100% Chiropractic closes Billings clinic leaving some prepaid patients owed money

100% Chiropractic is a growing national chain with more than 100 locations in 23 states. Shayla Swenson opened Montana’s first clinic for a franchise on Shiloh Crossing Boulevard in 2019.

On Aug. 1, sent an email to patients, announcing that the practice is permanently closed as of July 31.

Patty, a Billings retiree who asked the Gazette not to publish her last name out of privacy concerns, said she has been going to 100% Chiropractic for about two years. After going through several introductory sessions, he said, he purchased a $5,000 treatment package that included a series of chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy sessions.

She completed the program and has been purchasing prepaid vouchers to continue her care at the clinic. Since her pain tends to get worse when it’s cold outside, she was still trying to save the four hours of massage and two changes she had left to make in the coming winter months. But, after receiving news that the clinic has closed, she and others are left wondering what to do with their prepaid services.

“This is more money out of my pocket,” he said. “If Dr. Shayla is fine, I think we are being scammed. But if something happened, I’m worried because she was really a sweet lady.”

An email and a notice posted on the front door of the business at 851 Shiloh Crossing Blvd. it does not provide an explanation for the sudden shutdown. And it leaves no light for patients like Patty to seek compensation.

“Most of us are seniors or seniors in our 70s and 80s,” he said. “This is totally unacceptable. They took advantage of us.”

Like Patty, Jessica Malley, also from Billings, went through a year of 100% Chiropractic treatment. He said that the program helped him in his pain as now he did not need to come and follow up in Moranang.

So, Malley said, he was surprised to receive an email announcing that the business, which seemed to be thriving and showing no obvious signs of stress, had suddenly closed.

He said: “It scared me because there was no explanation. It’s amazing that they just closed the doors and left.

In an email, Swenson encouraged patients to continue their care at Meier Family Chiropractic, which has clinics in downtown Billings and the West End.

Owner Jeffrey Meier said his practice will not take the paid treatment programs Swenson sold to his patients before closing his business. But, he said, they should be reimbursed by the 100% Chiropractic franchise.

Swenson directed patients with questions and concerns to Hannah Staples, the franchise’s chief operating officer. But, Staples said, the company is investigating the shutdown and asking questions back to Swenson, who provided the same email address the doctor told patients they could no longer have. there to receive answers as the right place to contact him.

Swenson grew up in Miles City and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 2010. He then worked as an athletic trainer and went on to earn a doctorate of chiropractic from Life University in Marietta, Georgia, 2018.

Swenson was licensed to practice in Montana by the state board of chiropractic in December 2018. He registered his business as a limited liability company in February 2019 with the Office of the Secretary of State Corporations.

100% Chiropractic focuses on immediate pain relief and long-term health, offering chiropractic care, massage therapy and a comprehensive list of nutritional supplements.

Jason and Vanessa Helfrich started the company, opening the first clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2004. Now, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the franchise has more than 100 locations nationwide.

The global health industry has become one of the fastest growing markets in the world. According to the data that the company provides to prospective franchisees, it has reached a market of $ 4.2 trillion, growing by 12.8% in the last two years alone.

In 2023, each 100% Chiropractic practice was $813,365 in annual revenue, according to company financial reports. The 19 best-performing clinics collected about $1.34 million each year.

That’s an average income of $149,790 per year in each region where the top quarter earns about $440,540 per year.

When the Journal contacted Swenson, he declined to answer questions about why he closed his practice and how prepaid patients can receive reimbursements.

Dale Dixon with the Better Business Bureau says the sudden closure is a tough situation. There are several factors to consider regarding prepaid treatment packages. If the contract was signed, he said patients should check the information about reimbursement.

They can also request reimbursement from the franchisor. 100% Chiropractic is located at 20551 North Pima Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255. The company can be reached at 719-217-0895 or info@100percentdoc.com.

Dixon recommends gathering receipts, proof of purchase, service plans and other documents to prepare a refund request.

He suggests that consumers check with the bank or credit card company they used to make purchases at the business that has closed. They may be able to resist the trade due to failure to obtain goods or services. Credit cards offer more consumer protection when shopping than debit cards, so it’s better to shop with a credit card, especially for big-ticket items, Dixon said.

If a business has filed for bankruptcy, consumers can file a lawsuit in federal court to try to recover the money they owe. Swenson had not filed for bankruptcy since Aug. 9.

If the company has not filed for bankruptcy, the business is still obligated to fulfill orders for goods and services or provide a refund. Closing a business doesn’t relieve the owner of that responsibility, Dixon said. Although it can be time-consuming and expensive, the customer can take the company to court to get their money back.

Patients can also file a complaint with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, which regulates chiropractors at bsd.dli.mt.gov/filing-complaint. They can also call 406-841-2238 or email dlibsdcomplaints@mt.gov.