor or practitioner to be able
to anticipate and explain all risks and complications, but I wish to rely on the doctor and practitioner to exercise judgment during the
course of any treatment or therapy and act in my best interest.
Agreement and Continuous Effect: I have read, or have had read to me, the above consent. I have also had an opportunity to ask
questions about its content, and by signing below I agree to the above-named procedures. I intend this consent form to cover the
entire course of treatment for my present condition and for any future condition(s) for which I seek treatment.
I, _____________________________________ , am of sound mind and able to understand the naturopathic services offered to
me in relation to my health care at Genesis Natural Medicine Center.
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HIPAA Compliance Form
How We Collect Information About You: Genesis Natural Medicine Center, PLC (“Genesis ”) and its employees collect
data through a variety of means including but not necessarily limited to letters, phone calls, emails, voice mails, and
from the submission of applications that is either required by law, or necessary to process applications or other requests
for assistance through our organization.
What We Do Not Do With Your Information: Information about your financial situation and medical conditions and care
that you provide to us in writing, via email, on the phone (including information left on voice mails), contained in or
attached to applications, or directly or indirectly given to us, is held in strictest confidence.
We do not give out, exchange, barter, sell, lend, or disseminate any information about applicants or clients who are
treated by Genesis as it is considered confidential and is restricted by law, or has been specifically restricted by a
patient/client in a signed HIPAA consent form.
How We Do Use Your Information: Information is only used as is reasonably necessary to provide you with health or
counseling services (including notification of health lectures, seminars, events, etc.) which may require communication
between other health care providers, medical product or service providers, pharmacies, and other providers necessary
to: verify your medical information is accurate; determine the type of medical supplies or any health care services you
need; or to obtain or purchase any type of medical supplies, devices, or medications.
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PATIENT HAND-OUT
Far-Infrared Sauna
Valuable Clinical Tool for Cardiovascular, Autoimmune, Toxicant-Induced and other
Chronic Health Problems
There are several distinct types of saunas: Finnish steam sauna, dry-heat sauna, infrared saunas, and far-infrared (FIR) saunas.
Infrared saunas utilize a different heating element and typically do not achieve the same temperatures as the radiant heat saunas.
There are also no hot rocks on which to splash water for humidity. There are two main types of infrared saunas – infrared and farinfrared (FIR).
Cardiovascular
Saunas appear to be an effective form of treatment for various forms of heart disease. Despite concerns to the contrary, saunas are
not associated with increased mortality from cardiac death or myocardial infarction (MI) in countries that routinely use saunas.
Post-Myocardial Infarction
A Finnish study investigated the cardiovascular response to sauna in 69 men who had experienced an MI in the previous 4-6 weeds
and compared the response to that of 32 healthy controls (non-MI). All persons in the sauna group had increase cardiac output
without trouble, and the post-MI group showed no adverse effects from sitting in the sauna. Although the sauna increased cardiac
workload similar to brisk walking, only 8% of the men experienced cardiac dysrhythmias during a sauna, compared to 18% who
experienced dysrhythmia during a submaximal exercise test.
Hypertension
Several German studies have examined the effect of radiant-heat sauna therapy on person with hypertension. Taking saunas just
once every two weeks resulted in increased ventricular ejection fraction (7-8% improvement) in 19 men. FIR saunas appear to
positively influence blood pressure. Individuals with at least one coronary risk factor sat in a FIR sauna at 140 degrees for 15
minutes (followed by 30 mins of bed rest) daily for two weeks. Participants who underwent FIR sauna had significantly lower systolic
blood pressure than those who did not. One mechanism for blood pressure reduction may be increased production of nitric oxide in
response to FIR sauna therapy.
FIR sauna has also been studied for obesity and hypertension. Persons in this study participated in either cardiovascular exercise for
15 mins with 30 mins of FIR sauna (130 – 140 degrees) or 15 mins of exercise only (the control group) three times weekly for eight
weeks. Subjects in the sauna group lost 1.8 times as much weight and 4.6 times as much body fat as controls. The diastolic blood
pressure drop was 1.8-times greater than in the exercise-only group and the systolic drop was 3.3-times greater.
Congestive Heart Failure
Three intervention studies on the effect of FIR saunas for patients with CHF have been published by a group of Japanese researchers.
In each study, the participants all improved through use of FIR sauna. In addition, 17/20 in the sauna group reported in
improvement with clinical symptoms.
Anorexia nervosa
FIR sauna treatments have been shown to help people with anorexia nervosa. According to the report, patients have gained weight,
experienced a reduction in “hyper” activity, and regained emotional balance.
Depression
Twenty-eight patients with mild depression, general fatigue, and appetite loss were divided into treatment and control groups.
Fourteen subjects participated in 20 FIR sauna sessions over a 4-week period. Each session lasted 15 mins in a 140 degree unit
followed by 30 mins of bed rest with a blanket. When compared with the control group, FIR sauna treatment produced statistically
significant improvement in somatic complaints, hunger and ability to relax.
Autoimmunity
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) participated in four weeks of twice weeky FIR
saunas. Sauna sessions were 30 mins in duration at 130 degrees. During the time period while in the sauna, all participants enjoyed
a statistically significant temporary reduction in pain and stiffness. Overall, the patients showed mild improvements in pain,
stiffness, and fatigue.
Chronic Fatigue
Some patients were treated with FIR sauna for 15 mins at 140 degrees followed by 30-minute sessions of resting under a blanket.
This protocol was followed for 5-days per week for six weeks. Patients reported dramatic improvements in fatigue, pain, sleep
disturbances, and low-grade fevers. Patients continued with twice weekly sessions for 11 months.
Depuration and Elimination of Impurities of Sweat
Sauna therapy has been used as a component of several multi-component depuration protocols. Depuration is a term used to
describe the removal of impurities from the body, especially from bodily fluids like sweat and urine.
Saunas are used as a component of depuration protocols because they increase sweating, which in theory might increase the
excretion of impurities, such as heavy metals, found in sweat.
Contraindications for Sauna Therapy
Published recommendations suggest that persons with aortic stenosis, unstable angina, severe orthostatic hypotension, or any
history of recent MI avoid sauna therapy. It is recommended that persons with fevers and certain skin conditions (cholinergic
urticaria, abrasions and oozing rashes) avoid saunas.
Safety of saunas during early pregnancy is an area of uncertainty.
Summary
Sauna therapy has a long history of safe use in several populations. Saunas are considered to be quite safe when used correctly.
Most adverse events linked to saunas appear to involve the consumption of alcohol prior to entering the sauna. The cardiac stress
from a sauna does not appear to increase risk of death.
There is growing evidence of on the clinical use of saunas for therapeutic purposes. Evidence suggests that sauna therapy is an
effective and underutilized treatment for a variety of cardiovascular problems. Sauna therapy appears to promote improved blood
pressure in persons with hypertension.
Sauna therapy is used for the effectiveness of the removal of impurities from the body.
As with any therapy, please always consult with your personal physician.