John G. Vilkelis, DC

I found Dr. Vilkelis online, his office is very close where I live. I wanted to know if there is possible connection between my pain in the hip to spine, in my case. First visit doctor send me to have an X-​ray of my back. Second visit i was about half an hour and I felt like doctor Vilkelis trying to sell me something. We went over my X-​rays and he explained what is wrong with my spine. I never had any problems with spine before. I was not sold by his explanations. He asked me how much I want this problem to go away and how much effort I want to put in this treatments. He also asked how many times a week I would like to visit. Then he suggested treatment plan. In the end he told me that my treatment will cost $ 2800 and how I would like to pay for it. He suggested 2 payments then 1 payment. After I remind him that I have an insurance his response was that my insurance will not cover these visits. He suggested twice to schedule an appointment for treatments even i told him that i will check with my insurance first and I will call for the appointment. When I came home I call my insurance twice to make sure. My insurance covers all the visits at chiropractor practice!!!
And also I did not need referral for this visits, Dr. Vilkelis receptionist told me over the phone that i need.
Why would I go for treatments in the office and pay for something that my insurance cover?

The receptionist is nice, but was on a personal call most of the time and would not separate her ear from the cell phone while assisting me. She was definitely distracted to give her undivided attention. Also, to (Melissa and anyone else that is not familiar) the girl that doesn’t know why she is paying 3 co-​pays. You always have to pay your co-​pay each and every time you visit any dr. That’s not a dr or receptionist thing – that’s an insurance thing. It would also be interesting for your insurance to tell you how much they pay the doctor for your visit. You’ll see why they can’t possibly spend too much time with each patient. I was a medical business consultant for almost 10 years. The doctor was incredibly explicit in his treatment and suggestions. I went for my first time today and was impressed with his method. I also like that he went to Palmer for his education. Huge difference in how other chiros treat (ment) their patients.

I’m a little astonished that all reviews except one very bad (and irrational) one got filtered. On the other hand, something similar happened to me. What I’ve learned is that most Unilocalers are smarter than Unilocal’s review filter. Still, I felt compelled to come in and say a few words about Dr. Vilkelis.
First, watch out for his jokes … I suspect he uses them to hide his immense compassion … besides … what other reason could there be for such bad jokes? lol.
In all seriousness, I recommend Dr. Vilkelis to most of my clients simply because I spent years vetting him. Finding a truly talented alternative practitioner who is also medically competent and can handle a wide variety of cases and personalities is no easy feat. Dr. Vilkelis manages it well. I care deeply about my clients and would not send them just anywhere. That doesn’t mean there aren’t other good chiropractors out there … there are … but I have complete trust in Vilkelis’ integrity and that took time to verify. If any of my clients should prefer someone else, I ask for the name and add them to my list. This list is still short after all these years. There have been a couple of times when I asked a trusted client who their chiropractor was and if they like them, and the answer I got? Dr. Vilkelis and/​or Dr. Vilkelis’ backup. Too funny.

The day I was suppose to fly to New York City to visit my best friend, I was involved in a car collision. No injuries seem to be present at the time which is probably because of my endorphins kicking in from the experience. I went ahead with my trip even after feeling sore and weak a few hours later.
After 2 days in New York City, I woke up with severe muscle spasms in my upper back. I couldn’t even get myself out of bed without radiating pain. I called my doctor in Atlanta to get a referral for New York City. I was referred to Dr. Vilkelis by two Chiropractors that I know. They assured me this was the person I needed to see while in New York City.
I called the office before they were even open expecting to leave a message and have a return phone call. To by surprise, Dr. Vilkelis answered the phone and graciously accomodated with an emergency appointment in his schedule the same day. He was so kind on the phone and very compassionate regarding my pain.
At the appointment, Dr. Vilkelis reviewed my x-​rays that were taken back in Atlanta the day of the accident. He went over in detail with me his findings and reviewed my history. Then he performed an examination to see my functional abilities. I appreciated his thorough evaluation before he even treated me. It helped me to trust his expertise and be more comfortable with his adjustment to come.
He was very professional and friendly with his jokes and conversation. I felt at ease even though I was in pain. I have been adjusted by several chiropractors who have impressed me greatly or not so much. Dr. Vilkelis impressed me. It wasn’t a 1−2−3 quick crack and pop. He examined and adjusted every region of my spine and extremity. Even though i am very famililar with chiropractic, he explained to me what he was doing and the reason why my nerve endings were so inflammed.
I walked out of his office with immediate relief and was able to enjoy the rest of my trip in NYC. I am excited to have found a Chiropractor in NYC that I can trust and visit when I am in town. I would recommend him to anyone needing pain relief.

the chiropractor seems ultra nice, but the receptionist is maybe one of the nastiest people i’ve ever met (even on the phone from day one when i called to make the appointment). i was also pretty taken aback when i found out that the three separate appointments required of me to get started at their office (one for a consultation, one for a «follow up» that included the «test adjustment» he said, and then a final meeting to discuss a treatment plan… all on different days within one week) were going to be three separate [$ 50!] copays. um, excuse me!!! i found out at appt #2, so i said but i thought this was just a follow up? she tells me, «yes, but you were adjusted today»… so then why was i charged for my consultation monday? there wasn’t an adjustment at that one. «because you took up all the doctor’s time!» so am i going to be charged again for friday just to talk? «of course». i was in shock. the conversation proceeded with her yelling at me that she’s never in her life heard of an office not charging for a follow up (i’ve actually never heard the opposite… my general practitioner makes me come in for follow ups to check on my symptoms all the time, and even the neurologist i saw to review an MRI and do a second check didn’t charge a «follow up copay»)… then she demanded i turn around and ask the rest of the waiting room if they’ve heard of not being charged a copay for a follow up, and continued on about how ridiculous i was to even care because «this is your health»… yes, but it’s also my finances, and i literally cannot afford to pay $ 150 a week. «but it’s your health» she kept repeating. THREE TIMES. i finally said «you do understand that monies available precedes being able to treat my health right?» i’ve never been so appalled at a person’s behavior in a professional environment when she’s simply the receptionist. since this was well past strike 3 for me with them (i won’t go into the others, but i do want to point out– read the privacy forms they make you sign— «we have the right to disclose private information… for fundraising… for funding of the office…» and for a million other weird things i’ve also never seen before in an office), i figured i needed to get out. here’s the email i wrote the doctor…
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Hi Doctor,
I regret having to write this, but I just wanted to let you know that I don’t think we’re going to be seeking treatment from you after all. Although my back feels good still from your adjustment the other day, I just can’t handle the level of nastiness I’ve received so far from your receptionist. From day one when I called in to inquire about setting up a first appointment she was nasty and I haven’t seen a change since, no matter how kind I try and be (and of course she amplifies whenever there’s an issue, which I feel have there have been several). And since she’s the person I need to deal with every time I make an appointment, I just rather find an office where I feel welcome and, most importantly, treated with respect all around. It’s unfortunate because it reflects very poorly on your office and you are such a nice guy, I don’t understand how she works there. Ultimately it just boils down to not feeling comfortable putting up with it, especially given the hassle I’ve received from her.
I should also mention, I’m pretty put off by the frequency of appointments that were requested of me just to start off care, which would be fine I guess IF they weren’t coupled with a copayment each time. I just don’t understand the need for separating a consultation from an adjustment from a treatment plan talk, other than it means you guys make more money (just being honest here)… and I felt a bit taken advantage of. Especially when it seems like it really can be covered in one well managed appointment. I say this because of my experience at chiropractor’s offices so far (in California and Buffalo) and because I’ve since been referred to a three other offices this week in the city, and after calling (and speaking to overly sweet and helpful receptionists!!), I’ve found they offer FREE consultations which include a full check and run down of a proposed treatment plan (then I’d have the option of getting adjusted that day for a copay or scheduling to come back if I should choose being treated).
Anyway, I was simply going to call to cancel my appointment today with you and leave it at that, but I can tell you care a lot about what you do, so I wanted to share my experience and feelings for you to take into consideration. Just so you know…
Thanks again for the adjustment the other day, take care.
Melissa W.