Buck the trend

The lead news story in our last issue was headlined, "COCSA demands unification."

The board of directors of the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) passed a resolution demanding — not asking — that the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) put aside their philosophical differences and agree on issues important to growing and strengthening the profession.

The fundamental reason behind the demand: Unity begets strength. Congressional leaders, insurers, and government officials are more likely to act on a message sent by one strong voice. The message would be loud and clear.

You may be wondering, "What's in it — unification — for me?"

The answer may be in our 10th Annual Salary & Expense Survey results. In particular, take a close look at the 10-year comparisons on page 24.

There you will see that although the climate of health-care has changed over the last 10 years, billings, collections, and your total compensation have not changed much.

Our survey shows:

• Gross billings have remained at the $250K-$349K level. This year, the median gross billings were at $320,000.

• Gross collections have also remained at $200K-$249K. This year, they were at $225,000.

• Total DC compensation has also remained at $75K-$89.9K. This year, your median total compensation was $90,000.

If you are within these averages, you may decide it's time to buck the trend.

For example: You might decide to work longer hours. (Respondents spend on average 31-35 hours per week in patient care, and 42.3 percent spend less than 30 hours per week.)

Or, you might decide to work "smarter" by perhaps identifying ways to increase your retail sales or by changing the way you do business (such as forming an integrated healthcare practice, which our survey shows has a mean net practice income of $252,071, compared to $130,546 for those without an MD or PT on staff).

Integrated healthcare might not be for everyone, but you might find other "smarter" options to reduce costs and improve revenues.

Another "smarter option": Get involved with others who want to see the economic climate change. Join your state or national association. Let the ACA and ICA know your feelings about unification. Support the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.

Your active involvement in any or all of these could make a difference.

Until next time,

Linda Segall, Editor-in-Chief