Rocket Chiropractic Podcast

The Rock at Chiro Podcast - Episode on Patient Communication

Host: Jerry
Topic: Patient Communication Tips for Chiropractors

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Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo

Introduction:

"Welcome, everybody, to another episode of The Rock at Chiro Podcast! This is the business and marketing podcast for chiropractors. My name is Jerry, and today, we’re talking about patient communication. Specifically, I’ll share a few tips and insights that can help improve your interactions with patients. This is a deep topic, and we’ll only scratch the surface today, but these pointers should help you build a solid foundation for better communication in your practice."

The Importance of Communication in Chiropractic:

"Chiropractors are in the people business—there's no getting around it. One thing I often joke about is how much easier being a chiropractor would be if it weren’t for the people! Of course, this applies to any profession dealing with people. Whether you're a pastor, a leader, or in another service-oriented role, communication is key. The better we are at communicating, the better the expectations, process, and overall relationships with our patients will be.

Still, even if you're great at communicating, there will be conflicts or challenges. Some people, due to personality differences or other reasons, just aren’t a great fit for your practice. But with effective communication, you can minimize issues and improve outcomes. When chiropractors are new, many of their problems—like patient follow-through, missed expectations, or upset patients—stem from poor communication. Most people don’t get upset with how you run your business; they get upset because they thought you ran it differently."

Communication as a Skill:

"The good news is that communication is a skill you can develop. Even if you’re naturally good with people, you shouldn’t rely solely on your talents. Having a method to your communication will make your practice more successful. Practice and refine your skills—it will pay off in the long run."

Quick Announcement:

"Before diving deeper, let me share a couple of things about Rocket Chiro. If you're a chiropractor getting started or feeling stuck, check out my Next Step program. It's affordable, month-to-month, and designed to help you get unstuck or start strong with business and marketing support.

Also, your website should be a huge advocate for your practice. If it’s not attracting new patients or representing you well, you need a better one. At Rocket Chiro, we offer affordable, lightweight, new patient-focused websites for chiropractors. Check them out. If you also need help with Google Ads or SEO, I offer those services as well, though they are more expensive. I’d love to be on your shortlist of people to consider when seeking help in those areas."

Key Tips for Better Patient Communication:

1. Have a Plan for Interactions: "It’s important to go into interactions with patients, whether at a health fair, a consultation, or a regular visit, with a plan. Don’t just wing it. If you have a clear objective—like identifying the right patients for your practice or getting them to schedule an appointment—it will streamline communication. Without a plan, you’ll have quality control issues and waste time. For example, when you’re at a health fair, quickly discern whether someone just wants tips or is actually interested in becoming a patient. Move them along accordingly."

2. Listen Actively: "Listening is essential, though it’s something I personally struggle with. Don’t think about what you're going to say next while the patient is talking. Use active listening techniques—like nodding or repeating back what they’ve said—to show that you understand their concerns."

3. Stay on Track: "Conversations can easily veer off course. Know the purpose of your discussion and guide it back when necessary. This helps ensure both you and the patient achieve the desired outcome from your interaction."

4. Keep It Simple: "Patients don't retain lots of information. Simplify your communication, especially when it comes to explaining their treatment plan or what they can expect. Focus on the main points and avoid overwhelming them with details. Like a website, keep the primary focus clear and guide them through the process."

5. Tailor Your Communication to the Individual: "Make your communication specific to the patient's needs. When they express concerns or goals, respond to them directly instead of delivering a one-size-fits-all message. For example, if they want to get back to hiking or riding their motorcycle, explain how your treatment will help them achieve those goals."

6. Set Clear Expectations: "Patients get upset when they think things should be different. Whether it's your scheduling policies, payment expectations, or how treatment works, make sure everything is clear from the start. This avoids unnecessary conflicts. Clear communication can also help you groom patients into great ones."

7. Get Agreement: "Chiropractic care is a participation sport. Patients need to agree with the plan and commit to following through. Always make sure they understand and agree with what you’re recommending before proceeding. If they can’t follow the recommended plan (like an over-the-road truck driver who can’t make frequent visits), adjust your expectations accordingly."

Final Thoughts:

"Improving patient communication is a process, and every patient interaction offers a new opportunity to refine your approach. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly. Learn from each experience and apply it to the next one.

Thank you for listening to the podcast! If you know a chiropractor who doesn’t listen to this podcast, I’d appreciate it if you shared it with them. And don’t forget—if you need a better website, visit Rocket Chiro. I’d love to help you out. I’ll talk to you on the next episode!"