Q:

Dr. M

I am a chiropractor just starting out.  I was curious to see if you 
have any experience or information about Chiropractors practicing in 
an orthopedists office.  I may have an opportunity to join one of the 
largest groups in town and I am not exactly sure how to structure it.  
Any input would be helpful.

A:

Thanks for the e-mail .. I will add your name to my address book and 
send you next a welcome aboard e-mail to get you started. Okay .. 
what is your intention to work within an orthopedist office? Is it to 
get some of their patients .. their referrals .. or refer to them? 
Answer this question first. Just starting out has many concerns the 
most being survival and paying debt and getting a practice off the 
ground. If your answer to the above questions can fulfill these then I 
say go for it. But .. if it is fraught with the possibility that referrals 
will be infrequent .. office space and ability to maintain it will be 
difficult .. a CA will not be available if you use their receptionist 
staff then I say don¼t.

There are a number of DC/MD clinics that are run successfully and 
then there are a few that are not. Some liability concerns must be 
worked out as well as billing etc. If the MD has had a DC in there 
before speak with them ..if not .. check any contracts with some DC¼s 
that know the legalities. As far as tax concerns you need to separate 
yourself from their office unless you are hired staff on a salary. 
Have your own chiropractic malpractice insurance and if possible 
maintain your end of the office separate from them.

I would rather you go on your own and have an alliance with the MD 
for referral purposes. Since you are just starting out .. I recommend 
you check my webpage out often: www.chirosmart.net especially the 
areas called Practice Tips and Cyberconsulting. Take your time 
scrolling around as there is a wealth of information to gain from 
there. I also encourage you to purchase my Smart Start Book which 
has helped hundreds of DC¼s get their practice going. Last .. if you are 
close to Atlanta .. there is a Fernandez Seminar in mid July that will 
focus on promoting and expanding an existing practice. If you wish to 
attend as my guest for free call them at 1-800-882-4476. They also 
have a great Practice Starters Program

Have a Great Day

Dr. M