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What the Wellness Membership is
The Hornback Wellness Membership is a direct-pay chiropractic care program designed for patients who want ongoing, predictable care rather than the uncertainty that comes with billing insurance visit by visit. For a flat monthly fee, members receive a set number of adjustments plus an annual exam and X-rays. There are no claim forms to file, no prior authorization requirements, and no surprise bills after the visit.
The membership is built around a simple observation: patients who invest in ongoing chiropractic care tend to feel better, stay ahead of pain flare-ups, and maintain their progress between visits. The three tiers exist to match the level of care that fits each patient's situation, from monthly maintenance to weekly support.
The three tiers, side by side
Each tier is built around a different frequency of care, so members can match ongoing chiropractic support to what their bodies need. Every tier includes an annual exam and X-rays, along with progressive discounts for family members enrolled together.
The tier that fits you best depends on how frequently you benefit from care. Patients managing chronic conditions or in an active treatment phase often start at Active or Optimal. Patients using chiropractic care for maintenance and general wellness often find Essential fits well.
Family and multi-member discounts
Progressive discounts make it easier to enroll the whole family. Discounts apply automatically at enrollment and compound across additional family members.
| Family member | Discount |
|---|---|
| 2nd adult | 5% off |
| 3rd adult | 10% off |
| 4th adult and beyond | 15% off |
| 2nd child (0–12) | 10% off |
| 3rd child and beyond | 20% off |
For families with several members in ongoing care, the family discounts meaningfully reduce the per-person cost. Ask about family pricing when you enroll.
How to choose the right tier
The right tier depends on how often chiropractic care benefits you. The doctor makes a recommendation at your first visit based on your evaluation, and you decide from there.
Members can switch tiers as their care needs change over time. There is no long-term commitment locking you into a tier that no longer fits.
Wellness Membership versus insurance-based care
Members frequently ask how the Wellness Membership compares to using insurance. Both have advantages, and they are not mutually exclusive.
| Consideration | Wellness Membership | Insurance-based care |
|---|---|---|
| Cost predictability | Flat monthly fee, no surprises | Depends on plan, deductible, and visit |
| Claim filing | None required | Required for each visit |
| Prior authorization | Not applicable | Sometimes required |
| Care limits | Number of adjustments per tier | Visits capped by plan |
| Family discounts | Progressive family pricing available | Not applicable |
| Annual exam and X-rays | Included at every tier | Coverage varies by plan |
Aetna and Medicare patients can still use their insurance for services outside what the membership covers, and many members do. The membership handles the routine ongoing care predictably, and insurance can be used for other services when appropriate.
What is not included in the membership
The membership covers adjustments at the frequency of your tier, plus an annual exam and X-rays. Some services are not included and are billed separately or covered through insurance or direct pay. Common examples include:
Non-membership services can be billed to insurance where applicable, paid through HSA or FSA, or paid directly with cash, credit card, or CareCredit. Payment plans are available for larger care courses.
How to enroll and change tiers
Enrollment is straightforward. Call any of our three locations and mention the Wellness Membership. Front desk staff will explain the tiers, confirm family pricing if applicable, and set up your enrollment. Membership begins on the date of enrollment and bills monthly thereafter.
If your care needs change, you can adjust your tier by talking with the front desk or your doctor. Tier changes take effect at the next billing cycle. There is no long-term commitment, so members can pause or cancel with reasonable notice.
Access at our three locations
Membership is portable across our three locations. Members can be seen at any of the offices below, whichever fits their schedule best.
Lakewood Ranch (Gatewood)
Waterside (Sarasota)
North River (Palmetto)
Dr. Carey Lam provides coverage across all three locations, giving members additional scheduling flexibility. Ask when you enroll about which location best fits your usual schedule.
How to get started
If ongoing chiropractic care fits your health goals and predictable monthly pricing appeals to you, the Wellness Membership is worth a conversation. Here is how to begin:
Membership is optional. Patients can also access care on a per-visit basis using insurance, HSA, FSA, cash, credit card, CareCredit, or payment plans for larger care courses.
Frequently asked questions
About the author
Dr. Cynthia Hornback, DC, founded Hornback Chiropractic and Wellness in Lakewood Ranch in 2002. She graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic and is board certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and the Florida Department of Chiropractic Examiners. She is certified in the Kennedy Decompression Technique and in acupuncture.
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