The Ground Floor: Ely chiropractor keeps it simple

Doug Kremer said he likes to keep things simple.

That philosophy of simplicity has informed all aspects of Kremer's new chiropractic practice, from its location to how he interacts with his patients.

First, the Epworth native, who lives in Solon and previously commuted to Cascade to work for a chiropractor there, eschewed the larger communities of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City when opening his own practice. Instead, he opted to locate the practice in Ely.

'I'm a small-town guy and I like the small-town atmosphere,' he said. 'I fit in pretty well here.'

Next, he found an old bank building available for rent and took possession last August. Wanting to avoid the complications of obtaining a business loan, he gutted the building and did the renovation work himself, even building the reception desk.

'I opened totally loan free,' he said. 'I put in a lot of sweat equity to save money.'

Kremer began seeing patients at Naturally Chiropractic in November. He said he chose the name of his practice to reflect his philosophy.

'I keep it really simple and natural,' he said. 'I focus on the adjustment the patient needs and don't like to complicate things.'

Wanting to provide his patients the tools to be healthier, Kremer sets daily goals around three aspects of good health — eating well, moving well and thinking well. For example, the daily goals may include drinking more water, walking one mile and counting your blessings.

'I teach people stuff they can use on a daily basis to get healthier,' Kremer said. 'I take it to heart that the meaning of 'doctor' is to teach. But I don't give patients a lot of data. I give them the right mind-set.'

Now that he has been operating Naturally Chiropractic for several months, Kremer said he has found a need to adjust one aspect of his practice.

'Right now, I am cash only,' he said. 'It's part of my 'doing things simple' philosophy, but I've found that more and more patients want to use insurance.'

He said that within a month he expects to go in network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance and will consider adding additional providers as demand requires.

Kremer, who is completing his Chiropractic and Wellness Lifestyle Certification, plans to begin providing free health seminars for patients on topics such as diets and exercise by the end of the year. He said his long-term dream is to move into a larger space in Ely with room for a gym and physical therapist on site.

'I want to keep it simple for people and make it all one place to go.'

[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 60px;"]AT A GLANCE

Owner: Douglas A. Kremer, D.C.

Business: Naturally Chiropractic

Address: 1600 Dows St., Ely

Telephone: (319) 848-4235

Email: kremer@elychiro.com

Website: www.elychiro.com

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