English
Yes, it’s that time again for the annual price adjustment where we tweak and streamline the existing process so that we can remain viable into 2020.
But this year - believe it or not - we’re actually making a few changes that give the majority of you the opportunity for a price reduction!
Say what?!
Well, read on!
For our existing clients
When Do the Changes Happen?
Per usual to assist with the “holiday hangover” and the “back to school bender,” we will not implement the adjustment until after Australia Day.
This year because of the bizarre nature of the public holiday, the following changes will not come into effect until 29 January 2019.
The VIP Platinum Category
First, we are making a tiny change that, for the majority of you will actually mean a price reduction.
Yes, a price reduction!
We are establishing a VIP Platinum category for those of you who have trusted us with your care and supported us the longest. If you are an existing and active client - i.e, you have come for at least 1x regular checkup in the past 6 months - congratulations, you are in!
If you are on an existing program - or if we gave you a program to be renewed this year - we have already made a note to lock you in at that previous rate through the completion of your care program.
The VIP client fees for services from 29th January 2019 will be as follow:
- Pay Per Visit = $90 / visit
- 12 Visit Program = $960 = 12x $80/month = $80 / visit
- 24 Visit Program = $1680 = 12x $140/month = $70 / visit
What About the Family Programs?
We have made the decision to discontinue the family programs. However, we are carrying forward the family concessions in larger programs that are designed for families.
- 36 Visit Program = $2160 = 12x $180/month = $60 / visit
- 48 Visit Program = $2400 =12x $200/month = $50 / visit
All care programs can be used for all financially-dependent members of your family who have previously received care with us.
For all new family members who will start care in 2019, they will not be eligible for VIP Platinum programs until they complete an initial course of care (described in the next section).
A few other notes
1. A single person is also eligible for these programs. However, one important change that we are making: all programs will have a 12-month expiry from the date of the first visit of this new program.
Don’t worry: I think you know by now that I don’t make recommendations that I wouldn’t do for my wife, my mom, or my dad.
So when you’re trying to decide what the best option is for you, I’ll help you like you were my own family to make the best choice.
2. For all programs, we will have a monthly payment installment available spread evenly over 12 months. We will also adapt a “sliding model” to make sure that payments and services-received stay on track.
For example, let’s say that you’ve selected a 12-visit care program in January ... but by June you’ve already used 9 visits.
What we will do if you end up 3 visits ahead of your payment schedule is process your credit card for the value of 3 visits as a 1x payment to help you catch up so that you do not have a balloon payment due and the end of your care.
Conversely, if you are 3 visits ahead (because you are doing better than expected) and you have a regularly scheduled payment due, we will pause your next payment for the value of 3-visits until we have the opportunity to catch up with you.
It's only fair this way! Plus we don't want to charge you for a service you don't need! So if for any reason you need to discontinue care, we simply process your account minus the care you've already received at the VIP Platinum PPV cost and then issue you a credit or refund.
Easy, peasy!
For our new and inactive clients
The following changes will not affect any of our active clients who will be “grandfathered” in as VIP Platinum practice members, but may impact inactive patients, who have not been to the practice since 30 June 2018.
For our new and inactive clients, the following changes came into effect on 1st January 2019.
In the first 12 weeks of care, there is much more work involved. We have always billed these visits at the standard rate (coded as a “1005” with health funds)
The reality is that these visits are almost always extended visits (“1006”) or reassessments (“1007”) when we haven’t seen people for a while.
… A lot can happen in 6 months!
We’ve therefore decided to make a few necessary changes to better reflect the nature of the work that we’re doing especially in the initial stages of care.
Initial and Inactive Client Fees
- Initial consultation & examination = $150
- + Craniocervical x-rays = + $210
- Re-examination (when inactive > 6 months) = $150
- Re- Craniocervical x-rays (when new injury) = $120
Care Program Options
- Pay Per Visit = $120 / visit
- 12 Visit Program = $1320 = $110 / visit
- 24 Visit Program = $2400 = $100 / visit
- 12 Week ADIO Program = $1800 = $90 / visit
The 12 Week ADIO Program is a new, comprehensive program that we are unveiling for our new clients that include all standard office visits, reassessments, and x-rays (if required) for the initial 12 weeks of care.
The program also includes a 12-week online course including 7 hours of video that covers all the exercises, tips, and tools that maximize your chances of success.
Just like before, we don't want to charge you for a service you don't need! So if for any reason you need to discontinue care, we simply process your account minus the care you've already received at the Standard PPV cost and then issue you a credit or refund.
So how do you become a VIP Platinum practice member?
There are two ways to become a VIP Platinum practice member:
- Completing the 12 Week ADIO Program, and then electing to continue care OR
- Attending the practice for a total of 24-lifetime visits AND remaining as an active practice member - i.e., attending for a checkup at least once every 6 months.
As mentioned previously, if you have attended the practice from 1st July 2018 - 29th January 2019 you will be "grandfathered in” as a VIP Platinum client.
What happens if haven’t been to the practice in the past 6 months?
If you have elected to self-manage your care, you are always welcome in the practice.
By law, however, we are required to treat you as if you are a new client.
To re-establish your VIP Platinum status, you will need to attend the practice for a total of 6 visits AND remain as an active practice member - i.e, attending for a checkup at least once every 6 months forward hence.
It may seem like a lot to absorb. but don’t worry: it isn’t your job to keep it all straight.
If you do have any questions about the cost, please don't hesitate to ask. We're happy to help.
The take-away message here simply is that for our annual price adjustment, we’re streamlining a few systems that balance the playing field for everyone.
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