[Acupuncture-students] ten acupoint for all disease

[Pete Theisen]

Hi Dr. Al!

The initial visit is brief, no charge. I get a little survey data from my 
prospective patient, tell him/her a little about Traditional Chinese 
Medicine, get them to sign an informed consent agreement and give them a 
list of what they can expect from me, what I want them to bring to their 
next appointment and what they can expect to pay.

The next visit, $32, is a *long* one - could be the next day. I get a 
medical history, a current health questionnaire and perform a "4 pillar" 
(Observe, Inquire, Listen/Smell and Palpate) examination. After this visit 
I spend several hours alone studying the accumulated data and comparing 
this data to the classical syndromes. I sometimes post this data as a case 
study. If anyone comments on these cases I carefully consider that and may 
incorporate their recommendations in my treatment plan.

The third visit is a report of findings - usually a day or two after the 
second visit. This visit I present an analysis of their condition and a 
treatment proposal - present this in a presentation folder which looks 
quite nice. I may also recommend patent herbal medicine at this time. This 
visit is billed at $31 plus any herbal pills I provide.

If someone wants a treatment on the first visit I tell him/her that I would 
feel irresponsible to do this without making a study of the case. I say 
that I do the study to provide better, more effective treatment and to 
avoid making any mistakes. I could do a "Great 10" treatment but this is 
best left for the poverty clinics and TCM schools.

At 01:01 PM 4/2/2004, you wrote:
>On Mar 31, 2004, at 9:04 PM, Pete Theisen wrote:
>>Now, I don't treat until the fourth visit. <snip>
>Do you charge for the consultation on the first three visits?<snip>

Regards,

Pete