Let’s face the facts and discuss some cold and hard truths here. As Doctors of Chiropractic, we are part of a crowded profession. It may not be an easy fact to take in, but it is the truth. There are a lot of chiropractors out there, and I’m only considering the United States here. The sad truth is that doctors of chiropractic are a penny a dozen. If you find this hard to believe, just take a look at the numbers.
The International Association of Chiropractors website states that chiropractic is the fastest growing and second largest primary health care profession. According to the site, there are approximately 60,000 licensed doctors of chiropractic in the United States. The site also indicates that there are about 10,000 prospective DCs currently enrolled in an accredited chiropractic education program. Obviously, there is a growing overabundance of chiropractors. Being aware of this challenge could be the best thing that ever happened to your practice! Confused?
Being empowered with this knowledge can help you take your practice to the next level. Rather than view the growing size of our profession as a problem, we should see it as a wonderful marketing opportunity. Facing this challenge head-on can help you create an elite chiropractic practice.
The growing surplus of chiropractors forces us to analyze our practices and our marketing efforts. Every dedicated chiropractor should take a look and ask, “How am I different from DC down the street or across the street?” With all the options available to today’s chiropractic patient, why should a patient choose your practice? Most of us would probably answer, “… because I’m the best adjuster or doctor in town.” Let me pop your chiropractic bubble again.
Providing quality care is no longer enough. You can provide the best care in your community and still have a second-rate practice. While providing quality care should always be a Doctor of Chiropractic’s top priority, we must also consider patient satisfaction. You may be a top-notch physician, but are you doing your best in your practice to go the extra mile for your patients?
Going the extra mile is the broad concept of delivering much more than what the patient expects. Patients expect effective care, a competent physician, and a great fit. You are obligated to provide that to them. Going the extra mile for your patients is about providing this and so much more! Going the extra mile is creating an environment that patients want to be a part of. It’s about going beyond the call of duty.
Good chiropractic practices provide excellent chiropractic care. Chiropractic best practices provide excellent chiropractic care AND excellent chiropractic service. Excellent chiropractic service goes far beyond the adjustment room. The elite chiropractor looks at all aspects of his practice and takes every opportunity to pamper his patients. These doctors go the extra mile!
Going the extra mile for patients doesn’t have to be extremely difficult. The hardest and most time-consuming part of the entire process is changing your mind and getting started. In the second part of this series of articles, we will discuss valuable tips and strategies to help you begin your journey to a new and improved chiropractic practice.