Somewhat of a dilemma...maybe

[zianuray]

Got a call yesterday that could be good PR, could be more trouble than it's worth.

Someone has a daughter on total care, about 15 miles away over not-so-good roads (travel time would be at least 30 minutes one way) according to the phone number prefix.

Had an MT coming for several years to work on the daughter, but the MT raised her rates and she couldn't afford it anymore.  Taking the daughter to my office in Monett is out of the question, apparently, and calling any of the MTs in her own town (at least 3 that I know of) likewise.

She wants me to drive out every week to work with her daughter for an hour -- plus travel time of an hour, plus setup and all -- for $20 each trip. 

She can't afford regular rate, can't leave her name, didn't ask if there are options or if I'd take insurance.  If she's been primary care for someone for years, wouldn't she know to ask about insurance?  If she's a distraught mother, wouldn't she ask about barter or somesuch?

I've had several people try to scam me already, and I just don't know if this is another.  I feel bad that she can't afford the regular rate and that I don't feel I'd be breaking even.  If she'd be willing to work with me on options -- like getting me referrals from her church, support network, whatever -- I'd work with her in return, but just "No.  Gimmie."  bugs me. 

Granted the daughter has a raw deal (if she exists), as does the mother (as supposedly primary caregiver),  but I've hauled table to out-of-the-way places before and been told, "Oh, s/he's not here -- well, since you're here, you can work on me while you wait!"  (When you tell them the rate, they insist "But you're already here!  It's not like it's going to COST YOU anything!")  Which would be OK IF they'd pay me for the work, but that wasn't in their game plan.  And I consider that a scam, too.

Does anyone know how I can find out if this gal is on the up-and-up?  What really makes me suspicious is that it seems none of the MTs in her own town are willing to work with her, or why would she be calling someone from elsewhere?

And before y'all get all "UR being MEEN" on me, yes I do have some "charity cases" that pay a greatly reduced rate.  As well as my other tings I do including blood and sweat (but not tears so far, except when the needle slips).

ETA:  And the votes are in...and I'm leaving it well alone.

Comments

[softlywhispered.livejournal.com]

No, no and another NO. It screams scam. Your time, your travel and Your SAFETY are worth more than $20.

[zianuray.livejournal.com]

That's kinda what I was getting -- thanks for the reassurance!

[foxfirefey]

I don't even see any reason why to do this for somebody who won't even leave her name, or somebody who's unwilling to at least try asking somebody who's closer, which is what it sounds like.

[zianuray.livejournal.com]

That too.

[ladyniniane.livejournal.com]

"What really makes me suspicious is that it seems none of the MTs in her own town are willing to work with her, or why would she be calling someone from elsewhere?"

That sums it up rather nicely.

It could be a complete scam (possible, but not particularly likely), but it could also be someone who has been using MT as a treatment option for something that insurance doesn't want to pay, or pay any more for this calendar year (could be likely), or it's someone who thinks that the world owes them everything and free/cheap to boot, and the locals won't touch it because they've had enough dealings with them to know better (more than a little likely).

In other words, as softlywhispered said - "No, no and another NO."

If you are willing to do charity cases, that's fine, but you need to be the one making that decision, hopefully based on significant knowledge of the particulars of each situation. You don't have that knowledge for this case, and may or may not be able to get it - don't let yourself be used.

[zianuray.livejournal.com]

So I'm getting better at spotting scams and EBs? Not a skill I like needing, but part of the career! Thanks for the backup :)

[duane-kc.livejournal.com]

Question that I don't know the answer to: Do the HIPPA laws prevent you from calling around to her local MTs and seeing if any of them know who this is, and why they won't work with her?

[zianuray.livejournal.com]

I can ask, but no-one is allowed to answer unless she signs a release (or her daughter, whichever is considered the responsible party). I'm not going to bother trying for the release.

[wren08.livejournal.com]

I would find out why the therapists in her own town won't work on her. Call her and ask and then call them and ask.

[zianuray.livejournal.com]

Just leaving it alone.

[manifestress.livejournal.com]

I would be VERY hesitant to take this on.

It sounds like there is more going on here.

Personally, I would really check the situation out before going any further.

Not willing to give her name? That is odd.

[zianuray.livejournal.com]

That was one of my main "What?" points. that she didn't give a name -- that and why isn't she working with someone closer.

I'm just...backing away not-so slowly.

[jeffs-page.livejournal.com]

You've already decided, but my vote would be
OH HELL NO. End of story. Thanks for playing. Buh Bye.

[zianuray.livejournal.com]

Fer reals.