Many factors contribute to properly managing a chiropractic clinic, such as marketing strategies, patient flow, billing issues, staff problems, and time management. It takes training, study, skill, teamwork, and experience to be able to run a successful practice. With the ongoing energy and efforts to put systems in place, refine them, and become more efficient, it is easy to become overwhelmed and stressed. The stress of running a practice doesn't affect just the doctor, but it affects the staff as well. As you get into the flow and routine of the day-to-day tasks, call on your powers of observation to be open to things that can cause interruptions in the flow of the practice. Be aware of things that could run a little smoother. Look for patterns or areas that could be more efficient. As a CA, your eyes, ears, and feedback on how the practice flows are huge assets to your doctor. If something is not working, or if you have ideas about how to make things run smoother or more efficiently, be sure to speak up. The keys to overcoming the stress of running a practice are awareness, brainstorming, creating a plan, and execution, as a team. The idea is to strive for progress, not perfection. Are you a little bit better today than you were yesterday? The first step with any challenge is to be aware of it. You can't change something if you are not aware of it. Identify the problem. Whether it has to do with checking patients in or out, new patient reports, reconciling insurance billing/ patient financials, scheduling patients, or whatever you find, just take note of it. Now that the problem has been identified, brainstorm in a staff meeting to come up with a creative way of solving the problem. Come to the meeting with one or two solutions. This shows the doctor you have initiative and you create more value for yourself. Open a discussion about the challenge and figure out what needs to be done. If you are having a hard time coming up with a solution or don't know what to do, this is when getting some coaching can help. Once the decision has been made about what you are going to do, create a plan for how it will be carried out. Who is in charge of the task? What does the desired outcome look like? How are you going to measure the results? Lastly, put the plan into play—execute it. You may not execute it well the first time you do it, but don't worry because you may have to refine the plan as you go along until it fits just right. Sometimes you may have to try several approaches until you find what works best. Then, give it time. Once the plan is in play, give this new habit time for it to work for you. During periods of increased stress, be sure to take care of yourself. Increased stress means increased risk of getting sick. Get adjusted consistently and even support your body's nutritional needs with enzyme nutrition. You are responsible for your health. It can be easy to lose yourself in the shuffle of practice, so strive to stay healthy during these times. Stressors in practice aren't a bad thing; they are just a sign that something needs to change. Jim Rohn says, "In order to do something right, you first need to do it wrong." You can expect things to go wrong in practice. Don't let it take you down or out of the game. Be on the lookout for challenges or patterns, rise to the occasion, keep an open mind, and don't take it personally. It is easy to become stressed out and overwhelmed, but working together as a well-oiled machine will pull you through it. Dr. Keith Giaquinto has more than 12 years of clinical experience as a chiropractor and internal health specialist. He frequently lectures to compa- nies and groups in his community on topics of health and wellness. He has created a new patient lecture system for growing your practice through lecturing. You can contact him at www.drkeithgiaquinto.com
