Supercharge Chiropractic Patient Retention and Practice Growth

Let’s face it, retaining patients is a constant challenge in the chiropractic field. Studies show that the average new patient only visits 6 times before dropping off, and the national average for chiropractic retention rates hovers around a concerning 20%. But what if you could dramatically increase these numbers and build a thriving practice that thrives on patient loyalty?

Dr. Miles Bodzin, a seasoned chiropractor with over 15 years of experience, has cracked the code on patient retention. By implementing these 5 key principles alongside Cash Practice, a comprehensive chiropractic management software, Dr. Bodzin not only improved patient satisfaction but also witnessed a significant surge in practice growth.

Unveiling the Roadmap: Forecasting Care

Imagine a patient walking into your office with a crick in their neck. They’re in pain, but they’re also anxious. How long will this take? How much will it cost? Dr.  Bodzin emphasizes the importance of transparency. Instead of leaving patients in the dark, outline a clear care plan tailored to their specific needs.

• Visualize the Journey: Don’t rely solely on verbal explanations. Utilize charts, progress trackers, or infographics to visually represent the treatment timeline and milestones. This empowers patients to see the bigger picture and stay motivated.
• Breakdown the Costs: Be upfront about associated fees for each treatment stage. Consider offering flexible payment options or package deals to make chiropractic care accessible.
• Address Concerns: Openly discuss any potential roadblocks or setbacks patients may encounter during treatment. This proactive approach manages expectations and fosters trust.

By providing a clear roadmap, you build trust and eliminate anxieties surrounding treatment duration and cost, leading to better patient engagement.

Frictionless Flow: Streamlining Payments

The last thing a patient experiencing pain wants to worry about is navigating a complex payment system. Make the payment process as smooth and invisible as possible.

• Automated Debits: Set up automatic debit options for patients who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach. This eliminates the need to remember recurring payments and ensures timely payments for your practice.
• Mobile App Integration: Integrate a secure mobile app into your practice. This allows patients to easily make payments directly from their phones, improving convenience and streamlining the process.
• Flexible Payment Gateways: Offer multiple payment options like credit cards, debit cards, or even health savings account (HSA) integration. This caters to patient preferences and makes chiropractic care more financially accessible.

By minimizing friction at the payment stage, you improve patient experience and reduce the chances of them abandoning care due to financial concerns.

The Power of Feedback: Keeping Patients Informed

Patients often lack a clear understanding of how their treatment is progressing. Dr.  Bodzin suggests implementing a “wellness score” system. This system translates complex medical data into an easy-to-understand format, like assigning A, B, C grades similar to a report card.

• Empowerment Through Visibility: Patients can see their progress objectively, leading to increased motivation and adherence to the treatment plan.
• Data-Driven Communication: Use the wellness score data to personalize patient communication. Highlight areas of improvement and celebrate milestones to keep patients engaged.
• Open Dialogue: The score system can spark conversations with patients, allowing you to address any concerns or questions they may have about their progress. This fosters a sense of partnership in their healthcare journey.

Empowering patients with clear and regular feedback fosters a sense of partnership in their healthcare journey, leading to better long-term outcomes and improved retention.

Stay Top-of-Mind: The Power of Frequent Communication

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for patients to forget about their ongoing chiropractic care. Regular communication keeps your practice name in front of them.

• Informative Email Newsletters: Develop engaging email newsletters with valuable content related to chiropractic health and wellness tips. Include patient success stories and practice updates to keep content fresh and interesting.
• Social Media Engagement: Utilize social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram to share educational content, patient testimonials, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into your practice. This allows you to connect with patients on a more personal level and build a sense of community.
• Personalized Outreach: Schedule automated appointment reminders and send follow-up messages after treatments. These messages express continued support and encourage patients to stay committed to their chiropractic care plan.

By maintaining consistent and valuable communication, you stay top-of-mind and encourage patients to prioritize their ongoing chiropractic care.

Convenience is King: Prioritizing Patient Experience

Think of your favorite coffee shop. They offer comfy chairs, fast Wi-Fi, and maybe even a loyalty program. These small conveniences enhance your experience and keep you coming back for more. The same principle applies to your chiropractic practice.

• Online Appointment Scheduling: Allow patients to book appointments 24/7 through a user-friendly online platform.
• Extended Office Hours: Consider offering flexible appointment times, including evenings or weekends, to cater to busy schedules.
• Embrace New Technologies: Stay updated on the latest content creation tools like augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) and see if they can be integrated into your blog for a truly unique experience.