Hidden Assets .. Your Staff

When speaking to chiropractic assistants, I try to explain that their job is not a typical 9-5 position that many of their friends have. It could be if they are robotic, clock in and clock out without taking part with practice growth or the health and wellness of their patients and community. Hiring the right person is crucial. They are the eyes and the ears of an active practice often spending more time with patients than the doctor.

Within the reception area discussions between patients often surround their aches and pains as well as health related concerns. A sharp multitasking front desk CA can direct discussions, tap into patient concerns and even match a concern with another patient receiving excellent chiropractic and nutritional care. They also must be loyal to chiropractic and you.

A proactive practice is ready to jump on the opportunity to educate their patients and hopefully create a chiropractic advocate. The front desk and supportive staff should be aware of what their doctor has made available for patient education, such as weblinks, written material, stretch and exercise sources,pamphlets or in-office workshops for patients, their guests and the general public. Education is the key. Friends, there is no secret to success, it is just a matter of making it happen. Create patient loyalty. 

 

Most important they can continually plant referral seeds without being obnoxious. If you are looking to boost your bottom line, boost your office hidden treasure .. your staff.

Typical weekend seminars, conventions and college homecomings offer educational programs for the doctors but few if any for the staff. CA classes usually enhance practice management and insurance relations as well as the bantering of meeting and greeting.  There are some on-line classes as well as your state and district association offering CA programs. All well and good, but what about stoking the fires within a dedicated CA by stimulating a bit of philosophy a deeper understanding of the why and because of chiropractic, how it actually works and how each cycle of life within a community literally from cradle to grave requires the attention of a chiropractor.

Now, that missed appointment call is not a burden but an obligation to get them back on track and to encourage them to share their increased physical performance with friends and family.

A sharp CA wants to be part of a happening place. The day goes much faster if the practice is humming and they feel fulfilled at the end of the day. A sharper CA wants to extend their skills by encouraging others to take part. Professional alliances with allied healthcare providers, attorneys, sport venues and corporate neighbors can be within the reach of a staff member elevated from the front desk to public relations and marketing. In fact, this is when practice growth starts to take off. Doctor and staff in tandem towards a common goal, practice growth and community wellness.

Oh, don't forget timely staff meetings. Create an agenda to discuss active patients, patients who have fell through the cracks, marketing and public relation projects, growth or stagnation of the practice and have each staff member, plus you the doctor, provide a solution.