| Dynamic Chiropractic welcomes Lisa Bilodeau as a new columnist, one of three now writing articles directed toward chiropractic assistants. With a wealth of knowledge on enhancing chiropractic practices, she is always busy as an advisor to DCs and their staffs. |
I'll never forget the claims adjuster who was laughing with her co-worker while I was on the telephone with her about a past-due bill. She explained that they were laughing about the problems she was having with her wrist. I asked if she had seen a chiropractor for her condition; she said that she had not, because "all they treat are backs." I took the time to explain to her that we handle many conditions, including extremity problems, and asked if she would like the names of some chiropractors in the area in which she worked.
What Is Chiropractic?
Find out everything you can about your office and the services you provide. Twenty-three years ago, when I was looking for work in Petaluma, Calif., I interviewed for a receptionist position in a chiropractic office. I did not know what a chiropractor was, nor could I spell or even pronounce the word correctly. The consultation room in which I was being interviewed had a small model illustrating several vertebrae and nerves. Dr. Alwyn Sykes explained to me what chiropractic was. He explained that it was a natural form of health care that used the inherent properties of the body to heal the body.
He used the model to show me what subluxations were and how they affect a person's health, and he explained that the same power that made the body could heal the body, and that it could be done, in many cases, without drugs or surgery. I got goose bumps. Considering that my father was an MD and my mother had been a social worker for 30 years in a large Bay Area hospital, all I knew about was drugs and surgery. This was a major life-changing event for me. After I was hired, I also learned that I was not a receptionist, but a professional chiropractic assistant, a title I still wear with pride after 23 years.
Dr. James Parker stated that there were more than 700 methods of correcting vertebral subluxations. Find out what methods your doctor uses. If your doctor offers other services, such as rehabilitative therapies or nutritional counseling, find out all you can about those services.
Become a patient in your own office. If you haven't already done so, become a chiropractic patient. Come through the front door as any new patient would: Fill out the required forms, and get a complete chiropractic, orthopedic, and neurological examination. If your doctor takes X-rays, have them taken and have the doctor give you a thorough report of your examination and X-ray findings. Have your doctor determine an appropriate program of care for you; follow it, and don't forget to attend the health care presentation all new patients are required to attend.
By becoming a patient in your own office, you'll have a much better understanding about what your doctor does with patients (and why) and you will have the great fortune of enjoying better health through chiropractic. In addition, you will have the priceless gift of empathy for patients who may come in for conditions similar to those you have experienced, and who have found relief through chiropractic care.
Use proper telephone etiquette. I can hear you saying, "I know how to answer the phone; I do it all the time at home." But the reality is, when we're at work, we need to answer the phone in a more professional manner. Since the majority of times the initial contact you have with patients is by telephone, you must remember several important things:
For example: "I have four patients standing in front of me. Would it be OK if I call you back in 10 minutes?" Most callers will not refuse. They would rather have you call them back than place them on hold for a prolonged period of time. If it is necessary and they agree that you can call them back, remember to get back to them when you promised you would. The caller will be waiting, and if you don't keep your agreement you lose credibility. Painting a picture is also important when you're placing someone on hold for any reason. Explain what you are going to do, and briefly explain why. For example, "I'm going to place you on hold so I can go to the front desk to schedule your appointment."
Be prepared for: "What technique does your doctor use?" "How much will it cost?" or "Will it hurt?" These are just a few of the questions a prospective new patient may ask. Before I was allowed to answer the telephone in my first office, the office manager provided me with a list of words to use, and scripts to answer potential questions that callers and patients might ask. It seemed to me that this was a waste of time; I knew how to answer a telephone. However, what I found out was that in our profession, we also believe in the power of words, and it is not just what we say, but how we say it that can make or break a practice.
Many callers have questions they need to have answered before they can determine if your office is the right place for them.
Perhaps you've heard the saying that nature will always fill a void; therefore, you must have a specific time set aside for new patients. These times must be scheduled when the doctor will not be with regular, established patients. All patients must have quality, uninterrupted time with the doctor. If it's your intention to keep your new patients, this is a must! In a future article, I'll cover appointment book guidelines for maximum efficiency, but until then, be sure to do the following:
Lisa Bilodeau
Scotts Valley, California
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
