Why Choose Advanced Physicians?
History
When Dr. Dana Vallandigham opened her solo chiropractic practice in Willowbrook, Illinois, she sought ways to expand the care of her patients. While managing her practice, she continued her studies and became a certified proctor for Texas Chiropractic College for manipulation under anesthesia. She joined the staff at Suburban Hospital in Hinsdale and at the Water Tower Surgery Center in Chicago, where she taught other chiropractors how to perform manipulation under anesthesia. Her practice grew, and she invited her brother, Dr. Rick Vallandigham, to join her at her Willowbrook Clinic.
The synergy between these two energetic visionaries has created one of the most recognized multidisciplinary clinics in the United States. Their unique approach has been enormously successful – growing from 1 clinic and 1 doctor in 1992 to nine clinics and 140 employees in 2007.
Although classically trained as chiropractors, the Vallandigham's recognized the importance of other disciplines. Because physical therapy was a part of the protocol for performing manipulation under anesthesia, physical therapists were added to their staff in 1995. Patients appreciated the convenience of on-site physical therapy and the staff appreciated the ability to provide efficient and timely care.
In 1997 the practice outgrew its original facility and moved to a larger location in Willowbrook. The addition of an M.D. board-certified in physiatry (physical medicine and rehabilitation) gave the clinic a new dimension. Prescription medications, diagnostic tests and medical procedures were added to the arsenal of the Advanced Physicians group. Patients no longer needed physician referrals to be treated at the clinics. However, referrals are gratefully accepted, and referring physicians are kept up-to-date on the status of their patients and invited to stay involved in patient care. For patients without primary care physicians, staff doctors are able to make referrals to doctors whose clinical philosophies mirror those of Advanced Physicians.
Beginning with the second clinic in Homer Glen in 1999, the growth of the practice has been spectacular. In 2001 a Chicago clinic was added, followed by two more clinics (Naperville and Plainfield) in 2003. Finally, 2005 saw the addition of a clinic in Bolingbrook, a second in Naperville, and the completion of a 25,000 square foot flagship facility in Crest Hill. The Crest Hill facility boasts on-site MRI, interventional pain management, orthopedic surgery consults, neurosurgery consults and drug/alcohol testing and employment physicals.
The Siemens high field 1.5 Tesla MRI is considered an industry leader and produces the best image in the least amount of time. Although it is a closed system (a closed system provides better quality than an open MRI) the unit is housed in a bright and airy room with plenty of windows, alleviating claustrophobia issues. Considered the standard of care for the diagnosis of many musculoskeletal conditions, the availability of MRI scans to staff physicians is considered a key element in the proper diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Interventional Pain Management addresses issues of sub-acute, chronic, persistent and intractable pain using traditional and more innovative techniques. A benefit is the ability to have the patient begin physical therapy immediately and at the same location. This allows the healing process to begin without pain, thus increasing the chances of success.
Occupational Therapists were brought on board to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations and to design work conditioning programs allowing a safe return to work. A pediatric occupational therapy program was implemented in 2006.
The ninth clinic opened in Joliet in April 2007.
What's Ahead
- The Aurora clinic is scheduled to open in spring of 2008.
Summary
Dr. Dana and Dr. Rick Vallandigham are true visionaries, and have assembled a diverse group of professionals with the expertise to provide a unique, holistic approach to the rehabilitation of both mind and body. They have been recognized by local and federal organizations as leaders in ethical practices for their industry.
What makes them even more special is that they continue to look for ways to increase their value to their patients – always innovating, always considering the needs of the patient population they serve, always ready to try something new.
