Q:

Hi Doc, how was your holidays?

Well I have a quick question for you....just to get your thoughts about 
it.  I have just opened my own practice about 3 1/2 months ago.  I 
have been doing o.k. but now I had the biggest Chiropractor in my 
area inform me that his present associate is leaving next month 
after a 3 year stint there with him.  He already has another D.C from 
the same area who wants to come on board with him ( this D.C. 
already has a full time practice of his own for about the past 4 
years...but I don't think that he is doing real well)  ANYWAY.....he 
doesn't really want to work with this person and we have formed a 
really close relationship together.  We have the same philosophy 
and I am just getting confused.  I want to be able to keep my own 
office open 2 days a week and then work with him for 3.  He is going 
to offer me a flat salary.. probably around $50,000 and I get that no 
matter how many patients that I see.
But now.......my office is only about 10 minutes away and I don't want 
to have a conflict of interest arise down the line where a patient 
that had originally came to his office and got under my care...wants 
to now come down to my office.  Any ideas here???  Boy, I would 
appreciate any ideas and information that you might have for me.
Thanks a lot Doc,

A:

Simple solution .. discuss this dilemma with the DC you may work 
for .. or discuss a flat or % fee to close your office and transfer 
these patients to his office. Multiple clinics are multiple overhead 
and headaches. $50,000 a year without any overhead expenses .. staff 
salaries etc. would be over $80,000 a year gross. So consider the 
finances and determine if you can work a deal with the DC .. if not 
use your best judgment. The main concern is how much will it cost 
you to maintain the 2x a week clinic including equipment .. staff if 
any .. utilities .. etc.

have a Great Day

Dr. M