OptiZone Total Health Program

Our OptiZone program consists of the following:

Physicians Consultations.  In the first visit, you will have a consultation with Dr. Tom Gross, chiropractic neurologist or Dr. Laura Gross, chiropractor, who will perform a comprehensive history and general physical exam.  Based on the results, our team will develop your individualized OptiZone Program.

Wellness Coaching.  In these sessions you will review the results of your metabolic typing questionnaire with our wellness coach, Jill Hambleton.  Together you will plan your nutritional program designed for your specific metabolic needs as well as discussing how food can make a direct impact on your new lifestyle transformation.

Applied Kinesiology.  AK employs a diagnostic and therapeutic methodology which is broad in scope and is organized to teat neurological, biochemical, organ related, energetic and even some kinds of emotional issues.  Genuine health is a product of the interrelated dynamics of all aspects of life.  AK provides a genuine whole person approach to health and wellness.
Dr. Tom Gross has studied AK under some of the most highly regarded teachers in the world.  He has developed techniques which delve deeply into the roots of dysfunction in human metabolism, neurochemistry and neurology.  He has discovered practical ways to unravel some of the most difficult health challenges facing society today.

OptiZone Program Duration

The program consists of approximately 15 visits in total for an average patient.  Over three months this includes your initial new patient visit with the doctor as well as nutrition and therapy appointments.  There will be at least two appointments with Dr. Tom to discuss lab results and recommendations.  You will also have a six month follow up and a one year follow up with your chiropractic physician.

Information For People Who Live Out-of State
Patients from all over the world have benefited from our program.  While it is optimal for an individual to be on-site for an initial exam, it is not required for enrollment in the OptiZone program.  When necessary, sessions may be conducted with our practitioners by phone.  There are some cases however, where it may be recommended that a patient visit our office.

What You Can Expect From Our Program

• We take the time to listen.  Our practitioners schedule more time with you than a typical doctor visit for a good reason:  To truly understand your condition and assist with your physical, emotional and spiritual healing takes time and we are committed to your success.

• We perform an in-depth laboratory analysis and medical history for each patient.  Our testing is much more comprehensive that traditional laboratory testing.  We evaluate the lab values from a functional perspective rather that from a disease state.  In other words, “normal” values reflect that one is not yet within pathological range, but normal does not indicate “optimal.”
• We treat the root, not symptoms.  Our goal is to help you find and understand the hidden causes of your health challenges and create a customized recovery plan for you.

• We help you regain your vitality through lifestyle changes and natural food supplements that allow your body to heal itself.  Most conventional medical practices focus on expensive drugs that only suppress the symptoms and can cause harmful side-effects.

• We emphasize education to empower you with the knowledge for maintaining your optimal health for a lifetime of wellness.  Once you enroll in the OptiZone program you will be registered for informative internet telecasts scheduled throughout the year.

• We offer an atmosphere of support.  In our program you are not on your own.  Our vision is to become a community of wellness.  Our friendly family-style staff is committed to your wholeness and will do all we can to assist you on the road to recovery. 

• Confidentiality.   All of our interactions, conversations, emails, faxes, etc., will remain strictly confidential. 

• Professional Care.  Be assured that our practitioners have the highest level of integrity and professionalism.  We will seek to increase your chances of achieving total wellness as we continuously assess the ongoing benefits of our services to you.

Program Cost

Optimal health is priceless.  There is no greater resource of wealth than our wellness.  Without your health, all other things in your life, spiritual purpose, family, friends, careers, possessions, and dreams cannot be enjoyed to their fullest.  Unfortunately most people make little or no investment in this precious gift until they begin to lose it.  The good news is that we are designed for wellness.  Once we remove dis-ease causing habits and begin practicing a lifestyle of health and wellness, our reward is abundant vitality. 

What is your health worth to you?

The OptiZone Program designed to achieve total health. Costs will vary depending on the patients needs.

You may be eligible for insurance coverage.  Medical insurance is designed to cover "medically necessary services in the "standard" treatment of disease. Many services implicit in the OptiZone program are not considered medically necessary in the present "Medical Insurance Model", as these services are rendered in the pursuit of "optimal health." Please see our section on Insurance to determine your eligibility.

Cost of Services:

Wellness Program
The Wellness program will involve more basic Laboratory evaluations and is expected to take less face to face time and fewer visits with the doctors and therapists.  This program is suitable for anyone who is not on any prescription medications, recognizes there is wisdom in knowing your strengths and vulnerabilities and who wants help identifying and overcoming any vulnerabilities to optimize their health and resilience.

Chronic Illness Program
The Chronic Illness program will involve more in-depth laboratory evaluations and is expected to require more thorough and more frequent clinical visits. Laboratory Analysis will include comprehensive blood labs workup with additional specialty labs to include Organic Acids, Essential Fatty Acids, Food Sensitivities,

Autistic Spectrum Program
The Autistic Spectrum Program will involve highly specialized laboratory evaluations and specialized therapeutic interventions. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)

Q:  Can I bring in my own lab results from a previous doctor’s visit?

A:  You are welcome to bring a copy of your blood work results for us to review but we perform more comprehensive lab tests than standard labs.  Therefore, it is required that for each patient enrolling in the OptiZone Program to run our specific battery of lab tests.

Q:  How do I know if your program and practitioners have worked with my condition and are able to treat me?

A:  The vast majority of diseases and health concerns are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle (diet, emotions, sleep, sun exposure, exercise, stress, environmental poisons, etc.)  Our experience tells us that disease conditions dramatically improve with lifestyle correction and nutrition supplements.  The focus of our program is treating the root causes of the symptoms and guiding the patient to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Before You Schedule

Please review the following important considerations that are essential factors in scheduling appointments for new patients.

• Discuss the program and cost information with your family members and obtain any consent you may need.
• It is important and recommended for the person doing the majority of shopping and cooking for the patient to also attend the nutrition appointments.
• Be aware of your own schedule in order to successfully complete all OptiZone Program appointments. 

Optimizing Your Success

In our experience, we have found the following steps to enhance the results our patients can achieve with our OptiZone Program.

Keep an open mind and be ready to work.

We understand that making this first step towards change may be difficult and challenging.  We provide many tools and levels of support to ease this transition for you.  We are ready to coach and encourage you on your healing path.  We rely on you for information to formulate the best plan to meet your goals.  Ultimately you need to be aware that it is your responsibility to make the necessary changes in order to be successful.

Commit to yourself.

Following through on commitments that you make to yourself and others is vital when it comes to improving your health.  Because the OptiZone Program is designed to treat the whole person it is necessary to complete the entire recommended program.

Know your health insurance and financial situation.

You have made a wise investment by starting the OptiZone Program.  Most of our patients have some type of health insurance to help them pay for the cost of their care.  It is your responsibility to know your plan, limitations and exclusions.  Candy Foor handles our insurance billing and will be glad to help you contact your insurance company if you have any questions.

Optimize your phone consultations.

This is a convenient and efficient way for out-of-state patients to meet with our practitioners.  It is most helpful to have all your materials in front of you.  We will call you at the designated appointment time.  You may tape the conversation to refer to at a later time.  If you have small children or other people or pets that may demand your attention during the appointment, please arrange for them to be taken care of by someone else during your session.  You will enhance the benefits of your consultation if you give it your full attention.

Write down questions before your visit.

You can best utilize your time during appointments if you have given some thought to the information you need. 

Helping Increase Your Success

• You have control over what you eat, choose wisely.

• There is no substitute for a daily dose of sunshine, fresh air, exercise and a good night’s sleep.

• The quantity of water that you drink will have a profound impact on your health.  Please be sure to drink enough pure water.

• Eat your foods as fresh and organic as possible.

• There are two basic ways to improve health—put good food in and leave junk food out.

Location and Directions

Mills River Family Chiropractic is located at:

4144 Haywood Rd.
Mills River, NC 28759

Phone:  (828) 891-8868

We are approximately 5 miles south of the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).