Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Advanced Wellness Center and Research Foundation (a.k.a. AWC)?
AWC is an alternative healthcare facility unlike any other. We provide cutting edge treatments which target the root causes of disease and sickness, instead of just treating the individual symptoms.
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Does AWC only practice alternative medicine?
No, although AWC does emphasize the alternative approach to health, Dr. LaCava may integrate more traditional means of treatment if he deems such a path more beneficial.
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Does AWC accept health insurance?
Yes. AWC has made it a point to make health insurance an option for our patients. We are currently BC/BS providers and we are actively seeking more coverage agreements. For in-network patients, we submit all the paperwork directly to the insurance carrier. For out-of-network patients, we provide one copy of the completed insurance form to be turned in separately by the patient.
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What makes AWC different from any other facility or Doctor?
Unlike most other healthcare professionals, AWC and Dr. LaCava offer a hands on approach to your health. At AWC we take the time to get to know each patient and to nurture a strong partnership between both patient and doctor that is almost unknown in today's medical world.
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What is Chelation?
Chelation is the process of removing from the body certain types of harmful metals and toxins which can build up in each person's system over a period of time, due to harmful environmental poisons, toxins and pollutants. Chelation can come in pill form, through injection, or through an IV.
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What is IV therapy?
IV therapy is the process of introducing certain vitamins, minerals and other agents into the body directly via an IV. This immediately impacts the body's system and allows for a quicker path by which the body can begin to repair itself. It also acts as a catalyst in flushing out the body's system. The IV is formulated differently for each patients needs and this formulation is typically referred to as a cocktail.
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Where is AWC located?
AWC is located in Elgin, IL, on the corner of I-90 and Randall Road, in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Need directions?
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How long does an average appointment last?
An average appointment at AWC varies greatly depending upon your treatment process. If you are a patient that is being chelated (through IV) or receiving an IV cocktail, a typical appointment could last for less than one hour or up to three hours.
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What can I expect on my first visit?
During your first visit to AWC one can expect to spend about 1.5 to 2.5 hours with the doctor. This gives us enough time to go through your complete medical history, give you a physical and determine the best course of action to address your particular health concerns.
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Why does AWC need my COMPLETE medical history?
The complete medical history allows us to get a complete grip on your health status. Over the course of a lifetime each person is exposed to different environmental factors which necessitate a completely different and unique treatment process for each individual. The more we know, the better we can help to resolve your health concerns.
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What type of payments does AWC accept?
AWC accepts cash, cashiers checks, money orders, personal checks, and most major debit/credit cards.
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How long has AWC been in practice?
AWC has been open since August of 2005. However, Dr. LaCava has been practicing medicine for 30 years and has for years integrated his alternative treatments in with his regular regime to treat patients' ailments.
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Is AWC flexible with its hours?
Yes. AWC prides itself on its flexibility and although the official office hours are 8a.m.-5p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 8-Noon on Friday, we try to be flexible if these hours are not convenient for you.
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How long does a typical treatment period last?
Treatment varies for every case. Ideally, AWC would like to get to know you as a patient so that we can properly handle your unique health needs. Therefore, a treatment period could last one visit or 3 months to successfully address your health concerns. However, it may require more or less time depending on your particular case.
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What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the replacement of hormone deficiencies located within the body with the exact hormones that the body produces, in similar concentrations. This helps to re-stabilize the body's system so that it can begin to function properly again.
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What is HGH therapy?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) therapy is a type of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that targets falling levels of HGH in the body. This typically occurs with aging and its replacement is one form of anti-aging medicine.
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What is a bio-stress evaluation?
A Bio stress evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation of the total stress load on an individual's system, including: environmental, physical, psychological, nutritional and spiritual stressors. The reduction of stress to acceptable levels is frequently associated with a return to better health.
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If I'm traveling a long distance to AWC, where can I stay?
AWC is conveniently located next to a number of hotels. If you have any questions or need any information simply Contact Us or check out our Directions page and let us know how we can help.
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What is Mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a type of therapy in which problems areas of fat in the body are dissolved by means of direct injection of various agents, which could include vitamins, minerals or hormones.
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