Prenatal massage etiquette

[Bluedaisy]

From talking with my friends it seems the normal here is that if insurance is paying you don't tip. But that could be regional.

[mcp6286]

I don't think you're expected to tip if it's considered a medical service. DH had to get physical therapy last year when he broke his shoulder, and part of that included full-length back/neck massages. We never tipped for that.

[laurenlou83]

I practiced massage for 6 years and I worked for a clinic through a hospital. A lot of my patients were referred by doctors, pre-natal, post- surgery (ie insurance paid) and 90% of them did not tip. I also had private pay people come to me and I would say about 70% of them would leave tips. The hospital did not encourage tipping, as most medical settings don't (from what I've seen).
I was always appreciative regardless of the patient and circumstances and definitely didn't treat a person differently if they didn't tip.
It is pretty much personal preference, but definitely don't feel bad you didn't tip!

[Deleted]

I am doing one with the acupuncturist I worked with in first tri later this week. She is in a practice with one other therapist and, since they are owners of the business, I wasn't planning on tipping. If it was a large spa with a rotating selection of therapists who come and go as employees, I would. But since the money I pay her is all going directly to her, I would assume there isn't a tip expected on top of the cost.

Someone please correct me if this is not ok. I don't want to step in it, since I plan to see her numerous times between now and my due date.

[santoki77]

I agree with @jimbobcooter. I saw an acupuncturist but she was "renting" space from a chiropractor and her cash rate was different than her insurance rate so I did not tip her bc I knew she was getting a chunk.of the fee. However, when I go to a massage chain (hand and stone) I tip bc the masseuses are either pd by the hour or by the client and the chain takes the rest of the money.

with that said, @jimbobcooter, if you have a good experience with her and use her numerous times, it can't hurt to tip at your last session

[leenziepops]

I thought this was going to be about how much to show because I completely flashed my puppies to my masseuse last time.

[dmoney]

I think in a medical setting they might not be allowed to accept the tip since they are getting paid by the insurance company. If you have another one schedule and feel like you should be tipping maybe call the front desk and ask if they are allowed to accept tips before you try and give it to her.

[ThePalindromicOne]

Oh this is so interesting! I didn't even think about it when I've tipped the last 2 times. I figured, well my copay is only $10 it's the least I can do.... but I'm guessing I shouldn't treat insurance coverage like the meal balance after I use a gift certificate eh?

[laurenlou83]

In addition to what dmoney said, this is sometimes the case. I've had friends work in medical settings where they cannot accept the tip (their employer's rules).
Where I worked they didn't encourage tipping, but they also didn't forbid it. We got paid by the insurance company, but I myself was paid at an hourly rate -- I was paid the same whether it was a self-pay patient or an insurance patient.