Implementing the Coverage Insert

	Prepare for patient use by entering the patient's name under "Your Goals," the office name under "Our Goals" and the third party's name under "Their Goals." Fill in the three amounts under "Our Fee" that you charge in your office. Review the Coverage Insert on line.

Suggested scripting

"We use this worksheet to help our new patients understand some of the financial implications of their care in our office."

Pointing to the yellow box of text in the lower left corner, either read the text or rephrase it like...

"As it says here, your policy has serious limitations when it comes to your chiropractic coverage. Many policies offer token coverage so they can advertise the fact that they include chiropractic. But as a practical matter, it's rarely enough to do the job. So, let me explain the motives of all three parties involved here."

Make three vertical gestures encompassing the illustration, fill-in line and the text directly below in the horizontal color bars.

"You have a set of goals, we have a set of goals and they have an outcome in mind from our relationship."

Read the text in each horizontal bar from left to right, interjecting "Your goal, our goal and their goal before each phrase. Such as...

"Your goal is to fill out as little paperwork as possible. Our goal is to collect key information needed to help you. Their goal is to require time-consuming documentation."

Repeat in this approach with all five horizontal lines.

"So as you can see, for them, it's about money and control, not your health. So, with that in mind, here's what we think you can expect."

Discuss the examination, imaging and adjustment fees your office charges and fill in (if you can) the historical coverage policies like theirs offers. Close your fee discussion with the disclaimer text indicating these are estimates and that they are ultimately responsible for any amounts not covered by their policy.

Use the bottom section about "getting well" and "staying well" to explain the distinctions between sickness care and wellness care and how "health" insurance or a "health" maintenance organization or our culture's use of the word "health" is distorted.

Version #1:

'The last concept I want to discuss is the difference between symptom-relief and true health care. We generally offer care in 12 visit "chunks." Many of our patients are doing better by then, and we can more accurately predict how your body will respond to chiropractic care."

Enter the number 12 to the right of "Number of visits our experience shows it may take.

"However, your policy is likely to cover only __ visits. (Enter the number of visits.) Now, unlike mending a broken arm or fighting off an infection that has beginning, middle and end and you're done, staying well is a process that requires continuing attention, like, brushing and flossing your teeth. In our office, we find that patients can help themselves avoid a relapse of their original problem with 1 to 2 offices visits per month. It varies from patient to patient and again, in 12 visits or so, we can make a more accurate recommendation."

Enter "1-2" (or whatever visit schedule you recommend) to the right of "Number of monthly visits to help you avoid a relapse:"

"Instead of helping you stay well, your carrier would rather pay when you have obvious symptoms. So, your plan covers zero monthly visits."

Enter a "0" in the space provided. (Too harsh? You decide.)

"Our goal is to offer you the very best chiropractic care possible, based upon our experience with (hundreds) of other patients. Your job is to decide how much your health is worth to you, and how much care you want to best support your health."

Present patients with a copy of your worksheet and field any questions. Refer to the terms on the reverse side as necessary, based upon each patient's unique situation.

Version #2

"The last concept I want to discuss is the difference between symptom-relief and true health care. We see the process of healing and optimizing your spine as a way of life, not as an "event," like your carrier. So, we offer care in six month "chunks." That usually ranges about 48 visits, or $1600."

Enter $1600 to the right of "Number of visits our experience shows it may take.

"And based on your policy, your coverage will probably cover about $750 of it.

Enter $750 to the right of "Number of visits your plan may be willing to cover.

"Obviously, that's an $850 shortfall. So, we break that up into six monthly payments of $141.66 and we have the initial stage of care paid for.

Unlike mending a broken arm or fighting off an infection with a beginning, middle and end, staying well is a process that requires continuing attention, like, brushing and flossing your teeth. In our office, we find that patients can help themselves avoid a relapse of their original problem with 1 to 2 visits per month. It varies from patient to patient and by then, we should be able to make a more accurate recommendation."

Enter "1-2" (or whatever visit schedule you recommend) to the right of "Number of monthly visits to help you avoid a relapse:"

"Unfortunately, instead of being interested in helping you stay well, your carrier would rather pay when you have obvious symptoms. So, your plan covers zero monthly visits."

Enter a "0" in the space provided.

"Our goal is to offer you the very best chiropractic care possible, based upon our experience with (hundreds) of other patients. Your job is to decide how much care you want to best support your health."

Present patients with a copy of your worksheet and field any questions. Refer to the terms on the reverse side as necessary, based upon each patient's unique situation.

Third Party Coverage Insert
Pads of 50
$18 (Discount for four or more)