2 weeks ago I was in a car accident and hurt my back a little. I have been going to a great chiropractor for treatment every few days which is paid for by my insurance. Yesterday the doc sent me to a massage in his office. (Deep tissue) I have had spa massages before and tipped them but I didn't even think about tipping in this instance until I got home. It was 30 minutes and I don't even know what the rate is. Because it is medical treatment and covered by insurance is a tip appropriate? Necessary? If so any ideas how much? Thanks!
A massage therapist told me point blank, you are NOT suppose to tip in doctor's office.... They had a sign, that is why I asked about it... I would also add that all this tipping business is out of control.. We seem to be tipping people for doing their job.... and that is what their salary is for..
It seems to me this was a medical treatment, so no tip. I usually associate a tip with a convenience or pleasure service. But I'll be interested to know what others say.
I don't think a tip is appropriate in your situation. I am a licensed massage therapist. When I worked at a chiropractor I never received tips. When the patients scheduled a massage, not as part of their treatment, then they would almost always tip.
In your situation, it is not approprate.
I just had a mental picture of tipping my gyno after an annual exam...LOL!!!
I think the same question would have popped into my head after a massage, but I think you were fine not tipping. In fact, there may be rules/regulations about accepting tips from medical clients, especially if they are using insurance (the insurance company may say that a "tip" that is paid voluntarily by a client should be deducted from what the insurance company owes the practice.)
I was prescribed deep tissue massage many years ago to help with some rib/back issues, along with physical therapy. The massage took place IN the hospital, as part of the "Sports Medicine" department. I didn't tip. It didn't even occur to me to tip. It was a medical procedure prescribed by a medical doctor, covered by my insurance.
If you ever go back there for a massage purely for your own reasons (and not medically necessary), then I WOULD tip.
But not in this particular case.
That was my thought, too. Since it was more for medical purposes I wouldn't think a tip is really necessary. I've never tipped anyone else when I had medical stuff done. Is an interesting situation though!
I do not tip when my chiropractor has his masseuse work on me, as it is part of my treatment plan. Now, if I was just going to her for a massage, then I'd tip her, but not when it is prescribed.
I would ask the receptionist that schedules the appointments.
This is different but I had microdermabrasion at my dermatologist office and tips are expected.
Great question...to tip or not to tip...I agree with A L., all this tipping has gotten out of control. It's like fundraising!
So what is the rule? According to the Business Insider: Tipping dates back to 18th century England, when an urn would be placed in pubs with a simple sign that read, “To Insure Promptitude.” This was later shortened to the acronym T.I.P. or “tip,” as it is currently called. While originally a way of ensuring good service, tipping is now expected at most businesses where a personal service is performed.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/infographic-how-much-you-s...
Many people "depend" on tips as part of their job. That is CRAZY! Why doesn't a employer just pay what the job is worth, why do the clients have to make up the difference? It is like with the school systems...if they were just funded appropriately, there would not be the need for so much fundraising. (sorry that was an aside)
So tipping...I ONLY tip when I am TRULY over joyed with the service or quality of the attention. When they "do their job" that does not get a tip, when they EXCEED expectations, a tip is given. Think what you will, but when I was a teacher, an administrative assistant, a book keeper and more...I NEVER received a tip for doing my job, it was after all MY JOB. Just sayin...
My husband occasionally goes for a "tune-up" at a chiropractor and then a massage after at the office. He does tip. A friend of mine at one time worked as a massage therapist at a chiropractors office and received tips.
No, you don't tip for medical massages. If you had gone to a day spa, perhaps when they give a bill for services, but never for medical services.
My friends daughter is a massage therapist and works at a medical massage place(not spa) insurance accepted as it is for medical reasons. She does get tips. But don't feel bad when I found out I was surprised since it is more medical than for just relaxation. To me it is like tipping the PT or chiro but I'm sure not everyone tips she has some regulars.
