This article was originally featured in Chiropractic Economics Vol. 70, No. 13, August 18, 2024

Patient retention is the lifeblood of any successful chiropractic practice, but it all starts with patient compliance.

Unfortunately, the reality is often riddled with challenges leading to patient drop-off. Reasons like temporary pain relief, exhausted insurance benefits, lack of communication from the doctor or the dreaded “time to pay again” moment at the front desk can all contribute to this frustrating cycle. However, there’s a brighter path forward. Just like core principles guide the practice of chiropractic care, patient retention and patient compliance thrive on specific strategies. We’ve identified five key areas, the five Fs, that significantly boost patient compliance and loyalty. The following article explores how to transform your patient experience and turn occasional visits into lifelong partnerships:

#1. Feedback for progress: Empower patients through validation

Humans are hardwired to crave validation, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. In the context of chiropractic care, providing regular feedback is the first “F” and a powerful tool for boosting patient compliance and loyalty. By offering a clear picture of their progress since starting treatment, you empower patients to stay motivated and engaged in their journey toward optimal health.

This feedback acts as a road map, helping patients understand their progress and visualize their path toward achieving their health goals. It fosters trust and builds a sense of shared responsibility for their well-being.

How to effectively implement “feedback for progress” to achieve patient compliance

Highlight improvements: Celebrate even small victories. Did their range of motion improve? Are they experiencing less pain? Acknowledge these positive changes, reinforcing the effectiveness of the treatment plan and motivating them to continue.

Acknowledge areas for focus: Don’t shy away from areas that still need work. Frame these as opportunities for further progress, collaborating with the patient to identify additional strategies or adjustments to the treatment plan.

By consistently providing meaningful feedback, you transform your patients from passive care recipients into active participants in their health journey. This shift in mindset fosters a more collaborative and empowering relationship, ultimately leading to improved patient compliance and long-term success.

#2. Forecast care with a clear plan: Navigate the journey with confidence

Uncertainty breeds anxiety, and embarking on a healthcare journey without a clear road map can be disorienting for patients. This is where the second “F,” forecasting care, comes into play. By outlining a clear care plan from the beginning, you provide your patients with a road map toward optimal health.

This plan should detail the specific treatment approach you’ll take, including the types of services that will be provided during the course of care, frequency of visits and expected duration of care. Additionally, outlining the anticipated outcomes, such as pain reduction, improved range of motion or enhanced functionality, helps patients understand what to expect and feel confident in the process.

This transparency not only reduces anxiety but also strengthens the doctor-patient relationship. Providing a clear plan demonstrates your commitment to their well-being and establishes shared responsibility for achieving their health goals. Setting expectations for you and the patient fosters collaboration and trust, crucial for long-term patient compliance and success.

Remember, a clear care plan is not just a document; it’s a powerful tool for guiding your patients through their healthcare journey with confidence and clarity.

#3. Frictionless payments: Remove barriers to focus on health

In the pursuit of optimal health, financial hurdles shouldn’t stand in the way. This is where the third “F,” frictionless payments, comes into play. By embracing technology and offering flexible payment options, you can significantly improve the patient experience and boost patient compliance with their treatment plan.

How to implement frictionless payments to achieve patient compliance

Embrace automation: Use technology to automate billing processes. This can include online bill pay, automated invoices and recurring payment options. Streamlining the financial aspect of care frees valuable time for your front desk staff and allows the patients to focus on their health journey.

Offer flexibility: Provide various payment options to cater to different patient preferences and financial situations. This might include accepting major credit cards, HSA/FSA accounts and even offering flexible payment plans.

Consider recurring payments: Recurring payments can be a game changer for patient retention and your practice. By setting up automatic payments for treatment plans, you eliminate the need for patients to remember and manage individual payments, reducing the risk of missed appointments and improving overall patient compliance.

Streamline the process: Make the payment process as convenient and user-friendly as possible. This includes providing clear instructions on how to pay online or in person, offering secure payment options and ensuring a smooth checkout experience.

Removing these financial barriers and making the payment process seamless increases the likelihood of patients returning for follow-up appointments and sticking to their treatment

plan. This ultimately leads to better patient outcomes and a more successful practice. Remember, a smooth and convenient payment experience allows patients to focus on their health journey without unnecessary stress or worry.

#4. Frequent contact: Build a bridge of ongoing support

Maintaining consistent communication with patients between appointments is crucial for building loyalty and fostering a sense of ongoing support. This is where the fourth “F,” frequent contact, comes into play. By staying connected through various channels, you can keep your practice top-of-mind, provide valuable information, ensure patients feel informed and engaged throughout their healthcare journey and improve your chiropractic patient retention strategy.

Effective ways to implement frequent contact

Personalized email updates: Use email to send personalized updates, appointment reminders and follow-up messages. Share progress reports based on patients’ specific needs, offer educational resources relevant to their condition or provide helpful tips for managing their health at home.

Targeted educational resources: Go beyond generic information and provide educational materials tailored to each patient’s needs and concerns. This could include articles, videos or infographics on their condition, healthy lifestyle choices or complementary therapies.

Engaging social media: Use social media platforms to share informative content, patient success stories or educational videos about chiropractic care. This not only keeps your practice visible but also allows patients to engage with your community and learn valuable information in a convenient format.

Implementing these strategies will create a bridge of ongoing patient support. Consistent communication fosters a sense of connection, builds trust and empowers patients to take an active role in their health journey. Frequent contact improves patient compliance and contributes to better patient outcomes and a thriving practice.

#5. Fan the flame: Keep motivation burning bright

Motivation is the fuel that propels patients toward their health goals. The fifth “F,” fanning the flame, focuses on recognizing and celebrating progress, reinforcing the positive impact of treatment and keeping patients motivated throughout their journey.

How to effectively fan the flame of motivation

Celebrate milestones big and small: Every step forward deserves recognition, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Acknowledge improvements in range of motion, decreased pain or increased activity levels. This positive reinforcement validates patients’

efforts and strengthens their commitment to the treatment plan.

Personalized recognition: Go beyond generic praise and acknowledge individual achievements. Did a patient reach their goal of running a 5K? Did they finally conquer that nagging back pain? Celebrating these personal victories creates a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the value of continued care.

Verbal and non-verbal cues: Combine verbal praise with positive body language and genuine enthusiasm. A warm smile, a handshake or a pat on the shoulder can go a long way in showing patients you’re invested in their success.

Create a culture of recognition: Integrate a system for acknowledging progress within your practice. This could involve a “patient of the month” program, a wall of achievements or simply incorporating sincere praise into your daily interactions. A signed acknowledgement would be required from patients.

Focus on the journey, not just the destination: While celebrating milestones is important, remember to acknowledge patients’ ongoing effort and commitment. Encourage them to focus on the positive changes and progress they experience, not just the end goal.

By consistently recognizing and celebrating achievements, you’ll fan the flame of motivation and keep patients engaged in their health journey. This positive reinforcement fosters a sense of partnership and empowers patients to take ownership of their well-being, ultimately leading to improved patient compliance and long-term success.

Final thoughts on patient compliance

By implementing these five Fs, feedback for progress, forecasting care with a clear plan, frictionless payments, frequent contact and fanning the flame, you can create a powerful framework for boosting your patient retention strategies and patient compliance. This approach improves the patient experience, fosters a sense of collaboration and empowers individuals to take an active role in their health journey. Ultimately, prioritizing patient well-being and building strong relationships will transform your practice into a thriving center for chiropractic care and help more people achieve optimal health.