Hi Dr. Joel Q: I have a massage therapist whom I got from another Chiro who had her as an Independent Contractor. She is doing well in my office I pay her 12 bucks a massage, she wanted 15 ( what the other DC paid he) . She does mainly my PI patients. First of all I was not seeing any of the PI money and reduced her reimbursement 20% , I told her, until I saw that I wold get paid on the PI's . She isn't that happy about this reduction, but on the other hand , she has still been getting checks for 300 plus for two days of work. I just worry about whether or not we will have a falling out or whatever, and I will end up getting burned with her becoming an instant "employee". Also, will something in writing help me? We are doing well with the PI's, she had 28 last week...so I feel that she is getting more then fairly compensated ...I don't think I ever want to go back to $15... Your thoughts Doc! Thanks in advance!! A: The issue here is simple .. is she an employee or an independent contractor? If an employee .. you should pay her per day or per massage session whether you are getting paid or not. If she is an IC .. she pays you rent for the facility and charges the patient a set fee. She would be responsible for payment. But .. since she is using your resources .. including office and patient base .. she must either wait for payment .. as you will .. or not work for you at all. The risk .. as with you .. is waiting for the funds and having a cash flow problem at first. This is all in the matter of doing business. Now considering your particular situation. I am not sure how much you charge for a massage .. considering the average fee is $50+ .. $15 is not very much. But .. it seems her only resource is your patients and as an hourly staff salary .. $15 is sufficient. If you have a problem retrieving the insurance checks for these services you will know soon and therefore also know how much is reimbursed. I would not argue over $3 and give her the $15. Massage is tough work and she can also promote your business while working on the patient .. asking for referrals and discussing the patient progress etc. Remember .. if you are giving her office checks as an IC .. you must provide her with a 1099 form for the IRS at the end of the year .. if she is an employee .. you must take out weekly salary and taxes. It isnžt fair but this is how it goes ..especially if the IC gets over $600 in a year .. your accountant has to justify the checks to the same person. I would pay the $15 and charge what you normally do. Keeping peace within the family is worth more than $3 per person .. just hope you have to pay her many $3 per persons. Have a Great Day Dr. M