Dr. Michael Craven has been practicing in Land O’ Lakes for so long that he is now seeing a third generation of families.
“There’s nothing more gratifying than knowing your patients regard you so much that they send their children and grandchildren to you,” said Dr. Craven from his Land O’ Lakes office on U.S. 41 in Black Lake Professional Office Park, located just north of the post office.
“It’s so much fun to see kids and grandchildren of previous patients, that become my patients now. That’s the greatest compliment of all,” he said.
Dr. Craven came to Land O’ Lakes in 1983 and was one of the area’s first chiropractors. His original office was in Pasco Plaza, then Village Lakes Shopping Plaza, where he built his practice serving families in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.
In 2008, Dr. Craven and his wife Linda built a new office designed specifically for the needs of a modern chiropractic center. Today, they are neighbors with dentist Dr. Brian Bernier and financial planner Chris Cooper.
A 1977 graduate of the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic Medicine in Davenport, Iowa, Dr. Craven began his career in Tampa where he worked in a group practice for five years before opening his solo practice in Land O’ Lakes.
The Craven’s first home was on Lake Saxon in the Lake Padgett subdivision, where they raised their three children. Today they live in The Oaks subdivision off SR 54, between Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.
The Craven’s children were born in Land O’ Lakes and all graduated from Land O’ Lakes High. Their oldest, Kristen, graduated in 2000 and lives in Charlotte, N.C. Son Michael graduated in 2002 and lives in Orlando, where he is a mechanical engineer working for the Department of Defense. Daughter Lacey graduated in 2004 and lives in Riverview.
Between their three children, the Craven have eight grandchildren, ages 1 to 20, who are the focus of their lives outside of the practice.
It is apparent that Dr. Craven loves being a chiropractor as much today as he did when first started out. Why does he find it so rewarding?
“When you enjoy what you do and are able to put down such deep roots in a community, it is tremendously rewarding,” said Dr. Craven.
“To see people we know at the grocery store and about town, knowing our practice has helped them and made a difference in their lives, is very fulfilling,” Linda adds. “To think that we are seeing friends of our children and now their kids – three generations — is amazing.”
Dr. Craven’s excellent care and bed- side manner has resulted in a primarily referral-based practice.
“There’s great satisfaction knowing that the person who referred a new client is so happy with his care,” said Dr. Craven.
One of the biggest challenges the Cravens have faced over the years is managed health care.
“It’s challenging making sure our patients get the care they need under the constraints of managed care,” said Dr. Craven. “We continue to improve and adapt our systems and procedures to maximize the benefits for our patients.”
Dr. Craven explains that today’s patients have different expectations of their doctor and are much better informed because of tools like the Internet.
“In addition, changes in health insur- ance often means there is more out-of-pocket expenses for patients,” said Dr. Craven. “We make every effort to give patients timely care on each visit at a reasonable fee.”
For patients who don’t have insur- ance, or are under-insured, Craven Chiropractic Clinic offers a cash discount program through membership in Chiro USA. After a $39 membership fee, new clients receive x-rays, consultation and a new patient analysis and orientation for just $139. Subsequent appointments are then discounted 50 percent.
In addition to keeping up with the latest technology and treatments, what sets Dr. Craven apart is his genuine concern and compassion for his patients and their families.
“Our goal is for every patient to feel like they have never been appreciated more as a patient than they are at my office,” said Dr. Craven.
“People are less concerned about how much you know than they are about how much you care,” he continued. “This office is based on that model, and we strive to accomplish that every day with every patient.”
Craven Chiropractic is located at 5420 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. Call them at (813) 996-9800, or visit them online at www.CravenChiropractic.com.
This story was written by the advertising department.
