Review of HealthStrong Chiropractic - Chino, CA
My father, a retired veteran living with PTSD, and back pain had one of the most distressing and dehumanizing experiences at this so-called clinic.
When he arrived, the atmosphere was already unsettling. The office was dark and dimly lit, with loud music blasting through the facility -- nothing like a medical clinic should feel, more like a bar and grill on Friday night.
But what really stood out was what happened in the waiting area.
As he checked in, another woman -- "Mrs. Gonzalez" -- arrived right at the same time. Staff immediately greeted her by name, ushered her ahead of and in front of him, they began speaking loudly as though on cue. From inside a nearby exam room, she gushed about how wonderful the doctor was, how she referred a friend, and doctor replying "he's not the cheapest, but he gets the best results." The patient and doctor carried the conversation loudly enough that my father could clearly hear every word while he sat waiting.
It was staged -- a poor performance at that, designed to influence the next patient...him. For my father, with his background in military intelligence, it was so obvious: this was a sales tactic, not authentic patient care.
He used what they call a "shill" An accomplice who acts as an enthusiastic customer to entice or encourage others. Scam in effect. It was probably the doctors Mom!
That "show" was the precursor to prime him for his $59 consult when they would tell him his insurance doesn't cover their services.
Already uneasy from the environment and the sense of manipulation, my father spiraled into an anxiety attack when left in the exam room.
Who gives health consultation in a dimly lit room with party music playing loud?
How effective is it to try to listen to a doctor or nurse while their talking over loud club music?
My father left the room, explained to the receptionist that he had PTSD and couldn't tolerate the dim lighting and loud music, and told her he needed to leave.
Instead of showing compassion, no one offered him comfort, reassurance, or even the dignity of concern.
He quickly went outside waited, trying to catch his breath outside their door, alone and shaken, the receptionist opens the door and simply says "they'll text you a refund" and shut the door.
He stumbled to his car, broke down sobbing inside, he sat there trying to get himself together-- while inside his vehicle, not a single person came to check if he was alright or even safe to drive.
Instead, the receptionist moments later called his cell with a cold, cheerful corporate voice: "We just processed your refund. Thank you have a great day."
For a veteran who sacrificed for this country, to be left abandoned in distress like that is unforgivable. No clinic rooted in true medical ethics would allow a man to leave in that condition without even checking on him.
His mental health isn't their responsibility, but who let's another person walk out in such distress without any concerns?
HealthStrong Chiropractic is not a medical establishment. It is a high-pressure sales operation, and it showed no regard for the well-being of a vulnerable person in crisis.
Avoid this place at all costs. read more