Many chiropractors struggle with the idea of "wearing too many hats" as they manage their own clinics. Not only do you have to be a doctor, but also play the role of savvy business owner, marketing expert and more.
As a chiropractic business owner, challenges are likely part of the territory.
- "Can I leave for vacation and ensure my practice runs properly?"
- "Is my staff operating at the highest level to serve our patients?"
- "Can my practice thrive and grow in the current economic environment?"
Fortunately, identifying, developing and implementing processes and easily replicable systems can address these and other common challenges.
Brand Identity
Standing out as a distinguished industry professional within the community is imperative. There are thousands of chiropractic establishments in the U.S., but the competition isn't so much with other clinics; it's in creating authority and credibility to engage potential customers. However, while you may be an expert in patient care, you may lack the time and expertise necessary to offer a robust marketing plan for your practice.
Because of these realities, it's essential to develop a plan that creates a consistent brand identity which speaks to potential patients. To do so, consider hiring an agency that specializes in brand marketing for chiropractors, or perhaps invest in an established franchise system that takes the guesswork out of marketing techniques and instead offers exclusive patient marketing programs, corporate health and education programs, and other time-tested tactics.
Organizational Efficiency & Growth
An understandable focus on patient care often leads to less time to focus on creating and maintaining a well-organized practice, leading to decreased efficiency in all aspects of the clinic.
Many chiropractic owners may be able to correct efficiency problems for the day, but deeper-seeded issues may exist within the organization that can adversely affect the efficiency and growth of the practice as a whole. Remember, correct the root cause, not the symptoms.
Implement an organizational infrastructure that introduces specific positional training and development. By utilizing measured production through objective analysis and statistics, you can find the proverbial "pebble in the shoe," removing issues, rather than just masking your organizational pain points.
An engaged and competent staff is essential in any organization, but you will never find a staff member well-versed in every aspect of the organization. Tasks and management of said duties are vast and include effective new-patient acquisition marketing procedures, patient communications, staff recruitment, team training, executive training and more. By introducing infrastructure into the organization, each member of the team becomes an expert in their specific duties, contributing to the overall efficiency and growth of the organization.
Staying Up-to-Date and Informed
Staying abreast of industry happenings in chiropractic is critical for any chiropractic practice. From new technology and personnel management to updated regulations and more, you have your work cut out to maintain your knowledge.
Of course, studies on clinical application of chiropractic care and outcome measures reveal skills for enhanced patient care, and it's imperative that you search out different conferences, seminars and other educational opportunities to remain attuned with current research.
Equally important, you must also focus on practice growth by engaging in business-practice education. Learn what it means to be a great executive and deliver an optimal experience for both patients and staff. Find out how to drive efficiencies for both the practice and the patient. Even rely on a trusted partner who can focus time on future planning and education practices.
Fill Any Gaps in Efficiency Now
For any DC, the main priority is delivering high-quality and truly patient-centered chiropractic care. Unfortunately, that prioritization is often reflected in the potential neglect of the rest of the practice, creating a gap in practice efficiency and growth. Fortunately, a comprehensive approach to systems, procedures and clinic operations can mitigate the abundance of operational mistakes that inhibit or prevent optimal clinic growth.
As patients continue to seek chiropractic care, the onus lies with you, the doctor, to nurture an environment of optimal health. To do so, introducing operational efficiencies is paramount.
Dr. Karlos Boghosian is the current president of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization whose membership is comprised of the U.S. chiropractic licensing boards, certain Canadian provincial registration boards, and the chiropractic licensing board of New Zealand. FCLB lessens burdens on state government by providing programs and services to its membership.