Van Buskirk Osteopathic
Van Buskirk Osteopathic
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Welcome to the practice of Richard L Van Buskirk, DO

Welcome to the practice of Richard L Van Buskirk, DOWelcome to the practice of Richard L Van Buskirk, DOWelcome to the practice of Richard L Van Buskirk, DO

Richard Van Buskirk, DO is an osteopathic physician who treats problems of muscles, tendons, joints, bones & nervous system. 

Visit Our Clinic

(941) 924-1729

Welcome to the practice of Richard L Van Buskirk, DO

Welcome to the practice of Richard L Van Buskirk, DOWelcome to the practice of Richard L Van Buskirk, DOWelcome to the practice of Richard L Van Buskirk, DO

Richard Van Buskirk, DO is an osteopathic physician who treats problems of muscles, tendons, joints, bones & nervous system. 

Visit Our Clinic

(941) 924-1729

About Us

Our offices are at 1217 East Avenue, Suite 310, Sarasota, Florida 34239

You can find us in the middle building  in the Midtown Medical Offices on East Avenue across the street from Michael's on East.

Restoring balance

We continue to offer skilled and compassionate medical care at our new location.

We offer expert diagnosis and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints and the related nervous system. Our primary focus is using Osteopathic manipulative treatment to help you achieve the goals of balance, improved mobility and reduction of the discomfort that comes from musculoskeletal restriction. When necessary and appropriate we also use nerve blocks, joint, tendon, muscle and tenderpoint injections and prolotherapy injections.

About Us

Our Health Mission

Physician Who Cares

Our Health Mission

Our practice focuses on restoring balance to the muscles, joints, bones and the nervous system. Whether the imbalance has developed because of trauma or the simple accumulation of small restrictions the result can be restricted motion, abnormal function and pain. We facilitate the bodies' natural healing using osteopathic manipulative treatment, injections where appropriate, and encouraging healthy lifestyles including exercise and stretching. 

Experience

Physician Who Cares

Our Health Mission

With 35 years of training and experience and an international reputation Dr. Van Buskirk will focus on providing a diagnosis of your musculoskeletal problem and facilitating the best treatment possible. His background in Neuroscience and Family Medicine compliments his specialty of Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine allowing for accurate analysis of the effects of other organ systems on the function of your nerves, muscles, tendons, joints and bone. He is the re-discoverer and developer of the Still Technique, a unique and internationally recognized osteopathic manipulative method that has proven effective in dealing with patients' neural and musculoskeletal problems for over 25 years.

Physician Who Cares

Physician Who Cares

Physician Who Cares

Our motto is healing the Body. Not only do we treat your existing conditions, we also help you prevent pain and illness from occurring. We strive to help you improve your quality of life, achieve your wellness goals, and heal your body to live your best life possible.  

 

About the Osteopathic Practice

What is Osteopathic medicine

Richard L. Van Buskirk, DO, PhD, FAAO

Richard L. Van Buskirk, DO, PhD, FAAO

Osteopathic medicine is an American medical practice licensed in all 50 states and 65 other countries. It was first developed in the late 19th Century by Andrew Taylor Still, MD.  Osteopathic medicine is a patient-focused approach to medical care that  looks at every aspect of the patient, including physical, personal, and spiritual well-being. An osteopathic physician (DO) understands that the  body is more than just a sum of its parts. The focus of an osteopathic medical practice is to assist the patient’s innate capacity to heal. Traditionally that has included addressing the  interrelationship of the body’s nerves, muscles, bones and organs.  Osteopathic physicians are licensed to prescribe medicine and practice  in all medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. 

Richard L. Van Buskirk, DO, PhD, FAAO

Richard L. Van Buskirk, DO, PhD, FAAO

Richard L. Van Buskirk, DO, PhD, FAAO

Dr. Van Buskirk is an internationally recognized osteopathic physician who has been in private practice in Sarasota, Florida for over 28 years. He is Board Certified in and has practiced Family Medicine and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. Before attending the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine he was an Associate Professor in Physiology and Neuroscience, having earned his PhD from Duke University. Dr. Van Buskirk is a Fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy and has served for 21 years on the Board of Governors of the American Academy of Osteopathy. He is responsible for the rediscovery of and redevelopment of one of Dr. Still’s primary manipulative methods, the Still Technique. He is the published author of books, medical and scientific articles and has given lectures and courses in North America, Europe, Australia and Japan.  

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine?

Osteopathic manipulative methods used by Dr. Van Buskirk

Osteopathic manipulative methods used by Dr. Van Buskirk

The muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints and connective tissue (fascia) make up 80% of the body's mass and volume. Restrictions in the ability to use any part of the body because of injuries, disuse, disease or trauma can have profound effects on our ability to function. The interrelationships of all body organs, including the musculoskeletal system is fundamental. What affects a part, affect all. The musculoskeletal system affects all other internal organs and in turn is affected by them in both health and disease. Musculoskeletal restrictions may or may not be visible to an outsider and may or may not be seen on x-rays and other radiological studies. Even so we clearly experience them, sometimes even with pain. Using his or her hands the trained osteopathic physician examines your body and determines where these restrictions are and what movement is still present. Diagnosis and treatment will be based on knowledge of both the normal and potential abnormalities as well as the relationships of all the parts of this complex system to each other, the nervous system and the other organs of the body. Treatment always includes some form of manual medicine but may also include prescription of medications, injections or referral to other physicians or surgeons..

Osteopathic manipulative methods used by Dr. Van Buskirk

Osteopathic manipulative methods used by Dr. Van Buskirk

Osteopathic manipulative methods used by Dr. Van Buskirk

The primary manipulative method used by Dr. Van Buskirk is the Still Technique. It involves induction of motion by the physician in the restricted tissue without force. It is generally pain-free.

Other methods commonly used by Dr. Van Buskirk include Muscle Energy, Counterstrain, Balanced Ligamentous Tension and Cranial Osteopathy

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Please contact us directly with any questions, comments, or scheduling inquiries you may have at 941-924-1729


Email Contacts:

for new patient inquiries and downloads contact mandy@vanbuskirkosteopathic.com

for existing patient medical questions contact nursing@vanbuskirkosteopathic.com

Van Buskirk Osteopathic

1217 S. East Avenue, Suite 310, Sarasota, FL 34239, US

Phone: (941) 924-1729 Fax: (941) 927-9375

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08:45 am – 05:00 pm

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Practice Services

Diagnosis of problems relating to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and bones.

Diagnosis of rheumatological problems.

Evaluation of role of the brain, spinal cord and nerves as they relate to the musculoskeletal system. 

Diagnosis and treatment of headaches, sciatica, head injuries, arthritis, spinal disc disease and spinal stenosis and involvement in the diagnosis of neurological disorders such as myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis.

Evaluation of the role of other organ systems like the thyroid, cardiovascular and respiratory systems in musculoskeletal complaints.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) using Still Technique, Muscle Energy, Counterstrain and Cranial osteopathy.

We also provide when appropriate:

Joint, tendon and ligament injections.

Peripheral nerve blocks.

Prolotherapy.

Basic exercise and stretch prescription

Self treatments.

Fixed prices for cash-paying patients

Non-Medicare Cash prices for an office visit and treatment*


New Patient:           $470.00

Returning Patient:   $335.00


      * Does not include injections.

Practice News

7/1/2020: We are no longer participating providers with Aetna Insurance.


6/18/2018: After more than 9 years at the Tamiami Trail location our office has moved. Our new medical office is at 1217 S. East Avenue, Suite 310, Sarasota.


03/20/2009:   For those Patients who were last seen when the practice was on Bee Ridge Road please note that our new address is 2900 S. Tamiami Trail

FAQs

Question: Do you bill my insurance company even when I pay cash?

VBOsteo: Yes, if you ask us to. In many cases your are more likely to be repaid by your insurer in a timely fashion if you send your claim yourself. In that case we will provide you with the claim and notes as needed. Remember that just because we bill them doesn't mean they will pay.


Question: Do you take Medicare?

VBOsteo: We are non-participating providers for Medicare. This means that we do not accept assignment. We expect to be paid up front. Our charges are what Medicare allows for non-participating providers. We do bill Medicare for you and Medicare will reimburse you part of your expense. Your secondary most likely will also reimburse you their part. Typically a small portion of what you paid us will not be reimbursed. This is generally less than 10% of what you paid us.


Questiion: Do you take Medicare Replacement or Medicare Advantage Plans?

VBOsteo: No. We are happy to see patients with Medicare Replacement Plans. We require payment at the time of service. We use the same charge structure used for regular Medicare patients. We do not participate in any of these Medicare replacement plans. Some of them may reimburse you but unfortunately some of them chose not to reimburse for this practice's services. We have found that the most effective way for you to receive reimbursement is for you to submit the necessary paperwork yourself. We will provide you with any information including the billing charges and codes and if necessary the encounter notes.


Question: Do you take any regular medical insurance?

VBOsteo: We are not participating providers with any medical insurers. We do not take insurance payments from Aetna, Blue Cross, United Healthcare or Cigna. Because we are not participating providers for your insurer we expect payment at the time of service based on our fixed fee for service schedule (see above).


Question: What is your policy of missed office visits?

VBOsteo: If you know you are not going to be able to come at the scheduled time we ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance. We will offer a reschedule at that time. If a medical emergency prevents you from coming in for a scheduled office visit please let us know as soon as possible. In all other cases we may bill you $150 for the missed office visit.

  

HIPAA: Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities.

In general we only use an officially HIPAA compliant Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to record your medical information. Our medical practice email is also HIPAA compliant. This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

Your Rights

  • You have the right to: 
  • Get a copy of your paper      or electronic medical record
  • Correct your paper or      electronic medical record
  • Request confidential      communication
  • Ask us to limit the      information we share
  • Get a list of those with      whom we’ve shared your information
  • Get a copy of this privacy      notice
  • Choose someone to act for      you
  • File a complaint if you      believe your privacy rights have been violated

Your Choices

You have some choices in the way that we use and share information as we: 

  • Tell family and friends      about your condition
  • Provide disaster relief
  • Include you in a hospital      directory
  • Provide mental health care
  • Market our services and      sell your information
  • Raise funds
  • Our Uses and Disclosures

We may use and share your information as we: 

  

  • Treat you
  • Run our organization
  • Bill for your services
  • Help with public health and safety issues
  • Do research
  • Comply with the law
  • Respond to organ and tissue donation requests
  • Work with a medical examiner or funeral director
  • Address workers’ compensation, law enforcement, and other government        requests
  • Respond to lawsuits and legal actions

Further information on Your Rights

When it comes to your health information, you have certain rights. This section explains your rights and some of our responsibilities to help you.

  • Get an electronic or      paper copy of your medical record 

You can ask to see or get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other health information we have about you. Ask us how to do this. 

We will provide a copy or a summary of your health information, usually within 30 days of your request. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.

  • Ask us to correct your      medical record

You can ask us to correct health information about you that you think is incorrect or incomplete. Ask us how to do this.

We may say “no” to your request, but we’ll tell you why in writing within 60 days.

  • Request confidential      communications

You can ask us to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address. 

We will say “yes” to all reasonable requests.

  • Ask us to limit what we use      or share

You can ask us not to use or share certain health information for treatment, payment, or our operations. We are not required to agree to your request, and we may say “no” if it would affect your care.

If you pay for a service or health care item out-of-pocket in full, you can ask us not to share that information for the purpose of payment or our operations with your health insurer. We will say “yes” unless a law requires us to share that information.

  • Get a list of those with whom      we’ve shared information

You can ask for a list (accounting) of the times we’ve shared your health information for six years prior to the date you ask, who we shared it with, and why.

We will include all the disclosures except for those about treatment, payment, and health care operations, and certain other disclosures (such as any you asked us to make). We’ll provide one accounting a year for free but will charge a reasonable, cost-based fee if you ask for another one within 12 months.

  • Get a copy of this privacy      notice

You can ask for a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you have agreed to receive the notice electronically. We will provide you with a paper copy promptly.

  • Choose someone to act for      you

If you have given someone medical power of attorney or if someone is your legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights and make choices about your health information.

We will make sure the person has this authority and can act for you before we take any action.

  • File a complaint if you feel your rights are violated

You can complain if you feel we have violated your rights by contacting us using the information on this web site.

You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/.

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Your Choices

For certain health information, you can tell us your choices about what we share. If you have a clear preference for how we share your information in the situations described below, talk to us. Tell us what you want us to do, and we will follow your instructions.

In these cases, you have both the right and choice to tell us to:

  • Share information with your family, close friends, or others      involved in your care
  • Share information in a disaster relief situation
  • Include your information in a hospital directory

If you are not able to tell us your preference, for example if you are unconscious, we may go ahead and share your information if we believe it is in your best interest. We may also share your information when needed to lessen a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.

In most cases we never share your information unless you give us written permission:

  • Marketing purposes
  • Sale of your information
  • Most sharing of psychotherapy notes
  • In the case of fundraising:
  • We may contact you for fundraising efforts, but you can tell us not      to contact you again.

Our Uses and Disclosures

How do we typically use or share your health information? 

We typically use or share your health information in the following ways.

  • Treat you

We can use your health information and share it with other professionals who are treating you.

Example: A doctor treating you for an injury asks another doctor about your overall health condition.

· Run our organization

We can use and share your health information to run our practice, improve your care, and contact you when necessary.

Example: We use health information about you to manage your treatment and services. 

  • Bill for your services

We can use and share your health information to bill and get payment from health plans or other entities. 

Example: We give information about you to your health insurance plan so it will pay for your services. 

How else can we use or share your health information? 

We are allowed or required to share your information in other ways – usually in ways that contribute to the public good, such as public health and research. We have to meet many conditions in the law before we can share your information for these purposes. For more information see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/index.html.

  • Help with public health and      safety issues

We can share health information about you for certain situations such as: 

  • Preventing disease
  • Helping with product recalls
  • Reporting adverse reactions to medications
  • Reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
  • Preventing or reducing a serious threat to anyone’s health or       safety
  • Do research

We can use or share your information for health research. Generally this information is stripped of all identifiers.

  • Comply with the law

We will share information about you if state or federal laws require it, including with the Department of Health and Human Services if it wants to see that we’re complying with federal privacy law.

  • Respond to organ and tissue donation requests

We can share health information about you with organ procurement organizations.

  • Work with a medical examiner or funeral director

We can share health information with a coroner, medical examiner, or funeral director when an individual dies.

  • Address workers’      compensation, law enforcement, and other government requests

We can use or share health information about you:

  • For workers’ compensation claims
  • For law enforcement purposes or with a law enforcement official
  • With health oversight agencies for activities authorized by law
  • For special government functions such as military, national       security, and presidential protective services
  • Respond to lawsuits and      legal actions

We can share health information about you in response to a court or administrative order, or in response to a subpoena.

Our Responsibilities

We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information. 

We will let you know promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.

We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this notice and give you a copy of it. 

We will not use or share your information other than as described here unless you tell us we can in writing. If you tell us we can, you may change your mind at any time. Let us know in writing if you change your mind. 

For more information see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html.

Changes to the Terms of this Notice

We can change the terms of this notice, and the changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our web site.

Richard L. Van Buskirk, DO

November 9, 2018

Downloads for New Patients

Patient History 2018a (pdf)

Download

WELCOME FROM OUR STAFF 2018 (pdf)

Download

TO ALL NEW PATIENTS 2018 (pdf)

Download

Back Pain Scale (pdf)

Download

HIPAA notice to patients 2018 (pdf)

Download

Authorization to Release Medical Records (pdf)

Download

rescheduling and missed appointment fee (pdf)

Download

PATIENT REGISTRATION 2023 (pdf)

Download

Patient Education Downloads

Four Quadrant Neck Exercises (pdf)

Download

FEEDBACK MUSCLE ACTIVATION FOR LOW BACK 050610 (pdf)

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The Statins and Coenzyme Q10 (pdf)

Download

Osteoporosis (pdf)

Download

Omega 3 Fish Oil (pdf)

Download

Natural Anti-inflammatories (pdf)

Download

Mistracking knee cap (pdf)

Download

Jammed sacrum release 112520 (pdf)

Download

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