On Nov. 4, 2010, Pro-Solutions for Chiropractic, Inc., Dr. Maurice A. Pisciottano and his wife, Laurel K. Pisciottano, filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 7 bankruptcy with the United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Pennsylvania.1-2 At the same time, calls to Pro-Solutions' office (724-731-0600) were greeted with a recorded message stating, "We are no longer doing business."
The filing documents for the Pro-Solutions corporation state that the company has between 100-199 creditors, $50,000 or less in assets and $1 million to $10 million of liabilities. The filing documents for the Pisciottanos state that they personally have less than 50 creditors, $50,000 or less in assets and $1 million to $10 million of liabilities.
The bankruptcy filings come on the heels of several lawsuits filed by doctors of chiropractic in California, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.3 At least one of those suits has been settled out of court, with the ProAdjuster purchaser able to "walk away without owing any more money."4
Pro-Solutions is the company that sold more than 2,000 ProAdjuster machines in packages ranging as high as $90,000 per package.5 Doctors of chiropractic purchased most of these packages as leases in which Pro-Solutions received full payment for the equipment from the leasing company. Even a conservative average of $60,000 per package yields a total gross income of over $120 million, not including income from other services.
The ProAdjuster adjusting instrument was manufactured by another company, which sold the equipment to Pro-Solutions for $8,000 per unit.6 And while there is certainly other equipment, manuals, software, etc., included in the packages, this still left a very hefty profit margin. With this level of revenue, the bankruptcy filings are causing some to question where all the money went. Certainly the Pisciottano's lavish lifestyle may have made an impact.
Dr. Pisciottano's bankruptcy filing reveals a home address of 305 Sugarwood Drive, Venetia, PA, 15367. An Internet view of the property reveals a grand estate with multiple buildings and a large pool. According to a former employee and local tax records, Dr. Pisciottano purchased the home for $1.8 million and then upgraded the estate with additional construction. In 2008, the Pisciottanos purchased a second home near a ski resort in Champion, Pa., for $1.25 million, according to county tax records. Dr. Pisciottano was also reported to be an avid car collector who owns or has owned a Bugatti, a Bentley, multiple Ferraris, a Jaguar XJS, several Corvettes, a Lexus SUV, a Ford Mustang and a Dodge Ram pickup.
Multiple attempts to contact Dr. Pisciottano by e-mail and cell phone for comment regarding the bankruptcy filings went unanswered as of press time.
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
