tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2008-07-10T09:25:32-07:00 Maximizing productivity and office management. 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-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-54327 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

In the age of evidence-informed patient choice, the patient has access to research-based information about the effectiveness of health care options and is encouraged to use this information in treatment decisions. However, a majority of patients do not trust new research evidence due to a lack of familiarity with the researchers, the media's presentation of controversy in research and a lack of trust of the health care establishment in general.

By David J. Brunarski, DC, MSc, FCCS(C), Associate Editor In the age of evidence-informed patient choice, the patient has access to research-based information about the effectiveness of health care options and is encouraged to use this information in treatment decisions. However, a majority of patients do not trust new research evidence due to a lack of familiarity with the researchers, the media's presentation of controversy in research and a lack of trust of the health care establishment in general. 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-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-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-54376 2009-12-16T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-16T12:00:07-07:00

I received several calls recently from officers of the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) because the organization is about to celebrate its 40th anniversary. They asked for the names of some of the individuals involved in starting the original congress. Some of the names that came to mind were Dr. Malcolm MacDonald, who was the editor of the New England Journal of Chiropractic, which chronicled the tumultuous events of the times in a most incisive fashion; as well as Richard Vincent, Peter Flaum, Arnold Cianciulli, Marino Passero, Donald Moon, Ed Saunders, Richard Carnival, Jerome Auerbach, Rex Wright, and many other doctors who participated in the first COCSA organization meeting. Dr. MacDonald is still serving as a delegate to the American Chiropractic Association, and a number of those dedicated and fiery doctors are still active in the profession in some capacity, though some have passed away in recent years.

By Louis Sportelli, DC I received several calls recently from officers of the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) because the organization is about to celebrate its 40th anniversary. They asked for the names of some of the individuals involved in starting the original congress. Some of the names that came to mind were Dr. Malcolm MacDonald, who was the editor of the New England Journal of Chiropractic, which chronicled the tumultuous events of the times in a most incisive fashion; as well as Richard Vincent, Peter Flaum, Arnold Cianciulli, Marino Passero, Donald Moon, Ed Saunders, Richard Carnival, Jerome Auerbach, Rex Wright, and many other doctors who participated in the first COCSA organization meeting. Dr. MacDonald is still serving as a delegate to the American Chiropractic Association, and a number of those dedicated and fiery doctors are still active in the profession in some capacity, though some have passed away in recent years. 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-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-54268 2009-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

In September, a few ProAdjuster owners received an e-mail communication from Sigma Instruments, the manufacturer of the ProAdjuster equipment. The e-mail informed doctors that they would be receiving their key codes from Sigma rather than from Pro-Solutions, the company that previously sold the ProAdjuster units. In further communication, these doctors were told that should they require any assistance regarding their unit, they could go directly to Sigma.

By Editorial Staff In September, a few ProAdjuster owners received an e-mail communication from Sigma Instruments, the manufacturer of the ProAdjuster equipment. The e-mail informed doctors that they would be receiving their key codes from Sigma rather than from Pro-Solutions, the company that previously sold the ProAdjuster units. In further communication, these doctors were told that should they require any assistance regarding their unit, they could go directly to Sigma. 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."