I think I would be preaching to the choir to say that every job has its ups and downs.  If you say that you love your job 100% of the time, I think you’re either the extreme rarity or you’re lying to yourself. Genuinely, I do like what I do but there are days and patients that drive you up the wall.

The anti-thesis chiropractor, I do see a lot of value in the work that I do. But some of these offices get a little carried away, in my opinion, with the treatment plan aspect. I come from the school of thought that we will treat you a time or two, get you back on your feet and allow the body to heal.  Going for a walk, get moving or some simple stretches are most of the time significantly better for you then more treatment in the office. A lot of the passive therapies that are performed in the office are short term, they feel good in the moment but a couple hours after the therapeutic benefit has worn off, so walking and proper exercise are more conducive for long term health and recovery. So if you want to spend your hard earned money on a long term treatment plan, feel free, but personally I don’t feel that it’s necessary.

Simple things go a long way, as I just stated, doing simple things outside of the office can be more beneficial than anything. Divert to DOT physicals and drug testing, if you call to schedule a drug test, please don’t pee 5 minutes before you come into the office.  Have your medications and proper paperwork filled out or available before coming into the office for your appointment.  Not only does it make your life easier but I am able to get you in and out of the office in a much more efficient and timely manner.

I’ve said this from day one.  The services that I provide and the way I practice allow me to sleep well at night.  Things are done on the up and up, we follow the rules and don’t abuse them.  There are some grey areas in regards to DOT physicals, but drug and alcohol testing is very black and white.  Chiropractic treatments are subjective, people tolerate things differently, but we get you in the office and back on your feet as fast as possible and you let us know when you need anything else.

Needing to be able to be comfortable in your own skin as you are fighting an uphill battle is never ending.  Insurance is becoming less and less sustainable from an office stand point. Reimbursements are falling WAY behind the cost of operating a business.  If you think that my office is expensive, boy do I have news for you.  Go into a clinic or hospital and see what the cost is just to be seen. I try to keep things reasonable and at prices that I would feel comfortable paying for the services that are offered.

I like my ancillary services and I feel that they are a benefit to society and provide value to the people seeking them. Drug and alcohol testing are mandated by the federal government.  DOT Physicals are required in order to keep a CDL active.  These are keeping drivers and the general public safe on the roads.  People are always going to try and skirt the rules, whether it’s lying about medications or trying to “pass” a drug test.  It is my responsibility to get to the truth and keep them on or off the road if necessary.

Do I think that chiropractors come with a poverty complex, not necessarily. We are getting to a point where prices are going to have to increase on our end in order to keep things operating as smooth as they should be in my opinion. I feel that charging a fair price and giving great service is the basis of a successful business. Are we the cheapest, no but we are far from the most expensive. There are a lot of chiropractors in the area and only so many patients to go around.  Offering services that people utilize and value is where I’m at in this ever evolving healthcare circle.

I don’t plan on drastically changing anything but just know that running an office and surviving in the current healthcare environment while living a comfortable life is an uphill battle. I’m willing to fight that fight at this time, I RARELY turn anyone away but with the ever growing accounts receivable in an office and the ever growing cost of running a business, patience runs thin at time.

At the end of the day, you have to choose to be happy with the road you have chosen and overall I would say that when I lock the doors are the end of the day, I’m content with the life I have chosen.  Are there things that I could do to make significantly more money with fewer headaches, sure but at this stage I don’t have to answer to anyone on a daily basis.  I can go to kid’s events and not have to ask anyone and the ability to have a life outside of the office, while sometimes difficult, is one of the best perks about the profession.

I completely understand that this is more of a rant but writing these thoughts down and letting even a few people have access to my thoughts is not only therapeutic for me but it allows you get an insight as to what the struggles are from time to time.