Just read a really disturbing article written by a former Chiropractic Assistant.  The article was about her experience working in a Chiropractic Office.  I’ll share an excerpt with you…

“I worked in a chiropractic office for about four months. Initially, I had applied for a position as a receptionist/office manager. I had done temporary work in office settings and had worked briefly in a medical environment.  The hiring process consisted mainly of self-administered “IQ” and personality tests, which I apparently passed. After a short interview with the chiropractor who ran the clinic (whom I will call Dr. Smith), I was hired as a “chiropractic assistant.” My pay would be $8 an hour, plus a bonus (usually 25¢) for each treatment I administered.  I never worked at the reception desk or managed the office. Instead, after some four hours of training, I began administering treatments. The most common treatment was “trigger point” massage, a sort of free-form acupressure using a small, T-shaped bar with a rubber tip. I was instructed about a few acupressure points, but was told to feel for “knots” in the muscles, and to apply pressure to them as well, using the bar and the weight of my body. I doubt that this felt good. I was clumsy and inexperienced, but the doctors didn’t seem to care about this. Each “trigger point” massage was to last ten minutes (or less, if we could get away with it). My bonus was not based on patient satisfaction with my work.”

Unfortunately, there’s more…lots more.  I was a bit upset about the article.  Mainly because I realized that this type of ‘training’ is common practice.  When visiting Chiropractic offices, I make it a point to speak with the office staff separately from the doctor.  I have found that they are more honest and forthcoming with their concerns.  One of the things I hear most is…”I do not feel I received enough training”.  And from what I witness, they are absolutely correct!!!  Most of the ‘training’ is not adequate for the tasks most CAs are being asked to perform.

The second most common remark is, ‘there’s not enough of me or time to complete ALL the tasks that are required’.  Not only do I hear them when they say this, I FEEL them as well.  You see, I’ve worked in a few Chiropractic offices as well and I know firsthand what they are experiencing.  I’m you’ve seen the employment ad that says ‘Need 8 arms and 10 legs’.  Multitasking can be a great gift AND a curse.  Multitasking works when you are wearing ONE hat.  It doesn’t work so well when your hats reach the ceiling.   For example, if you are the front desk CA, it’s great to be able to answer the phone, schedule appointments, and call on your no-shows.  However, multitasking as the front desk CA does NOT work when you are answering the phones, scheduling appointments, performing therapies on patients, checking out patients, verifying insurance, and making AR follow up calls.  However, this is what some Chiropractors are asking their staff to do.  Although it may APPEAR that the tasks are being completed, trust me…. their not.

So, speak with your staff.  Find out their TRUE concerns.  Streamline the schedule of duties.  And if needed, HIRE ADDITIONAL STAFF.