From Dr. Len Schwartz and Chiropower Enterprises, LLC
drlen@chiropowerinc.com

Tip of the Week: 1/27/03

Raising your fees

This is a very touchy subject when it comes to chiropractors. Every 
chiropractor wants to make more money, but many are afraid to 
raise their fees. 

Is it because you don廠 feel that your care is worth the extra money? 
Most would say no. Is it because you are afraid to lose the patient? I 
would say 50/50 would say yes and no. Is it because you would 
rather have some sort of payment than no payment at all? Is it 
because you are afraid that the patient will leave you and go to the 
chiropractor down the street that will treat them for less than you? 
Many would say yes, some would say no (that廣 a whole different Tip 
of the Week).
Raising your fees to whatever you feel you廝e worth is absolutely 
appropriate under any circumstance -  it just takes time. I know one 
DC who charges $3500 per year per person. He doesn廠 live in a 
wealthy area. He doesn廠 do PI. He just charges a lot for his care. 
And, he isn廠 afraid of any of the above. 

If you are looking to make your care affordable, that廣 fine. Just 
don廠 make it FREE! You deserve more! 

My advice for raising your fees is this: Start with $5 increments 
(it廣 a slow process). Also, let your patients know that they will be 
responsible for the difference OR that the new fee will be "in effect" 
in (at least) two months. If you "hit" them with it as soon as they 
walk in the door on their very next visit you will cause many to 
leave. PRESENTATION is everything. 
Think about raising your fees this year. The beginning of the New 
Year is a perfect time to do it - You are worth it!
All the best, 
Dr. Len