NOTE: these Questions and Answers are also a part of the Guidelines that are shared with patients when they have initially scheduled their appointment and receive their initial paperwork. Updates are done in the Guidelines periodically but this section of the website represents updates, as needed, which are not always in the Guidelines right away. This information is also reminded to be reviewed in the newsletters that are sent out monthly. It is important to view these from time to time to remain current, as this is your responsibility. The intention is to provide clarity and clear understanding. Dr. Antonio Aragona seeks to provide the utmost quality of care and communication.
Question: Which package plan should I enroll in?
Answer: Most patients are coming in with health issues, therefore, Package A is best as it is financially economical. Option B is truly for that individual unable to commit to Package A due to time restraints or cost. 95% of payments opt for Package A. Furthermore, Option C is another option that can be considered. Please note, that this discussion is to be had at the initial consultation. There is some flexibility with the payment schedule (as you’ll read in the Guidelines you’ll receive), along with determining the best time-related protocol.
Question: Are supplements included in the overall plans offered?
Answer: No, supplements are a separate charge and vary per individual’s needs, what is determined at the consult, and what the individual is capable of affording. This is a discussion that is had at the time the recommendations are provided.
Question: I am a student, is there a discount?
Answer: No, there are no discounts for students.
Question: Can you tell me more about Panchakarma? Or, I am interested in Panchakarma, how do I proceed?
Answer: You may also be inquiring about Panchakarma, which is great, but your eligibility is dependent upon and determined when we meet, and as we work together; which all starts with this first step in becoming Antonio’s patient. Panchakarma is NOT something that Dr. Antonio jumps into upon first meeting. His current model of practice does not utilize this option at this time. Check this link HERE for details on this process. Importantly, Dr. Antonio is not currently providing direct panchakarma but is offering shamana karma, or “Palliative Care.” See HERE for details. Additionally, should you be eligible, resources can be provided for adjoining facilities to experience this in-depth process.
Question: How does this all work when starting to work with Dr. Antonio Aragona AD?
Answer: 1) Please read the remaining document for those answers. 2) You’ll receive Guidelines, per email #2, once and only after the deposit has been submitted.
Question: What forms of payment are accepted?
Answer: Cash, Check, Credit Card, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, and HSA/FSA
Question: What happens if I fail to complete my payment(s) before the next package protocol starts? Or, what would happen if I don’t pay for the services provided after 24 hours as indicated in the guidelines that are signed?
Answer: Good question! 1)Your next appointment will be canceled unless you provide full payment the day of or prior to your next session. 2) Dr. Antonio’s accountant, who manages his finances and works diligently to ensure he closes out each work week (by Friday) with all accounts paid so this makes his job easier and Antonio’s, there will be a daily added penalty charge of $5.00 a day on top of the original fee due, up until seven days of non-payment. After seven days, the total balance due which includes the original payment and the additional $5.00 per day fee will be sent to the collection agency in place. Once the collection agency receives such an account, they will pursue payment, and any charges they add due to their service will be added to each individual’s total amount to be paid.
The only time the expected payment falls outside of this guideline is when the patient/caregiver has communicated any specific financial hardship that would require such accommodations. Even in these cases, said payment is required to be paid by a certain time in order to avoid penalties as mentioned previously. Some special arrangements could be made but this depends heavily on communication between the patient and Antonio.
These changes are being implemented due to the inconvenience that involves Antonio having to pursue patients/caretakers of patients and payments that should automatically be paid within 24 hours or as soon as possible. It takes an added level of energy, being self-employed, and not having an assistant, to have to follow up with such things when he could be allocating that energy elsewhere and productively.
Question: When coming to this site, what should I look at to better clarify this process in working with Dr. Antonio?
Answer: It is important to read this page, its contents, and questions. It is important to thoroughly read through the Guidelines when you’ve received them at stage 2 of email correspondence. Doing this will help save time and energy in making this process smoother and more efficient so that we can dive in further without taking time away from the sessions. (when possible) Between this questions section, the Initial Client email, the Welcome email containing content, along with forms as mentioned below, will clarify a lot of inquiries. Dr. Antonio tries to make this as seamless, efficient, and effective as possible for both you and him.
Question: What is the policy on Gift Certificates?
Answer: Prepaid gift certificates are non-refundable and there is no cash exchange. Gift certificates are valid for one year from the date of purchase. ALL SALES ARE FINAL!
Question: What is the policy on Package Plan A?
Answer: Should you decide not to complete the package, you will default to Option B and will be required to claim the retroactive amount within the three-month window the package was initially designed for, per deposit date. Otherwise, there are no refunds after three months of package purchase. All sales are final! Any unused sessions can still be claimed within the year if this is an option, which is similar to Gift Certificates and other session purchases.
Question: Are there refunds on packages/package sessions?
Answer: Once a package is purchased and begun, there are no refunds on the sessions received. Any incomplete sessions can be refunded to you within a year’s time of purchase, after the year it is completely nonrefundable and ALL SALES FINAL. Additionally and as indicated in the Guidelines, that are received by all active patients, should you receive sessions but not complete the package, package A defaults to the pay-per-session option, and the balance difference between the sessions is required to be paid, and as soon as possible. (This is because package A is discounted and requires commitment) Furthermore, any unclaimed package/session after a year is non-refundable and all sales are final. It is up to you to follow up with Dr. A about this, as needed.
Question: How long will it take to get better?
Answer: This is determined case by case and no set time limit can be given. A lot depends on how chronic the condition is, how disciplined you are in the recommendations and follow-up with treatments/protocols, and time.
Question: What if I start working with Dr. Antonio and I’m not able to continue?
Answer: Depending on the case, but in most cases, this is not ideal as Antonio creates a protocol that is layered and once the work starts it is like starting to cook a meal but then turning it off a part of the way, which would cause the dish to be improperly cooked and improperly digested. Similarly, in this case, it would/could cause or deepen present issues. Therefore, it is essential to see it through once the work starts. This generally is at least 6 months - 12 months.
Question: What conditions can you help with? Can you help with “x,y,z”?
Answer: It is not easy to say in some cases and is determined case by case. Additionally, it is difficult to say without doing a proper assessment and meeting you. Generally, Ayurveda can help in all cases. Expectations are assessed as well at the consultation. In rare cases when something is out of Dr. Antonio’s capacity, he will be able to make a referral to address this as a specialty.
Question: What ages does Antonio work with?
Answer: Dr. Antonio works with all ages.
Question: Are there senior discounts?
Answer: Yes. Please review the Rates and Basic Plans tab. Additionally, senior discounts do not apply to treatments such as the full Abhyanga, Shirodhara, or Bliss Session.
Question: What is a good book to learn about Ayurveda?
Answer: The short answer is to go to Ayurveda Medical school/obtain clinical training. Otherwise, Dr. Antonio could suggest some basic books to give a general understanding of certain topics as per the New Age Ayurveda model. Additionally, Dr. Antonio provides ample resources on his website discussing various topics that include some aspects of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha medical concepts.
Question: How can I learn more about Vata, Pitta, and Kapha? And/or more about my constitution?
Answer: There are several ways to learn about this. 1-see previous question and answer 2-Antonio can cover this material overtime in working with him 3- The internet can provide general contexts, including other various other websites that offer Ayurvedic educational material such as Banyan Botanicals, LifeSpa, and even Still Point Ayurveda under the HealthTidbits tab, along with links to Still Point Ayurveda provided in the monthly newsletter (once subscribed) 4- Antonio does offer occasional Ayurveda based workshops from general information to his seasonal cooking classes. 5-Importantly, according to Classical Ayurveda, the notion of knowing what “my dosha is” is an inappropriate way to identify and contextualize how Ayurveda works and is not traditionally practiced this way.
Question: What is the basic cost of a treatment session?
Answer: This can vary per treatment ranging from as low as $75.00 for the Japanese Foot Bath to $300.00 for the Bliss Session. The average one-hour session is $125.00. You can also view the Specials of the Month to see what is being offered. Package plans are available for the Full Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and Bliss Sessions. The average Full Abhyanga single session cost is $165.00 and for the Shirodhara, it is $150.00. Package plans are discounted only. Please note that for the shirodhara’s the same oil (your oil) can be used a few times and can be kept for a few months.
Question: Is it okay to text or email Dr. A with specific questions? Is it okay to text/email Dr. A to schedule appointments?
Answer: (This is a two-part answer) 1-Yes, if you are a new patient with interest in connecting and coming in. 2-Generally no, as questions should be kept in a log and asked at your appointment. (see #4 below for clarification as to why). Should there be certain questions that are essential Dr. A recommends a brief phone session, with details on rates for the time required that are expressed in the Guidelines once you’re a patient of his. 3-With regard to scheduling, if the appointment isn’t able to be scheduled within two emails, Dr. A recommends a phone call to expedite this process in order to avoid numerous emails/texts being responded to. Phone calls are the quickest form of communication to schedule most efficiently. 4-As we are all overwhelmed with texts and emails, please note that non-urgent texts/emails will be responded to in your next session, or we can schedule a time to do so. (Charges will apply) Otherwise, answers will be very short, when needed, and if I provide any response. Energy must be conserved, therefore, no offense intended. Please do your best otherwise.
Question: When arriving at the session, how soon does the appointment start?
Answer: 1) Upon arrival and when seated at his desk, the time begins at that moment especially when he asks questions and begins to review any forms provided. Additionally, should Dr. Aragona side-track with stories as per establishing a connection this time is calculated and deducted at the conclusion of the session when he is finalizing the charges for the time utilized. Additionally, for in-office sessions, 2) If the appointment was scheduled to have a treatment session but the initial check-in exceeds 10 minutes, sessions will default to a follow-up session only and forgo the treatment. The reason for this is to prevent the feeling of having a rushed session which would not be conducive to Dr. Antonio’s energy in having to “get it all in under 50 minutes.” This would also not have the deeper therapeutic effect that is required of the treatment itself for the patient. Generally, within the context of a package plan, there will be some appointments dedicated to lengthier check-ins and questions so that the scheduled treatment dates can have a fuller effect. 3) If Dr. A does not have a patient or other responsibility scheduled after this session, and you would like your full treatment even after the lengthier check-in, Dr. Antonio is willing to accommodate this with the addition of the overtime fee applied. This will be communicated ahead of time. 4) If you are later than 15 minutes to your appointment, the remaining time will be used to check-in.
Question: If there are notes to be reviewed, questions, other labs/medical reports/scans, or even journal assignments, when should they be sent and when will they be reviewed by Antonio?
Answer: They should be sent ahead of time so that is already in the email box and ready to be saved into clients’ individual folders. Any supportive documents will be reviewed at the time of your appointment and at the beginning of the session. This is part of your session time and can take anywhere from 5-15minutes on average to review. If there is a hands-on treatment of sorts that follows, the treatment will continue but be adjusted accordingly. If there are a lot of questions at the beginning of the session, this will take time away from the treatment but sometimes these questions and their answers are pertinent to the overall process and protocol design to ensure success. The reason for reviewing these documents at your session time is due to a few reasons. For example, historically, Antonio would review documents before the appointment, and then the appointment would be rescheduled or occasionally canceled, which would then have used up Antonio’s time when he could be focused on something else. Each moment is valuable and much information is gained regardless of how it is spent in honor of your care. It is also important to note that there will not always be documents to review but there will always be questions from either or both parties at the beginning of the session at least; follow-up questions by Antonio are essential in ascertaining information pertinent to your care, and the best management of time and efforts in the whole process. Sometimes patients feel like they want longer sessions, and whether it is 25 minutes or 50 minutes, there will always be a desire for this. This latter point is also an appreciated compliment to the work that Antonio provides and it brings him great joy to provide a hands-on experience, as many enjoy his expertise and touch. Additionally, some of the questions are answered through the Health Tidbits of the month section of this website and indicated in each monthly newsletter you are subscribed to. Dr. Antonio may refer to this section to further clarify certain concepts in order to save some time and be more efficient, in your in-person session. But, Dr. A always welcomes questions and will do his best to answer them and/or provide resources for them.
Question: Does Antonio provide home visits?
Answer: Antonio does an occasional home visit if there is something urgent, but does not require emergency assistance. This does not apply to treatment sessions. The rate for home visit charges can be found in the Guidelines received after you have scheduled your appointment.
Question: If my supplements haven’t arrived yet, should I still attend the follow-up appointment?
Answer: Yes, of course! For the work to be successful commitment and consistency are essential components that are required. There is always more to do and plans to be reassessed when progress is being hindered for whatever reason.
Question: If I haven’t been consistent with my recommendations, should I postpone the next visit?
Answer: No, similar to question #19, it is important to maintain the appointments for the purposes of commitment to the process and consistency. Over time, it comes together more and more and requires a certain level of dedication. Even if you haven’t been consistent with or followed all the recommendations, this is still progress and by meeting with Antonio he can continue to be an anchor to help you move forward with the work. Everyone works at a different pace, and depending on the nature of the conditions that Antonio is addressing with you there may be some flexibility with the recommendations. In some cases, the ones that require more work and effort, Antonio will inform you of the importance of proceeding, especially knowing that stopping suddenly could cause more issues either immediately or in the long run. Hence, the importance of meeting with Antonio as scheduled so that both of you can put your heads together to come up with ways to continue with the work in order to achieve the desired outcome which is wellness in whatever capacity.
Question: Regarding phone sessions, at the time of the call who calls who?
Answer: Since it is your appointment, it is up to you to call for your session time.
Question: What are these journal assignments about?
Answer: This assignment is on average a recording of two weeks of daily practices that are completed on a specific template provided. The purpose of this is to imagine Dr. A following you day in and day out for this period of time as a means of assessment to obtain information that could provide key elements in the overall care protocol and to optimize success. Antonio can monitor better when more information is provided. The more he knows, the more he can see, and the more he can support you. Oftentimes, within the framework of Ayurveda “it” being health/ill health is in the details and small things. Oftentimes, it is the little things unnoticed that create the bigger complications.
Question: Is there parking?
Answer: Plenty on Chew Avenue and Cliveden Street. View the Contacts Tab and click Philly locations for directions.
Question: Is the neighborhood safe?
Answer: Yes. There are many factors such as being close to a school, neighborhood watch, and neighbors watching, along with local law enforcement that generally patrols the area, that support the safety of the location. Mt. Airy is noted in Philadelphia as having a low rate of crime compared to many other parts of the city.
Question: How quickly does Dr. Antonio return messages?
Answer: Generally, within 24 hours. If it is a weekend, and not urgent for pre-existing patients, then usually the following business day, and if it is considered needed.
Question: Does Dr. Antonio see patients virtually, or globally?
Answer: Yes. Dr. A is global! Telehealth-Zoom and phone sessions and even WhatsApp are options. See below side note for details. This applies even if you reside local to Philadelphia but commuting may be an inconvenience. There’s no reason not to “come in” one way or another, especially with modern technology, should you choose.
Question: Can you tell me more about appointments and when not to come in?
Answer: Generally, when you have an appointment, you come in. You can also refer to the Guidelines received or that you’ll receive when you get the second email with documents for you to review and complete prior to your appointment and you’ll notice elaborate details about cancellations and/or rescheduling. Additionally, unless you have COVID, a fever, diarrhea, an emergency, or work-related last-minute responsibility, you are expected to come to your appointment. For example, if you have a cold, no fever but just feeling a little run down, that’s what Dr. A is here for. Come on in and he will help things along more quickly. If you feel absolutely unable to leave your home due to feeling ill, then you can also cancel without the penalty fee being applied for a missed session.
Question: What is Dr.A’s cancellation policy on appointments?
Answer: 1) For initial appointments, a 50.00 non-refundable deposit is required to hold the appointment. Should the appointment be canceled, the patient will not receive the deposit and in the event that they cancel in less than 48 hours, an additional penalty fee will be applied. If they cancel in less than 24 hours, the full fee for the initial consultation will be applied. This is in addition to the 50.00 deposit being kept. 2) For current patients, less than 48 hours notice of cancellation and non-emergent incurs a penalty fee of 50.00 and less than 24 hours is the full fee for the session. These fees must be paid in order to avoid collections becoming involved.
Question: What would the cost be for “telehealth” sessions?
Answer: The same cost as in person for the Initial Consultation and Follow-up sessions. Details are provided once the Guidelines have been received and once the deposit has been made. Additionally, telehealth sessions that are understood to be a half hour are specified as “up to a half hour,” consisting of around 20-25 minutes, and those that are an hour are specified as “up to an hour,” which is mainly 45-50 minutes, in order to clarify that not the full amount of time may be needed for the session.
Question: Are there any hidden fees or surprise fees that are charged?
Answer: No. Antonio is very transparent about costs that are mentioned in a few areas including Rates and Basic Plans on his website, in the Guidelines that are emailed once a person has submitted their deposit, and in person when he specifies the direction of care and/or protocols involved. Antonio runs a very honest and transparent practice, and with full integrity.
Question: Does Dr. Antonio Aragona AD just do consultations?
Answer: In most cases, no. Spending 1.5-2 hours assessing and reviewing information about a client at the initial appointment is a lot of time to have no fruits come from it. It is an expenditure of energy and best case scenario only a general understanding of things would come of it but nothing substantial to work with. Protocols are begun from that first session and the energy that goes into such planning is involved. Hence, Dr. Antonio does not really just do a consultation without a commitment as he is committed to the process and requires the same.
Question: Does Antonio just see someone who wants a massage or other types of treatment?
Answer: Yes. Most of his clients come for Ayurvedic health support but he does have an occasional client that comes in for a massage, reiki, Thai, or even CST without the Ayurvedic component.
Question: When I go for a regular massage, does Antonio also make suggestions on my current health issues of mine?
Answer: The quick answer is no since your health is considered valuable to Antonio and he feels that taking the time to have a proper Ayurveda Consultation to begin working with him is worth the investment in your well-being. He may make a general recommendation but is more focused on mechanics based on the primary presenting complaints that bring you to see him for a massage, but these will only be superficial, if at all.
Question: Does Dr. Antonio accept any form of health insurance?
Answer: No. Only cash, check, credit card, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and HSA/FSA.
Question: Are there refunds on supplements purchased?
Answer: Once the supplement has been received, there are no refunds whether opened or unopened. All purchases are final.
Question: Does Still Point Ayurveda have guidelines that are to be read, signed and followed?
Answer: Yes. For the intention of full transparency, ALL new patients receive the most recent Guidelines and Disclaimer that is signed at the initial appointment. Dr. Antonio will not work with anyone who hasn’t signed it. Periodically, these Guidelines are updated and rather than repeatedly redistributing copies of this form each time, and in order to reduce the number of forms to sign and emails to review, you can view any additional updates of these Guidelines/Disclaimer under this section of Common Questions and Answers. It is your duty to do so.
Question: Does Antonio do general consultations?
Answer: No. this is not an option. The amount of time that goes into meeting for the consult creating a protocol/plan of action, and writing up the recommendations and all that this entails is too much energy and time spent on something that will not bear any fruits. Historically, Dr. A would do the consultation without the commitment from the beginning and found this was not a proper use of time or money for anyone as Antonio would give a basic general idea of what Ayurveda can do in health conditions and potential herbs and treatments but again this was only general information and not useful for the purposes of the individual’s intention. Therefore, Antonio does not do general consultations any longer.
Question: What does the actual session time with Dr. A generally look like?
Answer: Generally, for those of you who come in for sessions, after the initial consult time, I will be more focused on the hands-on aspect of our time together, and I will allocate every second or third session (determined case by case) to more comprehensive dialogue as part of our follow-up sessions; though, I will ask essential questions within the first few minutes of our time together to gather succinct information pertaining to the protocol direction. This change will help by a) preventing "getting it all in" b) keeping the focus on the overall treatment plan in place since the actual treatments are relative to the overall process, and c) making our time together more efficient. Please note that telehealth sessions will continue to be the same.
Question: Does Dr. A accept new patients?
Answer: Always! Dr. A is always open to taking new patients. The waiting list isn’t very long, so you are sure to get in to see him within a reasonable time. Generally, Dr. A books two to three weeks ahead of time but sometimes there is that one slot that is perfect for a new person to book.
Question: Does Ayurveda address conditions such as Lymes, Cancer, and HIV?
Answer: Ayurveda doesn’t directly focus on the diagnosis but on the individual who has the diagnosis. It has a vast scientific approach to addressing any condition that the human condition sustains. Whenever an individual is involved with Western Medicine/Allopathic Medicine, Ayurveda can surely and absolutely be a great adjunct and asset to the process by incorporating treatments, herbal formulas, and dietary recommendations to help aid the body accordingly.