Chiropractic is a wide and varied field. With so many techniques, therapies and treatment options available, it is hard to know what to look for when choosing a Chiropractor. When Patients search for Chiropractic care, they may choose a doctor..
- who is conveniently located to their home or work.
- who uses a specialized technique.
- that offers certain services such as massage therapy.
- by price or value.
Clinically speaking, all Chiropractors believe the techniques they use are the most effective and want what is best for their patients. However, people must understand that Chiropractic, just like Medical care is a business. There are certain practices that everyone should avoid when looking
for a Chiropractor, especially yearly, pre-paid treatment contracts.
How it works is very much like any high pressure sales technique. A patient comes in for a consultation and are shown all the legitimate benefits of chiropractic care as well as a breakdown of
what the cost would be for a year of treatment. The patient is then provided an alternative plan amount with unlimited visits at a huge discount. However, there is a catch, (there is always a catch).
The patient must sign a contract, usually for a year of care, with the condition that the discounted fee is paid up-front or in monthly installments. This contract almost always contains a "no cancellation clause" that states that no refunds will be provided. I would equate it to a Gym membership.
What is wrong with this type of business practice? Well for starters, in most cases, the number of visits needed to address the patients issue is greatly exaggerated, as is the cost for each visit. Also, the patients who usually sign up for a program like this are either un-insured or under insured with high deductibles who only want to take care of themselves. Good, honest people who trust too easily and unfortunately get taken advantage of.
Yes, it can be a good deal. Let's say hypothetically the up-front cost for a year of treatment is $4000. If a patient goes twice a week for a year, it is not such a bad deal, about $40 a visit. However, after the first month of treatment and 8 - 10 visits if there is little to no improvement, would you continue to spend the time and effort to go? If so, would it be because you signed the contract obligating you financially? On the other hand, let's say the treatment worked after 10 visits and you are 100% better. Either way, that is at least $400 a visit and anything but a bargain. What's worse is there is no recourse. The only person that truly benefits from annual pre-paid treatment plans is the Chiropractor.
Dr. Hendon will be the first one to tell you that if you are not substantially better after 5-7 visits, you need to try something else or a therapy he does not offer. We do not and will never offer yearly contracts and only offer cash patients a maximum of 10 pre-paid visits at a discounted rate, which never expire and are refundable.
Don't put yourself in a situation you will regret and do your homework. You will be glad you did!
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