Three Mistakes Hiring Chiropractors
Mistake 1: Assuming the New Hire Can Hit the Ground Running
As a chiropractor, you're eager to bring on a new associate to help grow your clinic. But beware of the common mistake of assuming they can immediately handle a full patient load from day one. Even the most talented new graduate needs time to adapt to the unique systems and workflows of your clinic.
Jumping straight into seeing 100 patients per day without proper onboarding is a recipe for frustration on both sides. The new hire will feel overwhelmed, while you'll be disappointed by their inability to meet productivity targets right away.
Instead, implement a structured onboarding process that allows your new associate to learn your EHR system, get familiar with your treatment protocols, and gradually ramp up their patient volume. This gives them the runway they need to succeed without feeling thrown into the deep end.
Remember, it's a learning curve for any new hire, no matter how skilled they are. With the right support and training, you can set them up to become a valuable, long-term member of your team.
Mistake 2: Overestimating Clinical Proficiency
Even the top-performing chiropractic students fresh out of school don't have the same level of clinical mastery as seasoned practitioners. While they may have excellent grades and knowledge, hands-on adjusting skills and diagnostic accuracy take time and experience to develop.
Expecting new hires to immediately handle a full patient load with the same efficiency as you or your veteran associates is setting them up for failure. This can result in patient complaints, longer appointment times, and growing frustration on both sides.
The solution is to provide ongoing training, feedback, and opportunities for your new associate to hone their clinical skills. Regular check-ins to review cases, discuss treatment plans, and observe adjustments can go a long way in bridging the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world application.
Remember, becoming a truly proficient chiropractor is a lifelong journey. With patience and the right support, your new hire will steadily improve and become a valuable clinical asset.
Mistake 3: Expecting an Immediate Return on Investment
It's understandable to want a quick return on the investment of hiring a new chiropractor. But the reality is, it typically takes 6-12 months for an associate to become fully integrated and start contributing significantly to your bottom line.
During this ramp-up period, you may find your clinic operating at a break-even or even loss as the new hire gets up to speed. This can be frustrating, especially if you were counting on them to immediately boost your revenue.
The key is to have realistic timelines and financial projections. Understand that patience and proper onboarding are essential for your new associate to build rapport with patients and learn your clinic systems. With the right support, they'll eventually become a valuable asset - but it won't happen overnight.
Resist the urge to cut ties if you don't see an immediate payoff. Stay the course, and you'll reap the rewards of a productive, long-term partnership.