1) There are two ways to go about it, and it depends mostly on your clinic space. Option 1 is to rent a room out to one or more therapists. It should be at least $500 a month. They will pay a flat rent. However, if you have a small space it may detract from your capacity to treat chiropractic patients, and you don’t want that. Do this option if you can afford the space. In this option, you tell the therapist part of the deal is for them to offer all their clients a First Visit coupon to see you for a chiropractic consultation. It can be given as a sort of welcome pack of goodies like a coupon of 20% off their next massage, a coupon for a TempurPedic pillow, posture exam, etc.

The other way is make them an employee. Offer $300/month + 40% massage revenue, and have them do admin work or warm up massages on your patients when they don’t have their own clients. You’ll have to put some energy into marketing the massage side of business. But this can be a great revenue stream that can run itself while you are out of the office. I think this is better than making them an Independent Contractor because you have more control over the situation and are less likely to get into tax problems.

2) I was referring to having an L-shaped desk so the patients leaving check out on one side and the patients arriving check in on the other side; prevents traffic jams.

3) I am in the process of writing an ebook that explains how I integrated an Endermologie business into my practice. But, you can use other businesses like microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, etc. Endermologie works well because you can use the machine to do lymphatic massage, too. Regarding the cellulite reduction side of the business, as long as you phrase what the machine does, and what to expect and what not to expect, there shouldn’t be any problems. It’s a great revenue stream because it is all CASH and you don’t have to deal with SOAP notes! $79 a visit is what I charge, and I sell 12 visit and 24 visit packages. Stand by for the ebook; I’ll let you know when it comes out.

Thanks for all the tips. The ideas here are fabulous. This confirms my idea of sharing space with other practitioners, I’m just afraid my idea might not work, but now know it’s a good model and I’d definitely pursue it.

I actually bought your e-book and enjoyed it VERY MUCH. I just have a few tiny questions relating to what you wrote in the book:

1) You mentioned for the LMTs, you hire them as independent contractors. The previous message you sent me suggest hiring them as employees. What is the best way to go in your opinion?

2) In your book, Guerilla Chiropractic, I’m unclear about your setup for the reception area. You mentioned putting the reception desk at an angle so the receptionist can handle in- and out-flow of patients. What kind of reception desk are we talking about and I can’t figure out what angle will facilitate good patient flow.

3) In the book, the part about the Endermologie is intriguing. Although I might not get it immediately, it’s a great idea. Does it include a particular model? Where do we get training? Is there any trouble with this device ie. patient complaints about $$, effectiveness etc?

Again, I thoroughly enjoyed the e-book and any response is greatly appreciated!

Trent Peng, DC