• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Upload Advertising

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Fair value: The cost of free services

Student DC March 19, 2019

free services

A recent presentation at Logan College of Chiropractic raised the matter of free services and screenings offered by chiropractors.

The question asked was, “Do you believe that chiropractors offering free services helps bring in new patients?”

Despite their popularity, if you look closely, you’ll see these marketing techniques do not help a practice. The precedent for offering free screenings was established years ago and likely brought in new patients in some cases. But the real issue is that anything “free” diminishes your value.

For example: A medical emergency might require a trip to the hospital by ambulance and perhaps surgery by a cardiologist. Would you search Google for free ambulances? Would you look for a cardiologist who is willing to charge nothing? So why should anyone expect free chiropractic?

Your skills are expensive

The reality is that you are a doctor. Your analysis is based upon thousands of hours of case management, classroom study, and peer review. You spent a lot of money on your education – so why offer your services for free?

Chiropractic is a skill that can cure symptoms such as migraines, allergies, digestive issues, and other stressors that affect the body’s normal state of physiology. Chiropractic employs a series of treatments that aid a body’s fight-or-flight reaction so that it returns to homeostasis or normalcy.

Unfortunately, many chiropractors subordinate their position because other chiropractors do. Following “the Joneses” is not a good way to operate a practice. Just because someone offers discounted massage treatments, free services, or even exercise classes doesn’t mean that you need to follow suit.

As a doctor, you illustrate your value by providing services that equal your treatment and fees. As Warren Buffett says, “Cost is what you pay. Value is what you get.”

Getting what you pay for

In many markets, cost equals value. Think about the huge price difference between the cost of a Timex versus a Rolex watch. Consumers understand the value equation. And this works in medical markets, too.

Consider modalities like concierge services, new fee structures associated with dental treatments, and the costs that differ between inner city and suburban hospitals. The value-fee connection is easy to see. So if you seek to increase your visibility, value, and revenue, “free” is no longer an option.

Apart from the rest

To sustain yourself in today’s highly competitive market, you must think like an entrepreneur. Chiropractic marketing is necessary to make proper connections in the community and position yourself as a thought and healthcare leader.

This is partly why you want differentiate your services so that no other chiropractor in your area can directly compete with you. This helps increase the competitive gap – and reinforces the reason you should offer nothing for free.

When beginning a practice, consider all the options to remain competitive. But attempting to emulate the techniques of other doctors does not necessarily lead to success.

To maintain a profitable practice, you must create your own lock. Free services do not lead to that result; they diminish your competitive position and increase your labor. If you want to thrive in today’s competitive economy, start charging for your ability to cure patient symptoms. Once you escape the “free” treadmill, your confidence and conviction will soar.

Related Posts

  • How to play to your strength as a chiropractorHow to play to your strength as a chiropractor
  • Logan College of Chiropractic announces staff appointmentsLogan College of Chiropractic announces staff appointments
  • The case for CBD water soluble bioavailabilityThe case for CBD water soluble bioavailability
  • Logan College of Chiropractic marks first-year anniversary of free chiropractic care for first respondersLogan College of Chiropractic marks first-year anniversary of free chiropractic care for first responders
  • Laser Spine Institute announces international speaking engagementLaser Spine Institute announces international speaking engagement
  • Chiropractic outcome managing radiculopathy in a hospital setting: A retrospective review of 162 patientsChiropractic outcome managing radiculopathy in a hospital setting: A retrospective review of 162 patients

Filed Under: Financial Preparation, Student DC

Current Issue

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube logoYouTube logoYouTube

820 A1A N Highway W18,

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone 904.285.6020

Fax 904.395.9118

CONTACT US »

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Copyright © 2021, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • Troy Healthcare debuts clinically-validated topical migraine and headache formula
  • Colorado allows chiropractors to give COVID-19 vaccine shots
  • American Chiropractic Association lauds U.S. Congress passing fair competition health legislation
    The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) lauded the U.S. Congress for passing legislation that will promote fair competition in health...
x