Dr. Shelly D. Faubion in Oklahoma City: Osteopathic Primary Care with Hands-On Treatment
Shelly D. Faubion, DO, operates a primary care practice in Oklahoma City that combines traditional family medicine with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique used to address musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain. As a Doctor of Osteopathy rather than an MD, Faubion brings a structural approach to common complaints—back pain, joint stiffness, headaches—that many Oklahoma City primary care practices do not offer within the same appointment.
What makes an osteopathic doctor different
The distinction between a DO and an MD lies in training, not licensure. Both complete four years of medical school and pass licensing exams to practice in Oklahoma; a DO's additional training includes 200+ hours in osteopathic principles and hands-on manipulation techniques. In practice, this means Faubion may use her hands to assess and treat problems that an MD might address only through medication or referral to a physical therapist. A patient reporting lower back pain, for example, could receive spinal manipulation, muscle-energy techniques, or soft-tissue work during the same appointment where blood pressure and medications are reviewed.
Oklahoma City's primary care landscape is predominantly MD-based. Practitioners like those at OU Health Physicians, Integris Health clinics, and independent family medicine offices do not routinely offer OMT. For patients with a specific interest in hands-on structural treatment or those skeptical of medication-first approaches, Faubion's osteopathic focus sets her apart from the typical walk-in urgent care and larger primary care networks that dominate the metro area.
Services and insurance approach
As a primary care physician, Faubion handles routine preventive visits, acute illness, chronic disease management, and the coordination of specialist referrals. Specific pricing and insurance acceptance details for her practice should be confirmed directly, as these vary by plan and change seasonally. Most DO practices in Oklahoma City accept Medicare, BCBS, Cigna, and commercial plans, though coverage for OMT specifically may differ by policy.
The real distinction in her service model is the option to incorporate osteopathic manipulation into your care plan. If you have a knee injury, tension headaches, or postural strain, treatment can address these structurally within your primary care visit rather than as a separate physical therapy referral, potentially reducing time and out-of-pocket costs for patients whose insurance covers OMT by a DO but not physical therapy.
Who this practice suits and who it doesn't
Faubion's practice is strongest for patients with musculoskeletal complaints—neck or back pain, sports injuries, repetitive strain—who want their primary doctor to offer both medical and hands-on care. It also appeals to those already familiar with or open to osteopathic medicine and to people in Oklahoma City who find value in a slower, more physical approach to diagnosis than a typical 15-minute primary care visit allows.
This practice is not ideal if you need a doctor who specializes in complex organ disease, psychiatry, or acute emergency care. It also may not be the right fit if you live far from her location or if you prefer larger medical networks with same-day scheduling guarantees and extensive digital tools. Patients requiring immediate care should use urgent care or an emergency room, not a primary care practice.
What your first visit involves
A new-patient appointment with Faubion will likely include a full history and physical exam. As a DO, she will likely assess your posture, spinal alignment, and joint mobility even during a routine visit. If musculoskeletal issues emerge, she may offer to treat them on the spot with OMT rather than refer out. Bring current medication lists, a list of any prior injuries or surgeries, and your insurance card. Contact the practice in advance to confirm what paperwork is required and whether she is currently accepting new patients.
Hours, location, and logistics
Specific hours and exact address details should be verified by phone or through the practice's website or patient portal, as physician schedules and office locations shift. In general, private practices in Oklahoma City operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Parking should be confirmed when you call to schedule; most primary care offices in the metro area offer free on-site or street parking.
Why this practice matters in Oklahoma City
Osteopathic primary care remains uncommon enough in Oklahoma City that having a local DO who integrates hands-on treatment into routine family medicine offers a real alternative to the MD-dominated primary care networks and urgent care chains that fill most of the market. Faubion fills a gap for patients seeking structural diagnosis and treatment without leaving their doctor's office.
