Is multidisciplinary the right approach for your practice? Four questions to ask

Multidisciplinary practices are a growing trend in the world of chiropractic.

Most multidisciplinary practices are designed to provide patients with a more comprehensive approach to health and wellness, highlighting a holistic way for them to monitor and improve their health.

While the popularity of this concept has been growing for decades–and many have found success investing in this business model–it’s not a path for every DC. This article presents four questions every DC should ask and answer before pursuing a multidisciplinary practice.

What is a multidisciplinary practice?

Though the definition varies based on what sort of professionals and practitioners are in your practice, a multidisciplinary practice tends to blend both holistic therapies and allopathic therapies under a single roof for an overall wellness approach.

Four questions to ask before you become a multidisciplinary practice

Question 1. Do you have a proven track record of operating a chiropractic-only facility?

A multidisciplinary practice can offer DCs many benefits – greater access to new patient pools, holistic approaches to health and wellness and the ability to work side-by-side with other healthcare providers. Still, running a practice like this is not for the faint of heart. There are numerous laws, regulations and guidelines that must be adhered to in chiropractic practice, and in multidisciplinary practice, these are multiplied many times over. If you’re still getting the hang of running your own practice, adding new multidisciplinary layers could complicate the process.

Question 2. Are you willing to work harmoniously with other practitioners who might not always agree with your approach?

A multidisciplinary practice allows you to test the “strength in numbers” theory. You’ll be able to draw in new patients from other avenues (other practitioners), but you’ll also work under the same roof with other practitioners who might not agree with your approach every time. No matter what sort of healthcare services you’re including in your practice (physical therapy, massage, nutrition, acupuncture, etc.), it’s likely a time will come when you and your fellow practitioner disagree about a path forward. Are you prepared to deal with and delegate harmoniously for the good of the patient and the practice?

Question 3. Are you seeking a more holistic approach to chiropractic health outside of what you can offer?

Any good DC knows they can benefit patients, help them heal and assist them in chasing their ideal version of optimal health. But if you’re looking to provide patients with a comprehensive approach to wellness outside of what just you can provide, you might be a good fit for a multidisciplinary practice. DCs know that chiropractic treatment works better with things like proper nutrition, adequate exercise, massage therapy and even acupuncture. If you’re passionate about making that connection from chiropractic to these other avenues clearer and simpler for your patients, that might mean you’re a good candidate for a multidisciplinary practice.

Question 4. Are you prepared to adapt to new legal compliance?

Running a successful multidisciplinary practice requires superb attention to detail in patient care, compliance, healthcare finances and beyond. The economic benefits of creating a multidisciplinary practice that we’ve discussed could quickly vanish without the proper legal compliance, accounting and management procedures.

Naturally, these procedures will vary state to state. It’s best to work with a qualified team of professionals who can walk you through the specific requirements in your state. Before you pursue this road, ask yourself–are you prepared for the expense, work and attention to detail this shift would require? Are you ready to hire professionals who can potentially help you with this route, including a healthcare attorney, accountant, practice management consultant and beyond?

Final thoughts

A multidisciplinary practice combines holistic and allopathic therapies for an overall wellness approach. For more insights and updates from the chiropractic world, be sure to subscribe to Chiropractic Economics magazine.