Minutus

The postings on what homeopaths around the world charge have been
fascinating. One raised the issue of clients who don't come back for
follow-ups. This hasn't been much of a problem for me, possibly because I'm
pretty assiduous about keeping in touch with clients after the initial
intake. I have seen it, however, in certain types of cases, and I'm
thinking about developing a "contract" for clients that will explain their
obligations and my obligations. Has anyone had experience with this
approach?

Incidentally, though my own rates are low for the U.S. ($150 for the initial
interview), because homeopathic services aren't covered by health insurance
and I live in a depressed area of the country, I offer clients the option of
paying as they are able. One pays $5 a month, which is all she can afford.
A few others with serious chronic conditions are being treated for free
upfront, with the understanding that they'll pay as they improve and are
capable. It's primarily for those that I'm thinking of a contract.

I also do a lot of barter with other alternative-med. providers, who have
proven to be great sources of referrals.

Peace,
Cinnabar

boy, i can relate. I charge about $150.00 for an intake, also. however,
i think most of my clients pay little to nothing, which is why i cant give up
my 'day job.' big conflict for me.

i would love to know how a client-practitioner contract works.

tanya

I've found, too, that keeping in touch with clients is key. So is making
the official follow-up appointment at the end of each appointment -- then
it's at least on their calendar, and it's OK to remind them of it when one
is in touch. Another thing I've started doing that's been remarkable in
terms of how it changes people's attitudes, is that I say that the first
fee is for a "month's package," including the remedy and any phone check-ins
or questions that are needed (these really are included -- I do them anyway,
and don't charge extra). A lot more people say "Oh -- OK." and think that's
fine. I've also started doing the same for follow-ups -- calling it a
month's package, and also telling people up front that they can expect to
require 4-6 of them. Again, they agree up front, and then it's part of
their expectations. And the other thing I've found really changes people's
paradigms of what's "too expensive" is to ask them how much they're spending
per month now on herbs and vitamins and over the counter remedies to deal
with the problem(s) they want to see me about. Then I ask how much they'll
save when they don't need these any more, which is quite likely to happen as
a result of homeopathic treatment. For most, the fees are actually a
bargain compared with these other ongoing expenses, and it just changes
their perspective. So even without a written contract, which I may also try
out, I've sort of made a verbal one in terms of helping them to come to an
agreement with me on our joint expectations. Then I make it a point to help
them realize how important their collaboration is in making the treatment
work -- sharpening their observations, etc... This is also a positive
change, which they like -- and it helps to keep many more truly involved and
active. (As a lifelong community college teacher working with sometimes
"iffy" students, one learns a lot about keeping people motivated!). )
Rosemary

Hi Rosemary,

I *love* this approach!!!
What do you find is the usual pattern of visits and calls with this
approach? I realize it can be wildly different among different patients,
but I'm curious what your "averages" tend to look like? Once they're on a
remedy you're both happy with, do you have a schedule for checking in, or
just "as needed"? (And how do you handle acutes and etc. after that time?)

Shannon
on 6/16/03 10:30 PM, Rosemary Hyde at rosemaryhyde@mindspring.com wrote:

Great idea about asking patients to tote up how much they're spending on meds and OTC preparations to deal with their problem. But a word of caution: if you're dealing with people who have health insurance and NO experience of homeopathy and its potential, you may find them concluding that allopathy is "cheaper" because they happen to have prescription coverage for their meds. So we need also to educate them about the long-term harm caused by medications, prescription and OTC both, and make clear that it's not simply an issue of economics.

Peace,
Cinnabar

Good point.

In fact, most of them DO conclude that allopathy is cheaper for them -- but
if it's not working, they still spend a lot of money on non-prescription
meds. Yes, long-term education is very important. Amy Lansky's new book
"Impossible Cure" is a good, and enlightening read for clients. I bought
several and am loaning them out to those who like to read.

Rosemary