First time at a chiropractor yesterday, got adjusted and they wanted money up front. Am I getting screwed?

Question

I have a slightly crooked spine in the middle region so he did some adjusting. Deductible + Co-Pays is going to be $860.00 out of pocket. They wanted partial payment yesterday, I'm a college student, told them I couldn't pay anything until after the holidays they are fine with that - either 2 or 3 payments next year. They want me to come in Wed, Thurs, and Friday to get adjustments done.

I've never been to one of these before, so does this sound like everything is on the up and up?

I know many people have had bad exp. with chiropractors so if you could leave your personal opinion out and just give the facts that would be great - Thanks!

Oh and they want me to come in 3 times a week for 24 visits total.

They want me there so it all can get adjusted correctly.. after im straightened out I'll prob. only go when I need it - but I do have pain in my middle back by my shoulder blades that needs to get straight

not a pre-payment. 500 deductible and 360 for all the co-payments of $15.00 each i dont have a rolling 4th quarter deductible so it starts over next year - and im not even paying that until january

Answer 1

I would check with your state board which regulates chiropractic practice, or the state insurance board.

When I see a patient, I submit a bill for the services for that day. I often realize I will be seeing the patient repeatedly, and have a return appointment scheduled, But it is the patient's option to return or not. If you pay all the deductible and copays upfront, you will not have the option to change to a different provider. This should always be a patient's right. You should pay the daily charges until the deductible is met, and then the $15 copay per visit at the time of each visit.

The prepay system is quite possibly legal (it would probably be state dependent), but it would not seem to be ethical. Prepaying for elective surgical procedures is common, but it is understood that all the postoperative care is (for a certain period) is included as part of the surgery.

Answer 2

Depends on your insurance company, if you have met your deductible for the year, then normally you are only responsible for your co-insurance, you do have a yearly out of pocket maxium that has to be met as well. Also your doctor is probably considered a "specialist" if that's the case they normally charge more per visit, co- pay's are usually more as well. And if you have not met your deductible for the year, then a specialist can charge you upfront to collect that deductible. If you wait until next year then your deductible starts all over again. So please call your insurance co to verify before any procedures are done. Hope this helps :)

Answer 3

Its on the up and up~Look kid i can't tell you what to do but What i would do is stay there until i was out of pain or~find another office~you already had x-rays so i would find one that offers free initial exam (should be very easy to find) and i would also call around for prices around here there are allot of doctors who only charge $20 for a visit. I would get adjusted till i was out of pain then when i got out of school and had a good job with better insurance i would then go back and get adjusted more frequently. The crook in your spine just means that you will be more likely to mid back pain in the future than someone without a crook.

Answer 4

Are we talking about pre-payment of $860 for all 24 visits? In NY and NJ State, that's illegal. I also question the need for 3 visits a week, especially in 3 consecutive days -- when can the body heal itself? These are signs of unskilled chiropractor who is interested in only making money, not your health. I refer my patients to a special chiropractor in town, they don't move every single bone in the body, nor do they need that many visits either.

http://www.gonsteadseminar.com/referral.aspx

Answer 5

I have been to several chiropractors and they always want you to keep coming back - yet, I know friends that only go when they need adjusting. I hate the ones that want you there several times a week - money hungry bloodhounds

Answer 6

You have seen the light!! Many Chiropractors make a lot of money and not much sense. The can actually hurt you. I would always go to a MD and let him send you to a Chiropractor.

They are usually right next to the attorneys chasing ambulances

Answer 7

no. chiropractors may make you feel good for the moment but are essentially causing more damage later on. 3 times a week is pretty extreme reguardless. i would try to have the problem fixed instead of having the doctor just release the air from your joints(creates the craking noise)