Even though you are still a student and have not graduated yet, it is important to get yourself into the right frame of mind of how to start running your chiropractic office. Adjusting skills are always the foundation of what we do every day, but developing your business acumen is also a must.
In today’s economy, it is prudent to have multiple sources of income so you can diversify your practice. I am going to give you five areas to start thinking about for your future clinic.
TECHNOLOGY
Some people tell you to start your office small and only buy the things you need to do the basics of your job. To some degree, they have a point, however, it is nice to be able to distinguish yourself or offer something unique that the guy down the street may not. Some modern technologies are not only clinically effective, but the additional income they bring in make them almost a must for your practice. Some of these products include a digital foot scanner, adjusting instruments, hi lo tables, digital x-ray machines, etc.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
There are tons of nutritional supplementation companies who all want your business. You need to do the research here and find out how much or how little product you want to carry. Some of you have nutritional backgrounds and your office will have shelves of supplements for your patients. Some of you may only have 3-4 supplements or just the basics that patients will need. This area takes a little thought as you get started because you might start carrying a few products and gradually build up to having many more. The sky’s the limit here.
PRODUCTS OF CONVENIENCE
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT/TOOLS
Teaching patients exercises and home care can always be done in your office. But after they leave, you may want to arm them with the proper tools and equipment which will allow them to follow your instructions well. Things like Styrofoam rollers, wobble boards, muscle sticks, elastic/rubber exercise tubing, exercise balls, yoga mats, etc. can all be provided by you if you choose to have them.
