The Evidence Based Chiropractor Blog

Hundreds of chiropractic marketing and research articles to help you grow.

Jeff Langmaid 8/27/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/27/14

MD Marketing for Introverted Chiropractors - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

For many Chiropractors, especially those who have recently graduated, reaching out to Medical Doctors can seem like a daunting task. It can feel intimidating and overwhelming. But, by having a systematic approach and proper preparation, even the most introverted chiropractorscan succeed in building referral relationships.

Proper Preparation- The first thing to do is become familiar and comfortable with the landmark research regarding chiropractic care. Our members have access to the Top Chiropractic Research PDF in our Members section. Simply becoming familiar with a paper or two for each spinal region (headache/cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine) will provide you a good foundation of knowledge.

Systematic Approach- Members of The Evidence Based Chiropractor have a full, easy to implement system for their outreach. However, if you are not a member, then I would suggest creating a plan for outreach. In short, this would include creating a target list, verifying the list, making a "first touch", following up for a meeting, and subsequently reaching out with research and case notes.

When you have a systematic approach and prepare properly, the anxiety of reaching out fades away. There are no other practitioners more qualified to provide conservative care for the spine than Chiropractors. Continued research fully supports the safety and efficacy of the Chiropractic adjustment. The onus is on each of us to reach out and build referral relationships with other physicians in our community.

-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic marketing group in the profession. We are dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research. Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us. Lets grow chiropractic together.

Jeff Langmaid 8/26/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/26/14

Landmark Chiropractic Research- The UK BEAM Study- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

The UK BEAM Study, published in 2004, examined a variety of treatments for back pain in a primary care setting. They looked at active exercise (physical therapy), best care (medication and advice), and spinal manipulation. They results were astounding. In part, they concluded that, "At three and 12 months, participants randomized to the spinal manipulation package reported significant improvements in Roland disability scores and several secondary outcomes- pain, back beliefs, and general physical health.”

This piece of research should be a cornerstone of your interdisciplinary outreach!

Interested in more research? Download the Top 10 Chiropractic Research Articles HERE.

-The Evidence Based Chiropractor has assisted hundreds of chiropractors around the globe build interdisciplinary referral relationships.

Have you viewed our FREE Guides? Download The MD Meeting and the 5 Secrets to MD Referrals today

Jeff Langmaid 8/5/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/5/14

The First Chiropractic Adjustment- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

In September of 1895 in Davenport, Iowa the first chiropractic adjustment was delivered to William Harvey Lillard by D.D. Palmer. As we understand it, D.D. Palmer was a magnetic healer who had explored a variety of health sciences throughout his lifetime. Mr. Lillard was a janitor who happened to tell Palmer that his hearing was greatly reduced after a spine injury some years earlier. Upon examination, Palmer found a "bump" or lump between the shoulder blades of Mr. Lillard. After "racking" the vertebrae back into position Mr. Lillard experienced a great improvement in his hearing.

The first adjustment was given not for back pain, but for a systemic manifestation of a vertebral (and ultimately nervous system) injury. In many ways this first adjustment was the beginning of a great chasm within chiropractic care. Do we provide care for the spine, the body organs/systems, or perhaps, even both?

It is my opinion that chiropractic is the greatest, drugless, conservative health care profession which has ever been discovered. D.D. Palmer may not have been able to truly grasp the breath and depth of his accomplishment. Over 100 years later, we have been able to stand on the back of giants such as D.D., B.J., Barge, Gonstead, Thompson, Gold, etc.. Our profession at its most basic level is the most effective, safe, and cost-effective healthcare option for neuromusculoskeletal complaints. But, perhaps as research continues to advance, we will be noted for achievements of even greater significance.

-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic marketing group in the profession. The service, founded and run by Dr. Jeff Langmaid, is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research. Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us. Lets grow chiropractic together.

Jeff Langmaid 7/25/14 Jeff Langmaid 7/25/14

Referral Patterns of Primary Care Physicians and Chiropractors- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Our July 2014 MD Research Brief is set to look at a piece of research from BioMed Central titled, "Referral Patterns and Attitudes of Primary Care Physicians towards Chiropractors". This should be considered essential reading for any chiropractor looking to establish interdisciplinary referral relationships.

In short, they found that "87% of MD's reported that their patients had asked them for information about chiropractic, and clause to 75% of PCP's have patients who have requested a referral to a chiropractor". This is great information. We can concluded that nearly every (over three-quarters) of PCP's have patients interested in chiropractic care. However, they also found that "only 24% of DO's and 29% of MD's had themselves formally referral a patient to a chiropractor". This is a huge opportunity. Patients are asking about chiropractic care and their PCP's are making scant referrals. By building the relationships with these physicians and showcasing the efficacy, safety, and satisfaction associated with chiropractic care, you can position yourself as their first referral choice. Our friends and neighbors are counting on us. We provide one of the best conservative care options in the history of healthcare!

Jeff Langmaid 7/21/14 Jeff Langmaid 7/21/14

Finding Your Tribe- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Building a practice based on interdisciplinary referrals is one of the most affordable and effective ways to grow a practice. It does not happen overnight, and it takes consistency; but the results speak for themselves.

Some chiropractors may cringe when thinking about relationship building with Medical Doctors, while others may welcome the idea with open arms. One extremely important point regarding relationship building is that you should focus on the providers whom you resonate with! If you have a cash practice which only provides care for full families then I would encourage you to build relationships with pediatricians and OB/GYN's. Perhaps you have additional credentialing in sports chiropractic. It would be advantageous for you to reach out to sports medicine doctors and extremity specialists.

In my opinion, the most important component to building interdisciplinary referral relationships is to target and reach out to other practitioners that are in-line with your practice style. Just as there are all types of chiropractors, their are all types of MD's, DO's, PA's, OB's, etc. Finding your tribe, and the group of local practitioners you resonate with may take some time, but your practice and your friends and neighbors will benefit as you build those relationships.