My Chiropractor Adventure

[Lianad]

They want it in case your auto insurance denies their claim. Also, since you were the third party (not at fault in the accident), your insurance company may want to wait until your claim is settled before they pay. The chiro won't want to wait that long and may bill your health insurance so they can get their money. Your health insurer will then be paid back by the person who hit you (or his insurance carrier). It's called "subrogation" if you want to investigoogle it further.

Thanks a lot for the clarification jhunter, that does make a lot of sense. Given the rest of the hogwash they were trying to force on me, I just got a little paranoid about it.

I'm also surprised no one commented on the video camera in the room where they had me changing my clothes. That simply must be some sort of violation of privacy? To ask you to undress in a room with a camera and not even mention the fact the camera was there and pointing right at you?

 

[godless dave]

I'm also surprised no one commented on the video camera in the room where they had me changing my clothes. That simply must be some sort of violation of privacy? To ask you to undress in a room with a camera and not even mention the fact the camera was there and pointing right at you?

That's pretty messed up. Did you ask them what the camera was for?

 

[jhunter1163]

Thanks a lot for the clarification jhunter, that does make a lot of sense. Given the rest of the hogwash they were trying to force on me, I just got a little paranoid about it.

I'm also surprised no one commented on the video camera in the room where they had me changing my clothes. That simply must be some sort of violation of privacy? To ask you to undress in a room with a camera and not even mention the fact the camera was there and pointing right at you?

I could almost understand it in a treatment area; in case of accusation of inappropriate touching, there'd be evidence one way or the other. But in the changing room, I can't think of any rationale at all. Just one more thing to report to the chiro disciplinary board (there are such things, in every state AFAIK).

 

[godless dave]

And don't forget to mention the unshielded x-rays. That sounded very off to me. I've had a fair amount of x-rays done, and they always give me some contraption to cover my genitals even if they're x-raying my chest.

 

[JoeTheJuggler]

Even though modern x-rays are relatively low dose (compared to the bad old days), I would still never consent to a non-medical (or dental) professional doing them. The reason is, even though it's a minimal risk, it's a small risk for absolutely no benefit.

Sorry--I subscribe to the "medical model" or the "disease model" that says if there's nothing wrong with you, then you don't need ANY treatment.

 

[jhunter1163]

Probably a C-spine(2-3 views). TSpine(2views), LSSpine(2 views), Sacral/pelvis(2 views).

What a waste and useless exposure to xrays.

Since it was a car accident, they probably wanted five c-spine views (PA, lateral, flexion, extension, oblique). Not sure why they'd want l-spine views except for the prior accident history. That, and it jacks up the bill.

 

[Seanette]

What do you think I should do? Just ignore them? Call them back? Should I call my insurance company and explain the situation? Is there anyway they can charge me in the future???

Sounds like they might be unscrupulous enough to try filing fraudulent claims (I've worked in health insurance). Please do contact both relevant insurance companies to document the situation so they'll know what's valid and what's an attempt at fraud (I'm sure they'll be happy to sic their landsharks on fraud attempts ).

ETA: I'd be furious enough about the camera issue to even consider contacting local law enforcement, just to find out if that's even legal. Certainly, reporting that issue to the referring doctor and any relevant professional organizations would be a good idea too. Are they also spying on underage patients while undressing? Does the camera record? I'd be making as much trouble as I could just on that problem.

 

[tesscaline]

Is it even legal to have a video camera installed in a changing area? The laws vary from area to area, but I do know that it's illegal to install cameras in restrooms and changing rooms in some places... You might want to look that one up, or call your local police department to ask.