Q:

Hey Doc,

We are working on starting a mobile chiropractic service here.  Got any thoughts or 
suggestions for us?  We are pretty new to having our own business, and quite limited in 
capital.  I am just tired of hearing my husband say I should've started my own practice. 
Well, we didn't have the funds then either.  After two and a half years, and the office he is 
now working at about to close at the beginning of next year, I said  "Honey, I think it's 
time."  The money is tight (squeeky tight), but being mobile will cut down on a lot of 
overhead and get him motivated into putting action behind his dream.  

A:

Thanks for the e-mail. My first reaction after reading your e-mail is why you would want to 
have a mobile clinic. 

If you can provide me with a success plan using a mobile clinic Ižd be happier. In other 
words .. how do you plan on meeting new patients .. how do you expect to be paid and 
what fee would you have .. how do you expect to be available on an on-going basis .. like 
three visits a week for new patients .. how would new patients and prospective patients get 
in touch with you .. and what about „walk ins.ū 

Letžs assume you have a van or truck today (will there be x-rays?) .. plan your week and 
month(s). How will you promote this practice .. will you accept insurance .. is there an 
address to have checks sent to you .. does your state board have any restrictions on mobile 
type clinics .. how about your mal-practice insurance company?

If you want my assistance letžs start with a plan .. a three month plan to generate and 
sustain a patient base. Do and Pro and Con list mobile vs a standing clinic. If you have 
been working as a DC for a number of years .. if you were a consultant to yourself .. an 
objective consultant .. what would you tell yourself .. what advice would you tell yourself 
about getting your present practice going .. stand clear of yourself and just state what you 
would want yourself to do .. forget about your inability to personally do it .. but if it was 
possible .. what could you have done differently and better. If you answer these questions 
.. honestly .. you are half way to a better practice either in a van or in a bldg.

Personally .. Ižd rather see you in a standing bldg. doing the right things to gather patients. 
If you donžt own my Smart Start Book .. you may wish to purchase it .. follow the 
guidelines for promotion (van or bldg.) if you donžt have my book .. go to my webpage: 
http://www.mindspring.com/~chirosmart and check under Practice Tips and 
Cyberconsulting .. there are many ideas and answers for you there.

So .. in conclusion .. I realize that variety is the spice of life .. and mobile clinics have there 
place .. so I say go for it. Just plan for your success and if being mobile is what drives 
your professional and spiritual purpose then go for it.

Have a Great Day