An interesting survey result appeared in a recent issue of Dynamic Chiropractic. The survey asked how often you get adjusted as a chiropractor. The response was pretty interesting. For those of you who do not faithfully read the paper and might have missed that issue, I offer the following results:
42% chiropractors get adjusted at least once a week
30% once every few weeks
10% once a month
8% every few months
10% a few times a year
When I showed these statistics to my associate (an accountant’s daughter), the first thing she did was add up the percentages. She was pleasantly surprised to see that every chiropractor (at least those responding) gets adjusted. I have to agree that it is surprising that no chiropractor thinks that adjustments are not important. Of course, that may mean that most chiropractors have back problems.
I think the real question that we need answered is why at least 72% of chiropractors get adjusted at least every few weeks, presumably for maintenance reasons and yet they apparently do not convey that idea to their practice members. Perhaps they fear the stigma that is attached to chiropractic… “If you start going to a chiropractor, they’ll want you to come the rest of your life.” There are good, logical ways to handle that question, if it is asked.
More importantly, you should have an educational program that answers the question before it is even asked and enable the practice member to answer it if someone brings it up to them. If you don’t know how to explain that to your practice members (that is, educate them), contact us and we will provide you with the materials you need.
The only other question that needs to be addressed is: Do you have a fee system that makes it feasible for people to see you as often as you see your chiropractor? If you are one of the 18% who do not see the need for care more than every few months or a few times a year for yourself or your practice members, there is really not much we can say to you. If you feel there is a need for you to get checked and adjusted if necessary at least once a month or more (part of the 82%) and don’t convey that to your practice members because you know they cannot afford your fee, you need to rethink your fee system so that people can have the same kind of care you (and I presume your family) receive. I’m not trying to tell you what to charge but just giving you something to think about.
It’s always about the perception of the value of chiropractic care by the chiropractor and the practice members that is important to understand. It is our responsibility to educate our practice members about the wonders of the innate intelligence of the body and the central part it plays for their bodies to fully express their peak performing potentials. Of course when we “walk the talk” we are congruent with the objective of chiropractic and our communication is is true. That is paramount to BEING an effective communicator of our message. Even if we were to give away our services, we still have the responsibility to tell the story over and over and over and over again in as many ways as necessary to open the heart of the people we serve and bring out the truth of their BEING that they embody. EVERY practice member has a right to know the objective of chiropractic and to choose or not to choose it based on their perceived value of chiropractic care. We’ve got a BIG job to do. Let’s just do it!
It’s interesting to see how many people come from other chiropractic offices who make it a routine to not charge copays per their insurance coverage, yet they still leave that office for one reason or another. THEN, they come to my office and pay cash in a greater amount than their copays would have been at that other office.
You’re right….care can be given away at no charge and still, someone may not value it.
While a true value cannot be placed on our services, there has to be good balance for everyone to win.
This is a discussion that could go on and on with different perspectives. I am not afraid to say that I feel we have to have a fee that is reasonable (even though some might feel it is not reasonable). Every fee system will have its flaws. But without a fee, we give no basis for value to the people who come to us. When they are given options, they choose what fits them best.
If the 82 percent of those chiropractor had to PAY for those adjustments would they still get adjusted that often? Most, if not all, chiropractors get adjusted at no charge… how would that percentage change if they had to pay for those adjustments at that frequency and their family members as well???
Great point, Billy. At the same time it’s a scary thought that our fee systems are such that even chiropractors, who supposedly know how important chiropractic is, would not get care!
I’ve offered to pay my chiropractor even though he refused to accept payment. We agreed it was an even exchange.
There’s a good test……..go see your chiropractor and actually throw down a $50 bill and thank him/her. Make note of how that makes you feel.
Bob, just a reminder your appointment is at 9 am tomorrow, don’t forget. I’ll see you then. 😉
If you were not 600 miles away, I would only see you.