get them started on needles. Then I move on to the next patient, do my soft tissue work and adjust them before starting a third patient on needles – from which time I return to the first patient where I apply soft tissue and joint manipulation. I repeat this process throughout the day. Patient visits last about 20 minutes long. I am able to see five or six patients per hour because I’m able to be in more than one place at a time using my assessment system and acupuncture. Text messaging In our office we use text messaging daily to remind patients of their upcom-ing appointments. Patients receive a text reminder the day before their ap-pointment. Patients can also text the clinic to request or change an appoint-ment. This doesn’t tie up phone lines and it streamlines the time our front end staff is occupied so they can spend more time serving patients in the clinic. I also use text messaging to notify the front desk when I’m ready for the next patient. Because I’m busy assessing and treating from room to room, I text the front desk letting them know to bring the next patient into an open room. Once I leave one room, I step right into another room with a brand new patient that I’m able to work with. This way I can spend time treating patients as opposed to spending time walking back and forth from the waiting room. Here are some other ways to maxi-mize your time: • Train one or two people to bill in-surances and prepare outstanding accounts – then meet with them every week. The meetings take an average of seven minutes and it keeps things updated and your coworkers accountable from week to week. • Hire associate DCs, physiothera-pists or RMTs to work out of your office at the same time as you or during times when rooms are free. Generating passive income takes some financial burden off of you and provides a place where your patients can access several treat-ments throughout the day and evening. • Once every four to six weeks I meet with every DC, PT and RMT on our team to review goals, address ways I can help make their patient care better, and set new goals. Lastly, do not forget to spend time improving yourself. I spend five min-utes everyday reviewing eight to 10 motor points and another five minutes reviewing two or three different “mo-ment of truth” questions, just in case I get one I’m not prepared for. Every aspect of our practice needs to be continually monitored to ensure long-term success. Please email me at [email protected] if you have any questions – I’m happy to take the time to reply. www.canadianchiropractor.ca CC_Feb16_CMCC_CSA.indd 2 February 2016 Canadian Chiropractor 15 2016-01-22 7:28 AM
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