Most people wait until their back gives out before they start looking for a chiropractor. That's a mistake. A little legwork upfront saves you from hiring someone who hurts your practice more than your patients.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
First thing: verify their license through your state board's website. Don't take their word for it. Look up the license number yourself and check for any disciplinary actions. Then call your malpractice carrier and ask if their coverage limits match yours. If they don't carry their own tail coverage, you're on the hook for any claims after they leave. That's a risk you don't want.
Experience & References Questions
Ask how many adjustments they do per week, not how many years they've practiced. A guy with ten years who sees five patients a day is rusty. Ask for three references from their last two jobs. Call them. Ask specific questions: Did they show up on time? Did they argue with front desk staff? Did they leave a mess of unfinished notes? Vague answers mean trouble.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get their pay structure in writing before the first handshake. Are they per-adjustment, per-hour, or salary plus bonus? Bonuses tied to patient volume can create bad incentives. Ask how long a new patient visit takes them. If they say under twenty minutes for a full workup, they're rushing. That leads to missed red flags and unhappy patients.
Contract Questions
Read the non-compete clause yourself. If it covers more than five miles or lasts longer than a year, negotiate or walk. Look for an indemnification clause that makes you pay their legal fees if they get sued. Cross that out. And make sure the contract says you can fire them for any reason with thirty days notice. You don't want to be stuck with someone who doesn't fit.
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