Converstation, by Dr. Ogi Ressel

Wednesday, June 17th 2009

Warm hellos to everyone!

Let's talk about an issue which causes many doctors severe mental constipation.
I want you to picture this: You are at the top of your game. New patients are
calling you, no one is leaving, everyone is on time, they are referring, your
practice is expanding, you are getting paid, the sun is shining, you are
happy - life is good!

Then, all of a sudden, the bottom seems to fall out of things: No new patients,
no referrals, no one is paying you, your CAs threaten to quit if you do not
pay them, the back door in your office is now a flood gate, and Life is
horrible - and all overnight it seems.
Relax - there is a solution to this.

First of all, here's what I suggest: When you have your weekly staff meeting,
and you are at the top of your game, make a list of all the things you are
doing to get you there. Write down all the things that you are doing
(or not doing) which made you successful. And when you are not quite
at your best, review that list. Have a check-list of all the procedures and
find out what you are missing that you used to do. This is one of the biggest
failings of doctors - they forget all those little things that they used to do that
got them to the top in the first place.

They start to become complacent: "I've made it. Yes!!!! I love this! I am King
of my universe!" And of course, Life has a funny way of bringing a bit of humility
to your life when you least expect it. Never, ever, become complacent or take
for granted the gift that you were given!

For example, I teach my doctors to review all aspects of the PEP Program all the
time - so that complacency never sets in! It is amazing what your tend to forget
and abandon as you start to get really busy!

The other thing that most doctors have a great deal of difficulty with is
communication: I am not referring to simply having verbal diarrhea - talking. No.
I am referring to being effective. For instance (and any resemblance to you is
purely coincidental), a patient is on your adjusting table for their regular Friday
adjustment, and here is the conversation:

DR: "Hi Bob" (and you say this with great excitement because this is what
you've been taught to do) "It's good to see you. Did you catch the game
last night? Boy, that pitcher is really somethin' ain't he?"
PT: "I guess"
DR: "Man, you've got a lot of spasm here. How have you been? (CRACK).
PT: "My back's been real sore."
DR: "We'll fix it up in no time" (CRACK)
PT: "This is a bit better now, but it still hurts here"
DR: "Say no more!" (CRACK)
PT: "I hope this helps. It's costing me a lot of money being here."
DR: "Relax. Sometimes you gotta get worse before you feel better."
(CRACK, CRACK, CRACK) There. That should have you all fixed up."
PT: "Should I try some Tylenol?"
DR: "Naw. Just see me next time. And don't forget to tell others about me!!!!!"
PT: " I won't, Doc." Right!

Ok....I've probably pushed some buttons....And for those of you thinking:

"Dr. Ogi.
I like this conversation. I think I'll have to try this." - You need a life.
Your patient should leave your office on each and every visit with a wonderful
and meaningful memory. They should have a really good idea of what it is
you are trying to accomplish, be that much closer to their understanding of
Chiropractic and how their body functions, and see you an absolutely amazing
doctor - the very best they have ever seen. Period.

AND there are three topics you should never mention in your office:
sports, religion, and politics, no matter how dedicated you are to them - back off.

Ignoring this rule is the fastest way to closing your doors.

I'll continue my ruminations next week...

Warmest wishes,
Dr. Ogi Ressel