We have all experienced a multitude of changes to the chiropractic industry, particularly in recent years. Such controversial topics include but are not limited to integrated practices, insurance premiums and of course, the Affordable Care Act. There are many more trends on the way, so let's make sure we're all prepared and can respond appropriately.
1. What's Your Rep?
According to a 2013 report by Software Advice, "62 percent of survey respondents said that they turn to online reviews in order to find a new doctor." Some of these review sites include Healthgrades, Yelp, Vitals, ZocDoc and WebMD. Chiropractors who become more attentive to these sites will protect their reputations because they can monitor both positive and negative comments.
2. Cybersecurity
Many chiropractic practices have limited knowledge about and are frankly too small to consider cybersecurity – but they must. The 2012 Data Breach Investigations Report by Verizon showed that of the 855 data breaches examined, 71 percent occurred in businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Measuring security enables privacy of patient records and patient billing (credit cards), among other vital information. Similar to the manner in which many large corporations have become immersed in scrutiny, so much chiropractic practices.
3. Marketing 101
There are simply too many chiropractors who are too busy, procrastinate too much or shy away from marketing. But with increased competition from the myriad of universities, chiropractors are forced to operate their practices different from previous years. The crazy '80s are over; chiropractors who remain acute to marketing will survive.
4. Wonder of the Web
In 2015, chiropractors need to think in terms of the patient. On the day I researched this article, there were 1.67 billion searches on Google – just on that day! Statistically, the print Yellow Pages and other traditional forms of advertising in the chiropractic community are decreasing by more than 15 percent year to year.
That said, chiropractors and their practices will be required to develop and implement websites so patients can find them. True, many insurance companies refer prospective patients to chiropractors, but the fact remains that 98 percent of most patients conduct their own research; as such, they want control to discover who can assist them.
5. Getting Social
As of January 2014, 74 percent of online adults use social networking sites, which enable communities of individuals to speak about chiropractic practices (positively and negatively). Understand that not every form of social media is useful, but chiropractors and staff who engage in social media will create pockets of communities.
Additionally, social media vehicles such as Twitter and Facebook enable staff to communicate messages to patients, such as, "The doctor is running late," "There is inclement weather," etc. DCs whose offices engage in social media create better alliances with patients because of the flow of communication wherever, whenever and however patients request it.
6. Expense Report
With exceptions, just about all commodities have gotten more expensive. Chiropractors will need to be more aware of expenses and understand their operational costs / overhead. Do you know many DCs currently operate a bankrupt practice because they bring in less than their current expenditures? Make sure you're not one of them.
7. Record Review
Many chiropractors still operate with travel cards. While many do not believe this to be an issue – it is. The issue is that many chiropractors use the "'round to it" approach to record-keeping. In other words, they will update their patient files when they get "'round to it." Not so fast. In the days of auditing and insurance scrutiny, every doctor needs to ensure every patient file is thoroughly updated; otherwise, they risk claims denials, penalties, lawsuits and heaven knows what else.
8. The New & the Brave
Face it: The chiropractic practice and patient needs are changing; DCs who only provide spinal alignment, massage therapy, etc., will ultimately close. With an aging population, an obese population and a demographic that cannot afford prescription medication, chiropractic can be a new lease on life. However, chiropractors must jump on the wellness bandwagon full throttle; otherwise, they will be suffering for years to come.
9. Can You Spare a Dime?
The avaricious banks aren't as quick to loan money as they once were; as a result, it can be very difficult for veteran chiropractors to expand into new facilities – and even harder on those starting out. Crowd funding and angel investing will be your best suitors.
On the other hand, in the past several months, I have been approached by many chiropractors to help sell their practices. For the next 18 months, the market will continue to linger due to high prices and low funding. If you're selling / moving your practice, consider new sources of funding or another provider type (e.g., medical) to take over the building / lease.
10. Continuing Education
Many colleges and seminar companies continue to provide primarily clinical information. Doctors, you operate a practice and need to invest your own time and your own money in how to operate your practice better. When you invest the time and money on you, you invest in your future.
Continuing to impress the advertising and marketing world, The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) has again been recognized by industry organizations for its excellence in educating consumers on the benefits of chiropractic, this time through social media, newsletters, and demonstrating thought leadership by promoting holistic well-being.
Dr. Louis Sportelli received the Lee-Homewood Chiropractic Heritage Award during the annual conference of the Association for the History of Chiropractic (AHC). During his nearly 60-year career, Dr. Sportelli has embodied the spirit of the award, given to “living individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the chiropractic profession.”
Presently there is no consensus on the best treatment for Achilles tendon rupture; and its management is still controversial. The treatment options are conservative treatment and surgical repair. With either treatment, be it conservative or surgical, Achilles tendon tears necessitate prolonged recovery and rehabilitative management.
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