The Evidence Based Chiropractor Blog
Hundreds of chiropractic marketing and research articles to help you grow.
Archive
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- October 2022
- July 2022
- May 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- October 2021
- January 2021
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- February 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- February 2017
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- February 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- July 2015
- April 2015
- February 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
How to Overcome the 3 Big Obstacles to Chiropractic Referrals- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor
Gaining traction with your MD Marketing
Without a plan, reaching out to medical doctors can be challenging. Many chiropractors have spent time meeting with MD's only to see little progress in the way of referrals. Often this is because they don't have a plan! Like everything in life; when you have a plan and are prepared to execute, you will have far greater odds of success. Through the years we have found that medical doctors have 3 big obstacles to initiating a chiropractic referral. Today we will touch on these 3 obstacles and how you can overcome them in your conversations.
#1 - The Never Ending Long Term Treatment Plan
Almost everyone (including your local MD's) have heard stories of patients visiting a chiropractic office for mild low back pain and subsequently being prescribed a course of treatment which lasts months (or even years). Certainly there is a place for long term care for certain patients. Additionally, there are patients who are interested in chiropractic maintenance care. I don't believe anyone would argue that point. However, many physicians are under the impression, and ultimately fearful of making a referral, if they believe they are sending a patient to a physician who is going to possibly prescribe a long term plan for every patient. I like to address this directly and let the MD know that ever patient in my office first goes through a initial trial course of care. At the conclusion of the trial course of care we will re-evaluate and determine the next step. Typically the trial course of care can run anywhere between 4-12 visits depending upon the presentation of the patient and the diagnosis.
#2 Lack of Communication
Research shows us the communication between MD's and DC's is inconsistent at best. Case notes are the foundational tools of physician communication. By simply sending case notes, it is unlikely that you will immediately receive a flood of referrals. However, when you combine this with your monthly research brief and periodic meetings, you will have a potent combination of outreach and marketing. Of course, when communicating patient information you must follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding protected health information. Chiropractors often overcomplicate their case notes. Simply, the physician wants to know- who? (patient name, date of birth), when? (date of service), what? (chief complaint), how? (plan of care). This information should take up only a half page or so. Nearly every EMR system can be programmed to export this data automatically for every new patient visit. Some systems even allow the ability to fax directly from your workstation.
When you consistently sending case notes the physician will become familiar with your name. Additionally, they will begin to identify the great results you are getting in practice when they follow up with the patient! Again, we have found that the combination of case notes, monthly MD Research Briefs, and periodic physical meetings are a fantastic way to build referral relationships.
3# The Patient Vortex
Finally, physicians are fearful of patients being taken from their care. Simply let the doc know that the research shows that patients receive the best results when their primary care physician and chiropractor are work together. This simply statement shows that you intend to work in a collaborative fashion.
A Final Word
By addressing these 3 obstacles you will not only "ease" the mind of the potential referring physician, but also professionally position yourself. Currently, only 11% of Primary Care Physicians report that they have made a formal referral to a chiropractor. By using the formula above you will be putting your practice in a great position to receive referrals.
Would you like our complete FREE guide to MD Meetings?
In it you will learn
- -why should I meet with local MD's?
- -should I provide lunch?
- -how to set up the meeting
- -getting prepared for your meeting
Get your copy HERE.
-The Evidence Based Chiropractor has assisted hundreds of chiropractors around the globe build interdisciplinary referral relationships.
Have you viewed our FREE Guides? Download The MD Meeting and the 5 Secrets to MD Referrals today.
MD Meeting Keynote Presentation- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor
Are you looking for an elegant, thoughtfully designed, research packed presentation for meeting with local physicians?
If so, our new MD Presentation is for you.
Whether you are speaking to a large group of Primary Physicians or you have a one-on-one meeting, be prepared with this MD Presentation.
Elegantly-designed, research-based, and complete with presenter notes. This presentation touches on the current state of spine care, spinal anatomy, challenges with the current treatment options, chiropractic research, and how to move forward with a referral relationship.
At a robust 52 slides, this presentation can be pared down for when you have limited time or used in full when time is not an issue. Loaded with highlights of current research, this is a compelling tool to have at you disposal as you meet with Medical Doctors in your community.
Download your copy HERE.
-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic marketing group in the profession. The service, founded and run by Dr. Jeff Langmaid, is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research. Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us. Lets grow chiropractic together.