I have been in practice for over 7 years and I am working with some chiropractic students – I am wondering what opinions you may have about what it takes to be successful in chiropractic?

I have strong opinions on this one…

First, I think it is essential that they understand the importance of their state and national professional associations. It won’t matter how good they are clinically, if there is no profession in which to practice and these associations are vital to the survival of the profession. They need to understand that BOTH are important — one to protect them on a national level and one to protect their state licensure and scope.

The second thing they need to do is sign up for a GOOD, ETHICAL coding/billing class as well as a GOOD ETHICAL Medicare class. One of the most glaring weaknesses I find in chiropractic education is the absence of these things.

In addition, these classes should include information on documentation… and the docs need to understand that not all seminars are created equally. Unfortunately, there are many people out there teaching mis- and dis-information — to the point of teaching fraudulent tactics. It is imperative that they stay away from these instructors. How do they do that? My advice would be to stay away from practice management seminars on these topics and stick with state and national association sponsored seminars.

I hope this helps. (It doesn’t help them clinically, but it sure will help keep them in practice and out of jail!)