Ingredients for a successful practice

"Successful practitioners must wear multiple hats and wear them well," says Haezebrouck. To that end, he identified a number of ingredients that contributed to his success — and that he would advise others to incorporate into their practices.

• Communication. Communication is a key skill for a successful physician, he says. Doctors must always let their patients know what to expect, and they must let the patient know what is expected of them.

• Separation of healthcare and business. DCs should do what they do best (chiropractic) and get help for the rest.

"It was always suggested to me that a doctor would have to tell their patients what their care would cost," Haezebrouck says. "I always thought this was a little unusual. My dentist never discussed money with me. Nor did my internist tell me during a physical examination, 'Your fees will be this.' This was always done at checkout. My staff and I apply that same practice.

"We keep the business in the business office, and I pay my staff well to do this service for me. As a doctor of chiropractic, I never discuss dollars. I discuss healthcare. When, and if, the situation should arise, I kindly ask my patient to please present any questions about fees or healthcare costs to my saff in the business office. I find that I can rely on their training and expertise to answer questions. I have clear respect for those in my control tower. I value their integrity."

• Practice with passion. Although a doctor must wear a business hat, Haezebrouck says doctors must practice from the heart and always maintain the initial love for the job. Doctors need to remain as excited about their workday and work with the same zeal that motivated them when they applied to chiropractic college.

Doctors need to take pride in their practices, because patients will sense when they aren't proud.

• Comfort. Haezebrouck preaches the need for a comfortable office. This is true in both waiting areas and exam areas. "Most patients come into my office for the first time because they are in pain," he says. "Comfortable waiting rooms help alleviate that, and an exam room full of educational material gives patients a firsthand look at the care they may receive."

• Controlled growth. Haezebrouck emphasizes growth. It should be slow, controlled, and natural, but it is essential. This doesn't have to be measured in dollars or patient numbers, but even in seemingly small yet obvious ways, such as keeping up to date with training, equipment, and technique.

• First and lasting impressons. Patients see everything in your office, and often form opinions about you and your staff prior to their first introduction.

"Being excited over an article that you just found for a patient or presenting them with a new exercise ... patients appreciate that you have been remembering about their healthcare needs," he says. "They are excited and happy you cared enough to go that extra step."

• Vacation. Real estate agents talk of the importance of location, location, location. For Haezebrouck, it's vacation, vacation, vacation. He implores relaxation. Take enough time off to keep everything fresh. Avoid burnout at all costs. "Be good to your body and mind, so make sure it has vacation time!"