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EzeeTop · Aug 21, 2010, 11:24 PM

I overstretched my lower back muscles in yoga class. I went to a local chiropractor. I had x-rays taken and he gave me four so-called treatments of putting an ice pack on my back with a slight electric vibration for not more than 15 minutes each session. That treatment did nothing for my condition. I discontinued seeing him and got better on my own by applying hours of ice packs and slow walking. He billed my insurance carrier for a ridiculous $1200.00 in which my liability after disallowed charges and co-payments comes to $550.00. I am not going to pay for this incredible rip-off. Is there any place I can complain to expose this?

KBC · Aug 22, 2010, 06:36 AM

This is a legal question and should be on the legal boards.

MY take,from someone who has seen a few chiropractors, They charged what they charge,you agreed to the charges by signing in each time you went to see them.You are responsible for the charges(as your part of the deductible/co-payments are concerned)

If the company is charging too much, someone on the legal boards might be able to help you decide where to complain to.'

If you don't pay the bill,you will have credit points deducted for non-payment of this bill.. simple.

Fr_Chuck · Aug 22, 2010, 09:33 AM

As them for a discount for your part of it. But four treatments for 1200. That is 300 dollars per treatment, you have about 95 or 100 dollar for the office visit ( really standard) , next did he do any x-rays ? Then every "treatment" has a price the electric treatment is a standard treatment and normally is about 100 dollars or so per time.

So I really don't see that much over charging, and you should have asked the price

The issue here is why did your insurance not pay more. They paid only a little over 50 percent, not 80 percent.

They are doctors and if you want to any doctor for therapy and it is less than that I would be surprised

JudyKayTee · Aug 22, 2010, 11:08 AM

These prices are most definitely NOT unusual in my area. What IS unusual is you not knowing what your insurance covered in advance of the treatments.

I realize you did not get the improvement you expected but I am not aware of any medical treatment which has guaranteed results.

You might attempt to negotiate for a lower co-pay but if you don't pay I would expect to have a Judgment taken against you.

DoulaLC · Aug 22, 2010, 11:18 AM

Unfortunately, many people forget to check their insurance benefits prior to obtaining care to find out what are considered reasonable and customary charges for the services rendered.
Chiropractic medicine often falls under a different category than traditional medicine and the benefit coverage can be different. Pricey lesson learned, I'm afraid.

As the others have said, ask the doctor's office about a payment plan and/or the possibility of reducing the balance.

Check your benefits package or directly with the insurance company for future reference.