Issue 10 - August 2003

Patient Pointers

Catch you next time
The most costly time-waster in a chiropractic practice is at the end of a patient’s visit. When the exam is complete, it is time for the doctor to move to the next patient. Often chiropractors find it difficult to exit the room without engaging in what is usually meaningless conversation. Try using one of these phrases to signal the end of the visit without prompting the need for small talk.

• “See you next visit.”
• “Have a great day.”
• “You adjusted well today.”
• “Your legs are level, you’re done for today.”
• “I’m very happy with how well you are progressing. ”
• “Your posture is improving”.
• “Your spine is moving better. ”
• “You’re holding your alignment better. ”
• “You are getting taller. ”
• “You are getting straighter. ”
• “That’s good today. ”
• “We’re on track. ”
• “You’re functioning much better. ”
• Or simply, “Catch you next time!”
— John Hinwood, DC,
Powerful Practice in Chiropractic
Practice Pointer

Bring reports to life
Bring key chiropractic concepts to life by using metaphorical representations that patients understand. Here are some examples:

• Use a rusty hinge, barnacles on a rock or aquarium coral to explain degenerative changes.

• Manipulate a rubber band like a tourniquet to explain compressive lesions.

• Repeatedly scrape a patient’s finger with the edge of a credit card to explain facilitative nerve irritation.

• Use some “Silly Putty” to explain how disc material is “plastic” and different from muscle that is more “elastic.” As you explain each concept, give the object to the patient to hold and touch. Your explanations will come to life.
— William Esteb, Patient Media in Monday Morning Motivation

Money talk
Money matters. Most doctors turn discussions about financial arrangements over to their assistants who handle the financial affairs (billings and collections) of the practice.

Delegating financial-policy discussions is a good idea — unless you have a hang up about talking money to your patients! If you aren’t comfortable talking money, you may pass on your discomfort to your assistant. To get over a money hang-up, personally explain the fees and payment plans to your patients until you become comfortable with the discussion.

Only after you have overcome your embarrassment should you turn over financial-arrangement discussion to your assistant. And make sure your assistant is well trained in discussing money matters. Failing to handle financial arrangements in a professional manner can lead to collection problems throughout a patient’s care. Set the stage on the first visit.
— Karl Parker, DC
Karl Parker Seminars in ChiroSource E-zine

Do you have a patient-management tip you want to share? Send your suggestions to Toni McQuilken, associate editor, tmcquilken@chiroeco.com