Q: What effects have the increase in patients seeking alternative healthcare had on the chiropractic profession?
A: The chiropractic profession is situated at the pinnacle of the Mount Olympus of the multi-billion dollar complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) marketplace. More and more patients are seeking the trusted advice of their doctor of chiropractic in matters of nutritional supplementation and alternative healthcare. Chiropractors can capitalize on their knowledge and grow their practices by providing healthcare lectures to community clubs, organizations, and social groups.
There is a tremendous interest in wellness, longevity, anxiety, hormone replacement, and other “alternative” medicine topics. These topics provide an excellent springboard to deliver the chiropractic message to your community that health comes from within the body. Once attendees get the “big picture” about chiropractic, they are eager to learn more. When state law allows, you can increase your effectiveness in converting your audience members into new patients by offering them a complementary examination so that they can personally experience the benefits of chiropractic care.
Q: What have you found to be the most direct competition for DC’s? What is the best way to compete?
A: Chiropractors are their own worst competition. The mindset that there are not enough new patients to go around limits growth and stifles opportunity. Every man, woman and child on the planet today has a spine and needs a chiropractor. Eliminating the thought that medical physicians, physical therapists, massage therapists, or other alternative practitioners are your competition is the first step to unlimited new patients.
Chiropractors should seek to become proficient in the techniques of their choice and to deliver the highest quality care possible. When you are the best, there is no competition! Focus on polishing your patient communication skills so that you can confidently express your message at every opportunity. Placing the focus on these two important skills will leave you with little time left to worry about the “competition.” TAC
Dr. Mark Sanna is the CEO of Breakthrough Coaching, LLC, a leading resource for personal coaching to chiropractic and multidisciplinary practices throughout the country. He can be reached at Breakthrough Coaching, LLC, by calling 1-800-7-ADVICE.