Chiropractor and policy question and rant of sorts

[HollyDay]

Okay, my back hurts - I've whined to you guys enough about it this week. A gf called to tell me a chiro who is also a runner was doing free screenings at the local health food store. I called the health food store and the lady I know there said to come up - he is good, he knows his stuff. I went up there - in awful weather - to get some relief. Instead I got mad. He does "know his stuff". He knows what is wrong. But, he wouldnt tell me how much he charges. He said he requires a payment plan that must include the children since back issues are hereditary. He couldnt give me anything outside of xrays are $10. I told him I would something to consider to see if our budget would even allow it as it is not covered by insurance. "Cant do that I only do a contract" Okay.. . . . I cant do a contract. We are waiting short-notice orders, my mother is seriously ill and I might have to go to her at any time (out of state). We are a single income family - I need something to budget. "I guess you dont want to get better. You wont even take the first step then I cant help you". THis is just too weird to me. The other times I have used a chiro, I know their fees up front. I know how much they charge and for what services (adjustment, heat packs, massage, tens, etc). I left mad, more sore from driving and for nothing. :mad::confused:

[Cadam]

I have never heard of such a thing! What a freak! Did he even do an adjustment? Just open the phone book and find someone. That would be better than mr. Contract. I won't go to anyone that doesn't just let me come in when I feel like I need to. I don't have an injury, just a special needs kids and I sleep weird so I need an adjustment every few months. You need to find a kind and understanding Dr. Not this creep.

[Sunny]

There are lots of chiro's now that want a "plan", so that they know you will continue to come in for adjustments. Chiropractic works only if you continue to come in for adjustments. I do think he should quote you a fee though. That is odd.

[OnTheBrink]

There are lots of chiro's now that want a "plan", so that they know you will continue to come in for adjustments. Chiropractic works only if you continue to come in for adjustments. I do think he should quote you a fee though. That is odd.

My chiro is like this. He'll do a screening/exam, create a plan and then he presents the fees. However, he will adjust (no pun!) his fees if someone doesn't have insurance or is low income. It's almost like his fees are "pay what you can." Many of his patients barter services. Some do lawn care at the office or at his home, some clean, some set up and take down for workshops, I do clerical work. So, on one hand, he can't really present a set fee, because he doesn't want money to get in the way of someone being treated, but again, he does need to make money to support his family. I do think the OP's chiro was being manipulative and I'd not go back to him. Honesty works better for me.

[awanama]

I have found that you have to be cautious with Chiropractors. One that my dh went to kept insisting he need to see him until all 25 visits by insurance were used up. Then he wanted to make a plan.

We've now been seeing a guy for about 8 years that gives you an adjustment and tells you that if you don't feel better in a certain number of days to call back and get another appointment. Only once have I had to go back a second time.

[Pegasus]

I see huge red flags here. He won't consider treating you unless he also gets his hands on your children?!? Plus, he can't/won't tell you what he charges.

Run way. Quickly.

Pegasus

[Serendipity]

Wow. That's a little creepy. I mean, it's nice that a doctor thinks about things that could be hereditary. But to insist on examining your children and not giving you much needed treatment until you sign a contract that could give him carte blanche...that's too much.

I'd find someone else.

{{{{{Holly}}}}} (gentle hugs)