tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2008-07-10T09:25:32-07:00 Opinion and techniques for maximizing productivity and branding. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54437 2010-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." These immortal words, written by Charles Dickens more than 200 years ago, apply to the chiropractic profession today. Numerous practices are struggling with profits and productivity, and yet while the current recession weighs heavily on most, some find themselves doing well despite the storm. How can your practice rise from the economic quagmire? What can be done to ensure success, both now and in the future?

By Drew Stevens, PhD "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." These immortal words, written by Charles Dickens more than 200 years ago, apply to the chiropractic profession today. Numerous practices are struggling with profits and productivity, and yet while the current recession weighs heavily on most, some find themselves doing well despite the storm. How can your practice rise from the economic quagmire? What can be done to ensure success, both now and in the future? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54439 2010-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

Open this or any other chiropractic publication and you will see ads for different companies and organizations guaranteeing to boost your referrals, patient count and patient volume. Arguably, getting new patients is a good thing - but what do you do to meet the needs of that patient once they walk through your door? All too often, patients complain that their doctor is "just too busy" or "just doesn't listen." It doesn't matter how many new people come through your door - if you don't take the time to listen to a patient, understand their complaints and concerns, and hear what they are actually saying, you won't succeed in practice.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM Open this or any other chiropractic publication and you will see ads for different companies and organizations guaranteeing to boost your referrals, patient count and patient volume. Arguably, getting new patients is a good thing - but what do you do to meet the needs of that patient once they walk through your door? All too often, patients complain that their doctor is "just too busy" or "just doesn't listen." It doesn't matter how many new people come through your door - if you don't take the time to listen to a patient, understand their complaints and concerns, and hear what they are actually saying, you won't succeed in practice. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54443 2010-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

As the son and grandson of doctors of chiropractic, I have come to appreciate the health that is only available from adopting a wellness lifestyle. I began life with adjustments, good eating and "taking my vitamins." I have never thought of drugs as an option except in the most urgent situations. Both my parents taught me that God made our bodies so they would heal themselves.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher As the son and grandson of doctors of chiropractic, I have come to appreciate the health that is only available from adopting a wellness lifestyle. I began life with adjustments, good eating and "taking my vitamins." I have never thought of drugs as an option except in the most urgent situations. Both my parents taught me that God made our bodies so they would heal themselves. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54453 2010-01-29T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-29T12:00:07-07:00

Given the rapidly shifting world in which we live and the significant changes that are often imposed upon us - technological, economic, political, and pending health care reform, just to name a few - it's no surprise that many chiropractors are finding themselves in the midst of business, career and life transitions. The adage that "change is good" sounds fine when you're making a planned, proactive transition such as moving to a new community, hiring an associate, or investing in a new piece of equipment. It's when unwanted change is imposed upon you that your ability to effectively manage a situation is challenged. Because even the best-laid plans sometimes go awry, it's useful to develop skills that will not only help you cope with the unexpected, but also will allow you use unanticipated transitions as opportunities to grow and evolve.

By Shelley Simon, RN, DC, MPH, EdD Given the rapidly shifting world in which we live and the significant changes that are often imposed upon us - technological, economic, political, and pending health care reform, just to name a few - it's no surprise that many chiropractors are finding themselves in the midst of business, career and life transitions. The adage that "change is good" sounds fine when you're making a planned, proactive transition such as moving to a new community, hiring an associate, or investing in a new piece of equipment. It's when unwanted change is imposed upon you that your ability to effectively manage a situation is challenged. Because even the best-laid plans sometimes go awry, it's useful to develop skills that will not only help you cope with the unexpected, but also will allow you use unanticipated transitions as opportunities to grow and evolve. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54415 2010-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

In today's tightfisted economy, chiropractors seeking to grow their practice or improve their income are intently shopping for what will bring them the biggest bang for their buck. For many, the days when they could throw some money toward a marketing scheme, a new piece of equipment or even additional staff and hope for the best are over. Today's market-savvy chiropractors want to be assured that their hard-earned dollars will be well-spent. As a result, a common question I get asked is: "How can I improve my income?"

By Tom Necela, DC In today's tightfisted economy, chiropractors seeking to grow their practice or improve their income are intently shopping for what will bring them the biggest bang for their buck. For many, the days when they could throw some money toward a marketing scheme, a new piece of equipment or even additional staff and hope for the best are over. Today's market-savvy chiropractors want to be assured that their hard-earned dollars will be well-spent. As a result, a common question I get asked is: "How can I improve my income?" tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54416 2010-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

If you are like most of us, 2009 was a challenging year. With the realities of our struggling economy becoming fully entrenched, it was hard to find many bright spots. And yet there were more opportunities than you might expect.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher If you are like most of us, 2009 was a challenging year. With the realities of our struggling economy becoming fully entrenched, it was hard to find many bright spots. And yet there were more opportunities than you might expect. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54420 2010-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

I'm sensitive to the fact that many chiropractors are uncomfortable thinking about their practice in terms of a business, so I'd like to address a fundamental flaw many practices suffer from: While most doctors are excellent at caring for their patients, they are not excellent at making money at it. This is because in between caring for patients, they practice random acts of running a business.

By Mark Sanna, DC, ACRB Level II, FICC I'm sensitive to the fact that many chiropractors are uncomfortable thinking about their practice in terms of a business, so I'd like to address a fundamental flaw many practices suffer from: While most doctors are excellent at caring for their patients, they are not excellent at making money at it. This is because in between caring for patients, they practice random acts of running a business. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54426 2010-01-15T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-15T12:00:07-07:00

Walt Disney said "Everything speaks." Walt was a master of creating an "experience" that would forever be remembered by his customers. This philosophy is what has made Disneyland and its affiliated parks and attractions among the top tourist and family destinations in the world. So, I think it more than fitting to follow his professional example in your own business. What you wear, what you say, your body language, your energy, your treatment, the music you play in your office, the overall cleanliness, the colors, the smell, the service, and the experience you deliver all tell a story. What is your story? What area(s) can you improve on to keep bringing it every day?

By Perry Nickelston, DC Walt Disney said "Everything speaks." Walt was a master of creating an "experience" that would forever be remembered by his customers. This philosophy is what has made Disneyland and its affiliated parks and attractions among the top tourist and family destinations in the world. So, I think it more than fitting to follow his professional example in your own business. What you wear, what you say, your body language, your energy, your treatment, the music you play in your office, the overall cleanliness, the colors, the smell, the service, and the experience you deliver all tell a story. What is your story? What area(s) can you improve on to keep bringing it every day? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54396 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

When it comes to the Web, our focus has always been to provide you and your practice with Web services that will generate new patients. This has been our mission for over a decade. In February 1998, Dynamic Chiropractic began offering various services designed to provide doctors of chiropractic with exposure on the Web that would lead to new patients. Intrinsic to this goal was the concept that a patient who is educated about the value of chiropractic and a wellness lifestyle will naturally refer their family, friends and co-workers.

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher When it comes to the Web, our focus has always been to provide you and your practice with Web services that will generate new patients. This has been our mission for over a decade. In February 1998, Dynamic Chiropractic began offering various services designed to provide doctors of chiropractic with exposure on the Web that would lead to new patients. Intrinsic to this goal was the concept that a patient who is educated about the value of chiropractic and a wellness lifestyle will naturally refer their family, friends and co-workers. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54398 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

A rehab program should emphasize safety above all else. Introduce simple, low-load exercises to re-establish efficient movement patterns first. Work to prevent/reduce injury potential, and then improve performance.

By Jeffrey Tucker, DC, DACRB A rehab program should emphasize safety above all else. Introduce simple, low-load exercises to re-establish efficient movement patterns first. Work to prevent/reduce injury potential, and then improve performance. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54401 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Have you ever questioned the appropriate time to provide the report of findings to your patient, or do you have the habit of sharing your findings as soon as your consultation or exam has been completed? In general, doctors are ready to give a detailed report of findings and recommendations for care when they have spent the necessary time and effort to establish firmly in their own mind the true, fundamental, underlying or at least contributing cause of the patient's presenting complaint. If professional patient procedures have been followed, the doctor will also have built in the mind of the patient the confidence so vital to a successful relationship between doctor and patient.

By Gilles Lamarche, DC Have you ever questioned the appropriate time to provide the report of findings to your patient, or do you have the habit of sharing your findings as soon as your consultation or exam has been completed? In general, doctors are ready to give a detailed report of findings and recommendations for care when they have spent the necessary time and effort to establish firmly in their own mind the true, fundamental, underlying or at least contributing cause of the patient's presenting complaint. If professional patient procedures have been followed, the doctor will also have built in the mind of the patient the confidence so vital to a successful relationship between doctor and patient. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54403 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

If a bucket has a hole, it can usually still be filled - it just takes more water to do so. The bigger the hole, the more water is needed and you can never stop adding water, as it will continue to leak out, however slowly. Occasionally, an office might experience what is known as leaky-bucket syndrome, characterized by patients who simply "slip through the cracks."

By Michelle Geller-Vino, CA If a bucket has a hole, it can usually still be filled - it just takes more water to do so. The bigger the hole, the more water is needed and you can never stop adding water, as it will continue to leak out, however slowly. Occasionally, an office might experience what is known as leaky-bucket syndrome, characterized by patients who simply "slip through the cracks." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54406 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Our health care system is in crisis, and this crisis is creating remarkable opportunity for the chiropractic profession. In fact, the most notable opportunity is something you probably have never heard of: the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model. If implemented, the PCMH model could restructure the entire health care delivery system, take chiropractors out of the fringe and place them in an integral role in patient management. But there's a catch: We need to embrace the technology that will make it possible.

By Steven Kraus, DC, DIBCN, CCSP, FASA Our health care system is in crisis, and this crisis is creating remarkable opportunity for the chiropractic profession. In fact, the most notable opportunity is something you probably have never heard of: the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model. If implemented, the PCMH model could restructure the entire health care delivery system, take chiropractors out of the fringe and place them in an integral role in patient management. But there's a catch: We need to embrace the technology that will make it possible. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54355 2009-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

Whether your office has identity theft protection protocols in place may be a moot point soon, at least in terms of a federal mandate. With legislation currently under deliberation that would further define which entities are required to develop and implement identity theft protection protocols - and which are exempt from doing so - the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has delayed enforcement of its Red Flags rule until June 2010, the fourth such delay.

By Editorial Staff Whether your office has identity theft protection protocols in place may be a moot point soon, at least in terms of a federal mandate. With legislation currently under deliberation that would further define which entities are required to develop and implement identity theft protection protocols - and which are exempt from doing so - the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has delayed enforcement of its Red Flags rule until June 2010, the fourth such delay. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54361 2009-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

I have written several articles now on the topic of documentation and discussed a whole list of reasons to keep good records. Chiropractors in general do not have a good reputation for keeping records. It is important to cover all the bases - the patient's complaints, clinical history, examination findings, diagnostic findings, assessment, and care plan. There is one more detail that seems to be increasingly important in terms of documentation - the response to care.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM I have written several articles now on the topic of documentation and discussed a whole list of reasons to keep good records. Chiropractors in general do not have a good reputation for keeping records. It is important to cover all the bases - the patient's complaints, clinical history, examination findings, diagnostic findings, assessment, and care plan. There is one more detail that seems to be increasingly important in terms of documentation - the response to care. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54363 2009-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

In June 2009, I had the privilege of attaining certified professional medical auditor (CPMA) certification as offered by the National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists. In a nutshell, I was trained to think, analyze and act in the role of a professional auditor. Admittedly, my purpose in obtaining this certification was not so that I could begin working for an insurance company or third-party entity that audits chiropractic claims and records. Instead, I sought this certification so that I could better understand what the auditors are looking for, learn the methods auditors are using to identify fraudulent or substandard practices, and then apply this knowledge toward helping chiropractors.

By Tom Necela, DC In June 2009, I had the privilege of attaining certified professional medical auditor (CPMA) certification as offered by the National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists. In a nutshell, I was trained to think, analyze and act in the role of a professional auditor. Admittedly, my purpose in obtaining this certification was not so that I could begin working for an insurance company or third-party entity that audits chiropractic claims and records. Instead, I sought this certification so that I could better understand what the auditors are looking for, learn the methods auditors are using to identify fraudulent or substandard practices, and then apply this knowledge toward helping chiropractors. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54371 2009-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

One of the most powerful tools we possess is our voice. In her book Scripts for Success, chiropractic assistant trainer Sherry Hodge states: "Part of communication is what we say and how we say it. Most of all, what we communicate must be sincere. (The feeling is also communicated.)"

By Lisa Bilodeau, CA One of the most powerful tools we possess is our voice. In her book Scripts for Success, chiropractic assistant trainer Sherry Hodge states: "Part of communication is what we say and how we say it. Most of all, what we communicate must be sincere. (The feeling is also communicated.)" tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54372 2009-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

Women are different from men not only in structure and biomechanics, but also in the way they make purchasing decisions. Therefore, when you recommend flexible, custom-made stabilizing orthotics to your female patients, it's important to follow these three guidelines: address women's special needs, target your message to women, and provide valuable, detailed information.

By Mark Charrette, DC Women are different from men not only in structure and biomechanics, but also in the way they make purchasing decisions. Therefore, when you recommend flexible, custom-made stabilizing orthotics to your female patients, it's important to follow these three guidelines: address women's special needs, target your message to women, and provide valuable, detailed information. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54375 2009-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

A time to be born, a time to die A time to plant, a time to reap A time to kill, a time to heal A time to laugh, a time to weep - Lyrics from "Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season)" I think that for all health care providers, chiropractors included, there should be another line: A time to refer, a time to discharge. There are many reasons that people don't make appropriate referrals or appropriately discharge their patients. They may believe that they are more competent than they actually are, and thus erroneously believe they can help the patient. In clinical practice, this is the essence of being an ultracrepidarian (one who professes expertise they do not possess).1

By Stephen M. Perle, DC, MS A time to be born, a time to die A time to plant, a time to reap A time to kill, a time to heal A time to laugh, a time to weep - Lyrics from "Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season)" I think that for all health care providers, chiropractors included, there should be another line: A time to refer, a time to discharge. There are many reasons that people don't make appropriate referrals or appropriately discharge their patients. They may believe that they are more competent than they actually are, and thus erroneously believe they can help the patient. In clinical practice, this is the essence of being an ultracrepidarian (one who professes expertise they do not possess).1 tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54324 2009-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

We are often asked about the advantages and disadvantages of group practice versus solo practice. Both practice set-ups have their advantages and disadvantages. The first question we always ask is: "Do you play well with others?" For example, if you like team sports over individual sports, then you are more likely to do well with a group practice. If you have always been a solo sports or activities participant, then a solo practice will typically match up better with your personality. You need to take an honest look at yourself and determine your personality type.

By Mark A. King, DC and Steve W. King, DC We are often asked about the advantages and disadvantages of group practice versus solo practice. Both practice set-ups have their advantages and disadvantages. The first question we always ask is: "Do you play well with others?" For example, if you like team sports over individual sports, then you are more likely to do well with a group practice. If you have always been a solo sports or activities participant, then a solo practice will typically match up better with your personality. You need to take an honest look at yourself and determine your personality type. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54331 2009-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

In my last column (Oct. 21 issue), I talked about the importance of listening to patients' stories as a way to negotiate a shared reality and improve clinical outcomes. Let's take our discussion of the value of compelling narrative a step further, with the attention now on how you can use stories - those of your patients and your own - to become more influential and grow your practice. Effective storytelling can help you promote your services and attract new patients who will feel hopeful, be committed to improving their own well-being, have positive outcomes, and ultimately become your best marketers.

By Shelley Simon, RN, DC, MPH, EdD In my last column (Oct. 21 issue), I talked about the importance of listening to patients' stories as a way to negotiate a shared reality and improve clinical outcomes. Let's take our discussion of the value of compelling narrative a step further, with the attention now on how you can use stories - those of your patients and your own - to become more influential and grow your practice. Effective storytelling can help you promote your services and attract new patients who will feel hopeful, be committed to improving their own well-being, have positive outcomes, and ultimately become your best marketers. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54337 2009-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

If you've ever gone to a seminars on practice growth, taken any courses on the topic, or even talked to people who have, then you know the concept of "systemization" is a big one. At first glance, it seems like something dreamed up in the furthest corner of "Theory-Land," so far removed from your real practice that it's almost laughable. After all, every situation is unique. Every patient is unique. How in the world could you possibly have a step-by-step system and procedure manual to handle the myriad of unique situations that crop up in your practice every day?

By Shawn Veltman If you've ever gone to a seminars on practice growth, taken any courses on the topic, or even talked to people who have, then you know the concept of "systemization" is a big one. At first glance, it seems like something dreamed up in the furthest corner of "Theory-Land," so far removed from your real practice that it's almost laughable. After all, every situation is unique. Every patient is unique. How in the world could you possibly have a step-by-step system and procedure manual to handle the myriad of unique situations that crop up in your practice every day? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54338 2009-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

What was controversial four years ago, but not anymore? How about the following three statements: (1) More chiropractors will adopt electronic documentation in the near future. (2) Medicare will increase audits of chiropractors. (3) Electronic health records (EHR) will be mandated. These are predictions made by me and several others in the profession dating as far back as 2005. To some degree, all three have come true. On the eve of a health care overhaul, there is no better time to look back, see how we got here and realize that the times really are changing.

By Steven Kraus, DC, DIBCN, CCSP, FASA What was controversial four years ago, but not anymore? How about the following three statements: (1) More chiropractors will adopt electronic documentation in the near future. (2) Medicare will increase audits of chiropractors. (3) Electronic health records (EHR) will be mandated. These are predictions made by me and several others in the profession dating as far back as 2005. To some degree, all three have come true. On the eve of a health care overhaul, there is no better time to look back, see how we got here and realize that the times really are changing. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54349 2009-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

When times are tough, small-business owners often start cutting back on marketing to save money. Big mistake! In today's economy, it is vital to step up your marketing so you stand out from the competition. While everyone else is retreating and patiently waiting for things to get better, you will be out on the front lines ensuring your practice thrives. The strategy involves making smart decisions in how and where you choose to market. You must have a game plan for success - a battle plan, if you will - in order to attract customers. Here are five low-cost ways to keep yourself visible and in demand.

By Perry Nickelston, DC When times are tough, small-business owners often start cutting back on marketing to save money. Big mistake! In today's economy, it is vital to step up your marketing so you stand out from the competition. While everyone else is retreating and patiently waiting for things to get better, you will be out on the front lines ensuring your practice thrives. The strategy involves making smart decisions in how and where you choose to market. You must have a game plan for success - a battle plan, if you will - in order to attract customers. Here are five low-cost ways to keep yourself visible and in demand. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54181 2009-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

Even in this digital age, telephone communication is a very important aspect of successful office procedures because it is the first contact that many, if not most, of your patients will have with you and your office.

By Gilles Lamarche, DC Even in this digital age, telephone communication is a very important aspect of successful office procedures because it is the first contact that many, if not most, of your patients will have with you and your office. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54311 2009-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

If you are like most people I know, you are more than happy to see the rest of 2009 pass by. For most of us, this has not been our favorite year, to say the least. Between our country's poor economic health and the specter of adverse health care reform, this year has been a challenge. But as we look forward to 2010, what do we see? Does it look different than 2009? The old adage comes into play here: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

By Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher If you are like most people I know, you are more than happy to see the rest of 2009 pass by. For most of us, this has not been our favorite year, to say the least. Between our country's poor economic health and the specter of adverse health care reform, this year has been a challenge. But as we look forward to 2010, what do we see? Does it look different than 2009? The old adage comes into play here: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-54320 2009-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

I know this article will be met with a variety of reactions from various readers because of the wide and diverse demographics of our profession, but I just could not help wondering if this entire "social networking" craze is causing many doctors to ignore the fact that old-fashioned "word of mouth" communication has not been replaced (at least not yet) by "word of mouse." That being said, the ease of virtual communication is alluring and may be influencing doctors to transport this communication style to their doctor-patient en-counters. It may work, but there are also potential dangers in trying to replace a face-to-face encounter with a Facebook encounter.

By Louis Sportelli, DC I know this article will be met with a variety of reactions from various readers because of the wide and diverse demographics of our profession, but I just could not help wondering if this entire "social networking" craze is causing many doctors to ignore the fact that old-fashioned "word of mouth" communication has not been replaced (at least not yet) by "word of mouse." That being said, the ease of virtual communication is alluring and may be influencing doctors to transport this communication style to their doctor-patient en-counters. It may work, but there are also potential dangers in trying to replace a face-to-face encounter with a Facebook encounter.