New Practice/ Old Practice

[Dr. Keith H. Crowe]

Greetings to all who have chosen the largest drug-free healthcare system in the world!
Practice building is a most difficult, but fun & rewarding task. Unfortunately, the constraints of time during college are hardly sufficient to adequately present all you need to know (it could be a college degree in itself!)
There are helpful books by Dr. Joel Margolies and also by Dr. James Eaton....tidbits of help....not recipes for success. There are a boatload of practice management consultants....BE CAREFUL...indebtedness is harder to get out of than to get into! There are also books on starting small businesses, incorporating and the Small Business Administration (although you usually have to convince them you can run a business before they'll help).
The best way to get started is to associate. Again, you must find a mentor doctor who practices the way you would like; is honest, dedicated, giving, loving and serving. From what I understand about the multiple-location "chains" aka "associate mills" are an easy place to get hired, but usually end in frustration and precious time lost for the developing DC...we actually are always developing! (I hear the same about the md/dc places...do you want to be "under their thumb"?)
If I can help, please contact me at drkeith@drcrowe.com
or Crowe Chiropractic, 505 Corporate Center Dr. Suite 101, Stockbridge,GA 30281
Best of Luck!
In the end, all that is left is the lives we've touched and how they've changed.

[Dr BJ Patzer]

Hey Doc,

I agree 100/h%. I have had an associate program in my office now for 3 yrs. Its been a learning experiece. Doing this though has brought about 5 more atlas docs in texas than if i hadnt. We are currently stepping up our program to a 2 tier program. One DC that is trained,and been with us for a yr. , and is an adjusting doc with him/her being the primary dc for their patients and backup for my overflow. Then that DC is the trainer for the other new dc who is learning xray analysis, placement, re-exam process, and eventually new patient process. Eventually we hope to transition to a 3 dc program, where the first one is in their last trimester in chiro school.

What's your program consist of?

BJ Patzer

[Lee W.]

This practice setting up will be one of the difficulties once graduated. Besides the business aspect of a practice, the appearance of the office is so important. It will make a huge difference in clients attracted and size of practice. It might be worth the investment to hire a decorator to make things look great to the public.