Q&A on the professional side of Christian Science practice

3/20/2012

Q&A on the professional side of Christian Science practice

Christian Science practitioners provide prayer upon request with the intent and expectation that quick healing will follow. It is both a spiritual ministry and a professional practice.

I sometimes receive questions about the billing process. For example, I have been asked to fix a monthly retainer fee in case the treatment should go on for awhile. Of course, to such questions I only speak for myself. Each practitioner comes to their own conclusions regarding billing and the professional relationship with their patients. But, I consider taking a case on retainer to be inconsistent with my practice because it assumes prolonged treatment is necessary.

Unlike medical care, which projects treatment time based on the diagnosis of disease and the complexity of symptoms, prayer healing springs from spiritual growth and clearer views of God and man.

Spirituality, not time, is the determining factor in Christian Science healing. Health is an entirely spiritual phenomenon and is found to be permanent when sought through spiritual means.

Mary Baker Eddy made this point in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. She also pointed out the pitfalls of drawing conclusions about cases from symptoms when she wrote, "Health is not a condition of matter, but of Mind; nor can the material senses bear reliable testimony on the subject of health... Any conclusion pro or con, deduced from supposed sensation in matter or from matter's supposed consciousness of health or disease, instead of reversing the testimony of the physical senses, confirms that testimony as legitimate and so leads to disease." (p.120)

My experience has shown that an understanding of God sought through prayer, coupled with the expectation that this understanding can be obtained immediately, speeds progress on cases. An entirely spiritual focus and high expectation of healing helps move a case beyond comfort care or coping with symptoms and supports better outcomes. Expectation of healing turns thought quickly to what God is doing for man.

James wrote, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (5:15) Everyone has a right to good results from prayer in Christian Science.

Prayer treatment does not follow any medical treatment model. Healing time is not determined by a physical diagnosis. One disease is not considered inherently more difficult, more time consuming or more complicated, than another. Prayer moves beyond symptom management by opening one's experience to the healing Christ, the powerful message of health from God to man which meets needs quickly, consistently and effectively.

It is always a joy to pray for others. Christian Science practitioners are dedicated to give all the care and attention necessary to prayer on each case. But as wonderful as it is to engage in this work, nothing trumps a good healing. This is one profession where "fired" is as happy a word as "hired" when someone is healed.

If you have any questions about the healing practice of Christian Science, I would happy to consider them for future occasional posts on the subject.

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Anonymous

3/20/2012 10:20:22 am

What about prolonged cases? Should the practitioner reduce the charges, or should the patient ask the practitioner to reduce the charges.

Michelle Nanouche link

3/20/2012 11:17:49 am

The question of reduction of charges is addressed in the following bylaw found in Article VIII (Church Manual, Mary Baker Eddy, p.46):

"Practitioners and Patients. Sect. 22.
"...A member of The Mother Church shall not, under pardonable circumstances, sue his patient for recovery of payment for said member's practice, on penalty of discipline and liability to have his name removed from membership.
"Also he shall reasonably reduce his price in chronic cases of recovery, and in cases where he has not effected a cure. A Christian Scientist is a humanitarian; he is benevolent, forgiving,
long-suffering, and seeks to overcome evil with good."

Every practitioner is responsible for implementing this by-law; although each must also determine for himself what would be considered reasonable. In many instances the reduction appears on the bill automatically. A patient should never hesitate to discuss fees and reduction of fees with the practitioner they are engaging.

I will note that reduction of charge at the point of billing and setting a monthly retainer fee projecting the need for future treatments are two different subjects. In the instance of fee reduction, benevolence is naturally employed at the point of billing. In cases where fear is producing the expectation that a case must go on and on before a healing can occur, that fear should to be addressed head on.

Paul

3/21/2012 07:10:56 am

What do you consider a reasonable amount of time? How long is chronic to you? What do you usually do if it's more than a day or two?To me, it would seem any time over a day or two the bill should be reduced.

Dennis R.

3/20/2012 12:02:28 pm

I only engaged a Christian Science Practioner one time. She did not quote me a fee, but told be to pay what I felt led. I think that hindered me, because I was worried over what the right amount should be. She was also in another country so I had exchange rates to deal with.

Michelle Nanouche link

3/20/2012 12:40:34 pm

Hi Dennis, Each practitioner handles fees and billing differently according to their highest sense of what is right for their field. As uncomfortable as you were, there are others who are uncomfortable when a practitioner quotes a fee at all. This is a subject that requires sensitivity and prayer.

Ultimately the practice is about prayer and healing. The professional side is simply a support to the practice and should reflect gratitude and love. With those qualities taking the lead, you need never fear whether you sent the right amount.

You are great to write in on this. Thanks!

Phil

3/21/2012 11:49:08 am

Great answer Michelle
I do find it helpful that in both the Manual and Miscellany she refers to practitioners having charges, not "if they charge." I realize different countries with their different laws can have an impact on the freedom to charge. But it seems pretty clear to me thru her writings that she expected practitioners to make a charge, make it equal to what reputable physicians charge (in other words make a decent living at it) and to reduce that charge if the case is chronic or unhealed.
Thanks again for tackling this subject!

Anonymous

3/20/2012 03:42:29 pm

What about cases where one is praying about job related issues or home searches, etc? Something that is not really quick because of the nature of the situation. I know from our own experience that finding a job can be quick, as can be a home, but in some situations time is seemingly an unavoidable factor. Also a baby case might be almost nine months if someone asks for support right away. Do you do things differently in those situations?

Michelle Nanouche link

3/20/2012 03:58:58 pm

Love these questions! Please remember, I am not setting policy or speaking for anyone else's practice. Only mine. I am sharing where I am on these questions.

That said: No, not really. A case, regardless of the diagnosis, is the case for the day. I have full expectation of progress and healing. I don't contract to work for a period of time. Although anyone is free to call as often as they would like for help through prayer. But I make every effort to have a fresh approach to the prayer as if it is the first time they have called. And I work to let go of the imposition that time has anything to do with healing - or even with having a baby! It doesn't!

If someone has decided they would like to work with me until they have achieved a certain goal, that is their decision. They may call me or they may get new direction on their journey and call someone else. I would want the freedom to do the same if it were me! So for me, that is simply the golden rule. But if they call me, even if I have heard from them before, I still take the case as a treatable and healable case that day.

A baby case, to use your example, isn't about producing a baby. If a parent calls wanting to work on something during a pregnancy, it may be to handle fear, or some uncomfortable symptom, or they may simply be looking for insight into eternal being as a child of God, or general spiritual growth in preparation - but whatever it is, they aren't usually looking for prayer to "heal" them of pregnancy. In these cases, I pray as called upon to do so. But the patient determines the rhythm of their calls according to their needs.

Michelle Nanouche link

3/21/2012 08:20:12 am

This response is for Paul, whose message was buried a bit above other messages.

Hi Paul, I think if it has come to you to reduce your fees after a day or two, you should definitely follow your highest sense of right in your practice. As your question also refers to my practice, I have no fixed policy based on the clock or the calendar. To me "chronic cases of recovery" refers to a mental state. I pray to respond and bill correctly on a case by case basis.

Phil link

3/21/2012 11:39:55 am

Thanks so much Michelle for the questions and your answers.
I always felt that any kind of retainer was in conflict with the expectation of immediate healing. In other words, how can you expect immediate healing if you are planning on it take a while to heal?
So even when a person asks, "will you stay with me through the weekend or for a couple of days" receive the question from me, "why not expect healing right now?

Michelle Nanouche

3/21/2012 12:10:41 pm

Right on, Phil. Appreciate this and the comment you posted above. This has been a healthy discussion all around, I think.

I want to give a plug for your blog, too. Hey readers, if you click on Phil's name, it should link you to his blog/site. If you haven't already, I encourage you to check it out and subscribe. I am a regular reader.

Phil

3/22/2012 09:09:49 am

You are so kind!!!

Living the Christian life link

6/26/2012 06:05:58 am

Many thanks for the exciting blog posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you are a brilliant writer. I actually added your blog to my favorites and will look forward for more updates.Great Job,Keep it up

Michelle Nanouche

6/26/2012 06:11:20 am

Well, good! Thanks. Will be looking for your comments!

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