Q: Hi doc, i just opened my practice in a rural smalltown of 2500 people. i am two blocks from a medical facility. i am not equipped with xray facilities. i needed some xrays taken for a patient of mine.(this was Sat) i called their clinic and they told my patient would have to make an appt for Mon and be seen by an MD. They also said if it was an emergency to send him to their ER. I get the feeling they are not going to take my Chiropractic degree as a referral for me to send my pts. for xray. what do you think and how should I handle these folks. Should I ask to speak to the MD's? The next closest x ray place is an hour away. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. A: Thanks for the e-mail. Seem to me that their is a communications problem. First .. the medical facility is not obligated to take x-rays for you .. this would be a matter of courtesy and income. If you think this is your best bet .. you have three options .. First .. you can call their office and get he names of the MD's and send them a personal letter discussing your hope that the will cooperate and take the films and file for the insurance or get cash up front (the fee arrangement may be a problem and to be reimbursed they may have to determine a diagnosis and need for the films beyond you ordering them) Second .. you can call the doctor directly and see what they say and answer any objections (possibly they see a liability challenge or staff not available) Third .. you can literally walk there and introduce yourself. I have always recommended that the new DC have their own x-ray machine. used ones are always available and will last a career. A new se up is $15,000 and can be leased with little to nothing down. If you are making some profit you will increase it with an x-ray unit once it is paid for. I don't have any sage advice for you here other than to advise you that there is no obligation legally or professionally for the MD to assist you. Possibly there is a DC closer that woud work with you on a 50/50 split for the films with you filing for the service Have a Great Day Dr. M