INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY
OPENING SUMMER 2022
OPENING SUMMER 2022
OPENING SUMMER 2022
OPENING SUMMER 2022
about
THE PRACTICE
Rheumatology?
WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE
Integrative Rheumatology combines the specialties of rheumatology (pediatric rheumatology in this case) plus integrative medicine. It is a unique niche of rheumatology that blends traditional (Western) practices with evidence-based complementary therapies. In the management of juvenile arthritis for example, pharmaceuticals and a procedure such as a joint injection are used in addition to the anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, massage, acupuncture, and mindfulness training. This 360 degree approach allows us to optimize acute and chronic disease management while teaching children about resilience and adaptability.
.png)
Joint Injections
.png)
Immunosupression
.png)
Supplements
.png)
Sleep
.png)
Nutrition
.png)
Movement
.png)
Mindfulness
.png)
Acupuncture
WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE
Medicine?
Integrative medicine combines the best of both conventional and complementary medicine. For kids with chronic illnesses, integrative medicine allows us to take a proactive approach to their medical needs because it tends to sick care and simultaneously evaluates for less obvious factors that contribute to their disease activity, such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, resilience, and social support.
​
Not all rheumatic diseases are alike, and every child with a rheumatic condition is different. An integrative approach accounts for the uniqueness of their condition, lifestyle, and personality while emphasizing how important it is for the child to take ownership of their own health. Unlike our current model of U.S. healthcare, this process does not allow the patient to be a passive recipient of their medical care. It promotes active participation from the child and their family, helping them understand that being “healthy” in the setting of a chronic illness is not a one-step process, but a life-long journey that requires responsibility.
WHO CAN PRACTICE INTEGRATIVE
Medicine?
Unfortunately, not all practices that claim to be "integrative" or "holistic" have practitioners who are specifically trained in integrative medicine. This is an extra fellowship in addition to residency and sub-specialty training that teaches evidence-based uses for complementary therapies. For example, if your provider recommends supplements, they should also educate you on the indication for taking the supplement, the evidence for its use, the risks and benefits of the supplement, potential drug interactions, and how to ensure you are buying quality products.
Rheumatologist?
WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC
Pediatric rheumatologists are doctors that are specialized in diagnosing and treating children with autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions, which together are called pediatric rheumatic diseases. They can affect a child's muscles, joints, and connective tissues. Autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders both stem from malfunctioning of the body's immune system but differ in which part of the immune system it affects. They can have overlapping symptoms like unexplained fevers, fatigue, muscle aches, joint swelling and stiffness, rash, and mouth ulcers.
More time with your doctor with extended visits.
A doctor who addresses acute & chronic care needs.
Same Day or Next Day Visits & Minimal to No Wait Times
Option to chat with us via Phone, Text,
or Email.
Flat fee visits, no copays, or surprise cost. Full Transparency.
Rheum to Grow
Why Does
Not Accept Medical Insurance?
Due to the level of detail, time, and comprehensiveness of your child's care, Rheum to Grow does not accept medical insurance. This means full payment is due at the time of the visit. This model is also known as a cash pay or out-of-network practice.
A flat fee is charged for each visit. Here, all fees are transparent - there are no copays, deductibles, facility fees, or surprise bills. Multiple visits may also be bundled together for a lower overall fee. After the initial consult, Dr. Singla typically sees her patients every 3-4 months for follow-ups, so about 3-4 times per year total. If you have out-of-network insurance benefits, you can submit a receipt (called a superbill) and your insurance may reimburse part or all of the visit. Our office can help give you the information needed for this process.
​
The direct nature of this practice (i.e., no middleman insurance company to dictate length or cost of the visit) translates to a smaller practice volume, a strong doctor-patient relationship, extended appointment times, next-day or same week appointments, and optional home visits when needed. With this arrangement, Rheum to Grow is able to deliver much higher quality of care for your child’s chronic condition. In general, our goal is to play offense and be as proactive as possible in your child's health while playing defense when it's necessary.
Medical Insurance?
Why Pay Cash If I Have
In general, why would you pay more for any service?
It comes down to your needs and values. Would you rather a doctor focus only on one problematic symptom and contain the visit to 15-20 minutes? Are you okay waiting for 2-3 days to get a response to questions about your child's health? Are you fine waiting weeks or even months for an appointment?
​
At Rheum to Grow, we don't just focus on the symptom(s) at hand-- we take a step back and assess if lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, physical activity, and stress/anxiety have an impact on your child's symptoms and diagnosis (for the now and future). Dr. Singla orders labs, imaging, medications, performs joint-injections, and refers to other specialists like traditional pediatric rheumatologists, but she also teaches you how to symptom track, focus on nutrition related to autoimmune conditions, supplements as indicated, mind-body tools to address the uncertainty of a chronic illness, performs acupressure, and so much more!
If you value in-depth and detailed visits, prompt communication, and timely availability with your child's specialist, then the traditional insurance-based practice may not be the right fit for you. Assess what your needs are, and pick accordingly.
Simplifying Health Care
Other Providers
Extended patient visits
After-Hours Access to your Physician (no mid-levels)
Urgent Telehealth visits from any location (even if patient is out of state/country)
Same Day or Next Day Visits
Minimal to No Wait Times to be seen by sub-specialist
No copays, deductibles, or co-insurance
Smaller sized practice with a limited panel of patients to allow personalized care.
Larger sized practice in a larger office setting, multiple practitioners, and staff members
Care is directed by insurance companies including need for referral or prior authorization to see specialist
More time spent in the waiting room than with the doctor
Focus on preventative care in the setting of chronic illness
Production oriented: practice is reimbursed based on number of patients seen, time per patient visit is limited.
Care is directed by insurance companies including need for referral or prior authorization to see specialist
Pediatric rheumatologist with extra 2-year fellowship in integrative medicine
Doctor with more time to coordinate care with your child’s providers/specialists and school nurse/administrators.