Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 6/25/2009

Question
I saw a local chiropractor for treatment of neck and back pain. After x-rays and several treatments, they presented the "sales pitch". Basically they want me to come in 3x/wk for 4 wks, then 2x/wk for 8wks, and so on. My issue is they want me to pay for the entire treatment plan, 44 visits, up front, which totals over $2k. Paying as you go is not allowed. And if you don't pay up front, they want installments. This sounds very odd. Is this common in chiropractor care? I am not in the habit of paying for services up front when they havent been provided. Thanks!

Answer
Annette,

This is fraudulent behavior!  There is no logical clinical basis for that scheme.   Please read the Q&A from Elaine that I answered on 6-24-09 that describes the reasons for obtaining treatment.  A doctor has the the right to charge an annual "member" fee.  This is no different than a concierge medical practice.  But the member should be free to obtain care as necessary.   NECESSARY.   Is it really necessary to treat 3x/week for 4 weeks, then 2x/week...etc?   To treat what?? What if you feel great after the first week?   The only way these schemes stop is when YOU - the public - blow the whistle on it by contacting your state licensing board and making a complaint.    Otherwise, that doctor is going to scheme everyone that walks in the door.   It's up to you.    If you want an evidence-guided, outcomes-based, and patient-centered doctor (there are lots of them out there), you must search around.   Any doctor that has NCQA recognition or is on the www.westhartfordgroup.com list is a guarantee of quality, but these are new avenues for doctors.   Ask around.  Speak to other doctrors and friends, or call a chiropractors' office to obtain information on credentials, post graduate training certifications, and practice styles.   Patient-centered means that the doctor aims to meet YOUR needs, not his...   Please contact your state board.  

'Best regards,

Dr. G