After my first and only appointment at McAfee Chiropractic I will not be returning for treatment. After the initial paperwork and interview with Dr. McAfee he took two x-rays. He then asked me to return in an hour while my X-rays processed and we would review them together. Upon returning we looked them over and talked about a treatment plan to be completed in 36 visits, 3/week. I discussed my schedule and how it wouldn't accommodate 3 weekly visits and we adjusted the plan for 1-2 visits a week. Now here is where it gets ugly. He began talking about the cost for the long term goal. He wanted me to make an upfront payment for close to $1000. He said this was a discounted rate from $1200 if I paid in full. Then there was a 3 payment option with less of a discount but still better than "full cost". I have very good insurance and it covers chiropractic visits, 30 per year with a $20 copay on each visit. I gave my insurance information to his office when I arrived so he knew what would be covered. When I inquired about my cost with insurance, I was told that due to the high volume of patients his office could not process a copay for each visit. He made it appear that I would not receive treatment if I didn't choose one of his "pay up front" options. I stood my ground and said I didn't see the benefit for me. He relented and agreed to the copayment at each visit but asked that I not tell anyone he was doing this for me because he just couldn't accommodate everyone (I'm not sure who he thought I would tell). He called his office manager in and proceeded to give me what I considered a hurried adjustment while he discussed my payment choice with her the entire time. He told her, as well, that they don't usually handle payment in that manner but they would "make a special consideration" for me.
Both of his options would be close to double what I would be out of pocket if I used my insurance copays. I find it very convenient for him that he wanted 36 visits and my insurance covers 30. I feel that he wanted the hour break in my first visit to not only look over my x-rays, but to study my insurance coverage and plan a treatment that would get more money out of me. While I was checking out and paying to leave, his office manager (good cop) said that Dr. McAfee (bad cop) wanted her to explain why it was going to be more expensive than the total of my copays. She was very helpful but the whole experience felt wrong. I had intentions of visiting regularly, but he had the vibe of a used car salesman as opposed to a healthcare professional. I think a good doctor should have your best health interest in mind. I don't feel like the priority in this office is healthcare, but personal financial benefit. read more