Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of the practice?
The mission of Balu Natarajan, M.D. is to partner with our patients and energize the body and the mind so we maximize the Human Potential.
Our Covenant
Balu Natarajan, M.D.S.C. will enter the world of health care, more complex than ever, and will do what it takes to provide the finest health care for the (discriminating) patient.
We will seek out and retain patients who wish to be involved in their care, and who will put forth the highest effort to improve their quality of life.
We will customize treatment to fit the individual, taking into account emotional and spiritual needs.
We will help to maximize the potential of each individual’s body and mind, by educating our patients about the benefits of sport, physical activity, and fitness.
We will live what we preach.
We will be guided by the Hippocratic Oath, to First Do No Harm.
We will maintain the highest standard of customer service. We will only seek out and retain staff who live life by this model.
Are there forms to fill out?
Below are the forms you will need to fill out before seeing the doctor. To save time please feel free to download, complete, print, and submit these before you arrive to the appointment. You will need to have the latest Adobe Reader installed on your computer which can be found here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/. Make sure to fill out all highlighted fields or you may encounter issues with submitting the form. If you have completed these forms we request that you still arrive 5-10 minutes before your first appointment.
If you’re having trouble with the form above, please download, print out, and complete the forms below, which are in PDF format.
What should I expect for my first visit?
When you call, the receptionist will ask a few basic questions to assess how much time is needed for your appointment. For your first appointment, please plan to arrive early to complete the necessary paperwork or you may ask us to fax it to you in advance.
Initial evaluations usually take 30 minutes and includes a conversation with Dr. Natarajan about your physical history & the injury and an examination.
How do you pronounce the doctor’s name?
Nuh-Trodge-Un
Is parking available? Is public transportation near?
Free parking is available at our North Ave. location. If you prefer public transportation, we are a short distance from the North and Clybourn Red Line Station and on the Halsted and North Avenue bus routes.
At the Wabash location, there is street parking, the lot at 20 E. Randolph, and valet at the front of the building.
What should I bring to the visit?
If you are an athlete, especially runners, we suggest that you bring your shoe wear, a pair of shorts, a t-shirt and jogging bra for women. This is so Dr. Natarajan can examine your gear and so our patients feel the most comfortable during the exam.
In addition, please bring your insurance card, referral if you are an HMO patient, paperwork and any questions you may have for Dr. Natarajan.
When are co-payments due and what forms of payment are accepted?
Co-payments are due at the time of the visit and before the exam. We accept checks made out directly to the doctor and cash. We currently accept all major credit cards.
How do I get test results?
In general, test results will be given to you within one week. Test results can be discussed in person, by phone, or by e-mail. Please talk to Dr. Natarajan about these options.
MRI test results require a follow-up appointment to discuss with Dr. Natarajan.
What is the procedure to cancel or re-schedule an appointment?
Please cancel or reschedule appointments with at least 24 hours notice. This helps us to better serve you and all of our patients.
Is that Dr. Natarajan in the documentary SpellBound? And did he really win the 1985 National Spelling Bee?
Yes, Dr. Natarajan was interviewed for the documentary SpellBound and yes, he did win the 1985 National Spelling Bee.
Winning the “Bee” was definitely an important experience in his life and opened many doors for him. He is quick to note that the victory is not his alone and that his parents, family, community and school share equally in this accomplishment. He also adds that the 1985 Spelling Championship is just one event in his life and that he is more proud of being a good doctor and the work he does with his patients than his title as 1985 Champion.
Is the doctor an athlete?
Dr. Natarajan is a recreational athlete and often runs into his patients along the lakefront. He finds that as a runner he can better relate to the common aches and pains his patients experience.
What is a Doctor of Osteopathy?
A Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) is a doctor who is fully licensed to practice medicine and can practice in all specialty areas including surgery. D.O.s receive additional training in osteopathic manipulation so that they can use their hands to diagnose injury and illness and treat it in order to encourage the body's natural tendency toward good health.
What is osteopathic manipulation?
Osteopathic manipulation involves using a hands-on approach to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Using this technique, the osteopathic physician (D.O.) moves muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.
What is the difference between a D.O. and a chiropractor?
D.O.s are trained to consider the health of the whole person and use a hands-on approach to diagnose and treat patients accordingly. A D.O. has similar training as an M.D. and can practice medicine in any capacity, including surgery. Another difference between a D.O. and a D.C. is that a D.O. is trained to prescribe medications and perform office procedures such as injections, but a D.C. is not.
Will insurance cover for an osteopathic adjustment?
Most insurance companies do cover for an adjustment performed by a D.O. On the other hand, Medicaid and Medicare do not provide coverage for this treatment. If you have HMO insurance, you will need a referral from your Primary Care Physician.
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