Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 5/4/2008

Question
Mr. Gillman,

I previously got help on this website from someone else, but he’s on vacation. I need advice and help now though. I had ‘popped’ a rib out of place, the third one from the top. I had seen a D.O. and he manipulated some stuff and bam, I was all better. I waited longer than he told me to start lifting again and started off slow. I think I pushed it too hard on a chest work out and a few days later, the pain was back.

I was in the military at the time so seeing a D.O. out in town was free. I just got out, so I don’t have insurance and I’m not trying to go through the V.A. seeing how they could call me back on active duty until this issue is solved. I start my new job as a personal trainer next week and cannot have this injury preventing me from training. I’m just trying to get this fixed, without having to give up an arm and a leg and/or going back into the military.

I know it depends on the doctor and the area, but could you give me a ball park on what something like this would cost me w/o insurance?? Obviously I can’t go to a D.O., for 10 minutes of manipulation the bill was over $200!! Luckily I was in the military and didn’t have to pay anything, but now that I’m out, something like that could put me in a deep hole.

All he did was basically hold my rib as I took a deep breath in. When I let it out it felt like he was holding the rib and putting it back into place. I was seriously only in his office for 10 minutes…and I felt GREAT afterwards. No pain, I could twist and move…I was good. Now, I can’t look behind me. If I twist to the right, I feel a pinch in my chest. If I twist to the left, I feel a pinch in my spine.

Please help and tell me what I should do. I know I have to see someone, but I can’t afford it!

Sincerely,

Jason

Answer
Jason,

Find a good DC to tend to you.  Ask in advance what it will cost, and what information it would take to reduce the initial history/exam burden on the doctor.   $200 is outrageous for a simple 10 minute contact time.   You can ask the DO what he has to accept from the HMO when he sends his $200 bill to them.  See if he'll accept the same from you.     Also, VA hospitals are supposed to be bringing DC's on board - as ordered by Congress.   But, sadly, this has not happened yet in all VA hospitals or health centers.  Some states have it and some don't.   You should write and voice your desire to have access to chiropractors in your VA system.  So, these are some viable strategies for you.  

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G