While many people are usually familiar with a doctor of medicine (M.D.), fewer patients may be knowledgeable about what a D.O. is. A doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) is a fully credentialed physician or surgeon who specializes in a whole-body approach to patient care. Osteopathic physicians practice in all areas of medicine and are unique and highly sought-after because of the close, partner-like relationship they are able to develop and maintain with their patients. The primary goal of a D.O. is to help their patients achieve optimal health and stay well throughout their lives using holistic, personalized care approaches.

With one-quarter of today’s medical students enrolled in colleges of osteopathic medicine throughout the country, this field of care is becoming increasingly prevalent. Throughout their education, medical degree candidates learn all about the musculoskeletal system, comprising all of the muscles, nerves, and bones that play a role. Using this knowledge, osteopathic surgeons are able to focus on prevention and healing through lifestyle and environmental modifications. As a D.O., Dr. McKerahan will work to help you achieve a sound body, mind, and spirit along with relieving your symptoms and managing your medical conditions.

Osteopathic medicine is a branch of medicine that centers around the internal systems of the body and how they all work together to heal from illness and disease. The goal of an osteopathic physician is to improve your health by helping you achieve unity across each of your body’s systems. The musculoskeletal system plays an especially crucial role because it comprises each of the muscles, nerves, and bones that make up your body. If something is out of whack, other parts of your body often soon follow suit. It is the job of an osteopathic physician to detect the issue, fix it, and work with you as everything else falls into place.

The primary difference between these two types of medical doctors ultimately boils down to their philosophy of care. While medical doctors tend to focus on research-based medicine and surgical solutions to manage any conditions you may have, D.O.s take a whole-body approach to improve your overall wellness. Since M.D.s and D.O.s are both highly trained professionals with years of experience, the choice between one over the other comes down to your preferences and what you would like to get out of your medical care.

Please request your pharmacy to notify us when you need refills. You may also request refills through our Patient Portal or by calling the office. Please allow up to 72 hours for refills to be approved. Refills are done during normal business hours Monday to Friday.

Yes. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for referrals to specialists to be processed.

All referrals must be authorized by the physician and you may be required to come in for an appointment before a referral is made.

If you are seen by a specialist without a referral, your insurance company may not cover the cost of the visit and you may be responsible for the entire cost. Referrals may not be done retroactively. It is your responsibility to obtain a referral before you see your specialist.

If you are unable to make your appointment, please allow 2 business days to cancel your appointment. This is a courtesy to us and to other patients since your cancellation will free an appointment for a sick patient to be seen. Appointments canceled sooner will incur a $25 cancellation fee.

Yes, you may call the office anytime. However, we encourage patients to use our Patient Portal where you may e-message your Provider. This is often a more efficient means of communication with faster response times. Nevertheless, you may always call the office and inform the staff member the nature of your call. Your message will be communicated to your Provider and your call be returned by staff with an answer to your question. You may need to schedule an appointment.

If you are admitted to the hospital we request that you inform the hospital to send your medical records to our office and schedule a follow up appointment as soon as possible when you return home so we can take care of you and your medical problems.

We will refer you to the laboratory contracted with your insurance company. Fasting labs: This means 12 hours without food.. You may drink water or black coffee only, and you should take your medications that are scheduled for the day, except for diabetes medicines.

All lab and X-ray results are posted on our Patient Portal.