by Dr. Jennifer Bonde
Business author Michael Gerber said it best:
“If your business depends on you, you don’t have a business—you have a job.”
And for chiropractors, that job is more than demanding—it’s emotionally, physically, and mentally taxing. You’re adjusting, managing, marketing, leading, training, and trying to be present at home… all while building something meaningful.
Yes, it’s fulfilling. We love helping people. It’s why most of us got into chiropractic in the first place. But when your chiropractic business can’t function without you adjusting every patient, returning every email, and solving every problem—it’s not scalable, it’s not sellable, and it’s not sustainable.
The Hard Truth: You’re Not Just the Owner—You’re Also the Bottleneck
If you’re the one keeping everything moving, then nothing moves unless you’re involved.
You can’t grow without burnout.
You can’t sell without fixing.
You can’t rest without revenue loss.
At that point, you’re not leading a chiropractic business—you’re just surviving in a very expensive, very time-consuming job.
It may sound harsh, but it’s a truth we see over and over at WellBiz360. And here’s the good news: once you see it, you can fix it.
From Adjusting to Architecting: Step Into the CEO Role
You didn’t become a chiropractor to manage chaos.
You became one to help people and build a life you love.
But that life won’t happen if you’re stuck in the treatment room 40 hours a week, with nights and weekends spent putting out fires. To create freedom and long-term value, you need to transition from being the practitioner to being the CEO.
Here’s what that transformation looks like:
✅ You build systems that can run without you.
So every process—patient onboarding, billing, marketing, training—flows consistently, even if you’re on vacation.
✅ You train a team that can deliver care with your standards.
So your community gets amazing care… whether it’s from you or not.
✅ You track your numbers with KPIs and dashboards.
So you stop guessing and start leading with clarity.
✅ You create a continuity plan and exit strategy.
So you’re prepared for the unexpected—and positioned to sell when the time is right.
✅ You stop being the product. You start being the visionary.
Because CEOs don’t “do it all.” They design how it gets done.
Why This Matters for Your Exit Strategy
If your business requires you to function, then it’s nearly impossible to transition, sell, or scale.
Whether your goal is a 5-year internal transition, selling to a new grad, or a private equity exit, your business needs to be:
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Systemized
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Profitable
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Transferable
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NOT dependent on you
That’s what buyers (and legacy-minded successors) are looking for. That’s what your chiropractic exit strategy depends on.
And it all starts with one mindset shift:
Stop being the backbone of your business. Start building a business with a backbone.
Let’s Be Real—You’re Not Lazy. You’re Just Maxed Out.
Most chiropractors I meet aren’t “bad business owners.” They’re incredible doctors who were never taught how to lead, scale, or prepare for an exit.
They were trained to serve patients—not build empires.
That’s where WellBiz360 comes in. We’re here to help you transition from stressed-out operator to empowered CEO with a clear plan, scalable operations, and a profitable exit on the horizon.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you want to create a practice that thrives with or without you, it starts with a conversation.
Book a free strategy call with us at WellBiz360. We’ll help you assess where you are, what needs fixing, and what’s possible next—whether you’re prepping for exit, growth, or just a little breathing room.
👉 Book a call w us Here
by Dr. Jennifer Bonde
In the world of chiropractic business, success isn’t just about delivering excellent care—it’s also about understanding the financial aspects that drive profitability. One important concept to consider is unit-level economics, which looks at the revenue, costs, and profitability of an individual chiropractic office or provider. By breaking down these financial elements, practice owners can make informed decisions that support sustainable growth and financial stability.
What is Unit-Level Economics?
Unit-level economics refers to the financial performance of a single unit within a business—in this case, a chiropractic practice. It includes key metrics such as:
- Revenue per patient visit – The amount collected per patient encounter.
- Cost per visit – The direct expenses associated with treating a patient.
- Profit margin per visit – The net earnings after covering costs.
- Break-even point – The number of visits required to cover all operational expenses.
- Lifetime patient value – The total revenue expected from a single patient over time.
By analyzing these numbers, practice owners can optimize pricing, manage costs, and ensure long-term profitability.
Key Factors Impacting Unit-Level Economics in Chiropractic
- Patient Volume vs. Capacity Chiropractic practices operate within a service-based model, where revenue depends on the number of patients seen per week. However, there’s a limit to how many visits a chiropractor can handle while maintaining quality of care. A well-balanced practice sets a sustainable visit cap while maximizing efficiency.
- Revenue Per Visit The amount a practice earns per visit depends on pricing, payer mix (insurance vs. cash-based services), and additional services offered. Consider value-based pricing models that reflect expertise and patient outcomes while ensuring financial viability.
- Operational Costs Fixed and variable expenses directly impact profitability. These include:
- Staff salaries (front desk, assistants, associate chiropractors)
- Rent and utilities
- Equipment and supplies
- Marketing and patient acquisition costs
- Continuing education and professional development
Reducing inefficiencies and strategically allocating resources can help improve margins.
- Retention and Lifetime Patient Value A thriving chiropractic business isn’t just about new patient acquisition—it’s also about keeping patients engaged in their care plans. Retention strategies, such as wellness plans, membership models, and patient education, can increase the lifetime value of each patient, contributing to more predictable revenue.
- Scalability and Growth For those looking to expand, unit-level economics can help guide scaling decisions. By analyzing profitability per provider or per location, practice owners can determine when and where to open new offices, hire additional staff, or diversify services for increased revenue streams.
Applying Unit-Level Economics to Your Practice
- Track your numbers – Use practice management software to monitor revenue, expenses, and profitability.
- Refine your pricing – Ensure service fees reflect value while remaining competitive.
- Optimize efficiency – Streamline operations, reduce wait times, and automate administrative tasks.
- Increase patient retention – Implement strategies to enhance long-term engagement and referrals.
- Plan for growth – Make data-driven decisions when considering expansion or investment in new services.
Conclusion
Understanding unit-level economics is essential for chiropractors who want to run a financially sound and scalable practice. By focusing on revenue optimization, cost management, and patient retention, chiropractic business owners can build sustainable, profitable clinics while maintaining flexibility and fulfillment in their careers. Whether just starting out or looking to scale, mastering these financial fundamentals can help create a strong foundation for long-term success.
by Dr. Jennifer Bonde
In the world of chiropractic, there’s a stark contrast between two types of practice owners: those with a CEO mindset and those who operate as stressed-out practitioners. Understanding this difference is the key to not just surviving in practice, but thriving and building a business that provides both financial success and personal freedom.
The Stressed-Out Practitioner: Stuck in the Daily Grind
Many chiropractors enter practice with a passion for helping people, but quickly find themselves overwhelmed by the realities of running a business. If you identify with any of these, you may be operating as a stressed-out practitioner:
- You are the sole revenue generator in your practice, with no systems in place to keep things running without you.
- You constantly feel overworked and burned out, handling both patient care and business management.
- You struggle to hire, train, and retain great team members, leaving you stuck in the day-to-day.
- You worry about cash flow, marketing, and operations but don’t have the time or strategy to fix them.
- You feel like your practice owns you, rather than the other way around.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many chiropractors get stuck in this cycle, where working harder doesn’t necessarily lead to more freedom or financial security.
The CEO Mindset: Scaling, Leading, and Thriving
On the other hand, those with a CEO mindset take a different approach. They see their practice as a business that should work for them, not just as a job they own. Chiropractors who embrace this mindset:
- Build Scalable Systems – They implement processes that allow the business to run smoothly, whether or not they are in the office.
- Develop a Strong Team – They hire and empower the right people, ensuring that patient care and business growth don’t depend solely on them.
- Create Multiple Revenue Streams – They diversify income through memberships, ancillary services, or adding providers, so revenue isn’t tied solely to the hours they work.
- Focus on Growth – Instead of just seeing patients, they dedicate time to working on the business—setting goals, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and making strategic decisions.
- Plan for the Future – Whether it’s vesting key employees, positioning for eventual succession, or scaling multiple locations, they think long-term.
Why This Shift Matters
The transition from stressed-out practitioner to CEO is essential for chiropractors who want more than just a paycheck—it’s for those who want freedom, financial stability, and longevity in their careers. Without adopting a CEO mindset, burnout is inevitable. But with the right strategies, chiropractors can create a practice that supports their lifestyle rather than controlling it.
How WellBiz360 Helps Chiropractors Make the Shift
At WellBiz360, we specialize in helping chiropractors break free from the stressed-out practitioner trap and step into the CEO role. Whether you’re looking to scale, vest key employees, or structure your business for future growth, we provide the strategies, systems, and support to help you run your practice like a business—not just a job.
If you’re ready to shift your mindset and take control of your practice’s future, reach out to us today. The difference between stress and success is in how you choose to lead.
by Dr. Jennifer Bonde
Starting a chiropractic practice is both exciting and overwhelming. If I could go back and share insights with my younger self, I would have saved years of trial and error. My goal is to help other chiropractors—especially those looking to build freedom in their practice—avoid some of the common pitfalls that I encountered. Here are the things I wish I had known before starting my practice.
1. People Want to Use Their Health Insurance
I used to think that going fully cash-based was the only way to create a thriving practice. While cash-based models work well in many cases, I wish I had realized earlier that most people want to use the health insurance they pay for. If you are in a state where insurance coverage is good, it’s worth considering which policies are the most lucrative and how they can be integrated into your practice. This doesn’t mean taking every insurance plan, but strategically choosing the ones that allow you to maximize revenue while still providing great care.
2. Volume Matters—You Need to Charge More or Leverage Your Time
When I first started, I had a vision of seeing a reasonable number of patients and making a great income. What I didn’t realize is that volume matters. If you want to see fewer patients, you need to adjust your pricing accordingly or create leverage in your business. You can do this by:
- Charging premium fees and positioning yourself as a high-value provider.
- Hiring associate doctors or staff to increase capacity.
- Adding other revenue streams, such as wellness programs, supplements, or ancillary services.
Understanding this sooner would have allowed me to create a better balance between income and lifestyle much earlier in my career.
3. Freedom Comes from Scaling and Leveraging Your Time
I spent years feeling trapped in my practice, thinking that the only way to make more money was to see more patients myself. What I wish I had understood earlier is that freedom comes from scale. Once I learned how to:
- Train and delegate effectively.
- Build systems that allowed the practice to run without me being there every second.
- Implement structures that leveraged my time (such as group care, memberships, or pre-paid care plans).
I was able to create real freedom. Scaling a practice doesn’t mean working yourself into the ground; it means optimizing your operations so you can step away without everything falling apart.
4. Investing in Myself & Understanding the Rule of 72
One of the most valuable lessons I learned too late was how to invest in myself and my financial future. The Rule of 72 is a simple concept that estimates how long it takes for an investment to double in value. If you take 72 and divide it by your annual return rate, that’s the number of years it will take for your money to double. For example, if you’re earning 10% on an investment, your money will double in about 7.2 years.
Had I prioritized financial literacy and understood how to leverage my savings and investments earlier, I would have created wealth much faster. Investing in continuing education, business mentorship, and wealth-building strategies pays exponential dividends over time.
Final Thoughts: A Jump Start for Your Success
If you’re just starting out, I want you to get a jump start ahead of where I was. Understanding insurance strategy, volume economics, business scaling, and smart investing will set you up for long-term success. Learn from my experiences, and don’t wait years to make these realizations—start implementing them today, and you’ll build a practice that gives you both financial success and personal freedom.
by Dr. Jennifer Bonde
For most chiropractors, the dream of running a successful, fulfilling practice often comes with unexpected challenges. The reality is that while passion for patient care fuels the profession, financial struggles, burnout, and inconsistent revenue streams plague many chiropractors.
If you feel like you’re working harder than ever but still struggling to make ends meet, you’re not alone. Chiropractic practice is unique in that success isn’t just about being an excellent clinician—it’s also about being a savvy business owner. Unfortunately, many doctors were never trained in the business side of chiropractic, leaving them overwhelmed and financially stretched thin.
So, what’s causing so many chiropractors to struggle in practice? And more importantly, how can you take control of your business to create the practice—and life—you’ve always envisioned?
The Harsh Reality: Volume Matters
While every chiropractor wants to practice the way they dream—whether that’s spending extra time with patients, offering specialized techniques, or running a low-volume, high-touch practice—the financial reality can’t be ignored. For the vast majority of chiropractic offices, volume plays a critical role in profitability.
Unlike other industries where you can infinitely scale a product, chiropractic care is inherently limited by time. You only have so many hours in a day and so many patient visits you can handle. This means that unless your fees are exceptionally high (which is often unsustainable for most markets), volume must be part of the equation.
But here’s the challenge: how do you increase volume without burning out? And if you don’t want to see 300+ patients per week, how can you still make your practice financially viable? The answer lies in understanding the core business levers at your disposal.
The Three Primary Levers for Chiropractic Profitability
There are only a few fundamental ways to increase your practice’s profitability. These are:
1. Increase PVA (Patient Visit Average)
PVA measures how many visits the average patient completes in your office. If your patients are inconsistent, drop off early, or only come for a few visits, your revenue takes a significant hit.
Increasing PVA isn’t about “selling” more care—it’s about education and retention. Patients who truly understand the value of chiropractic care are more likely to follow through with their recommended treatment plan.
Strategies to improve PVA:
- Clear communication about the long-term benefits of care
- Systems to track and follow up with inactive patients
- Patient education on lifestyle and wellness care
- Implementing re-exams and progress reports to demonstrate improvements
2. Charge More Per Visit (Raise OVA)
While it might be tempting to keep your fees low to attract more patients, undercharging is one of the biggest mistakes chiropractors make. Your per-visit fee (OVA, or Office Visit Average) is one of the most direct ways to increase profitability without adding more hours to your schedule.
Ways to increase OVA:
- Increase your fees (while maintaining high-value service)
- Offer packages or care plans that encourage prepayment
- Add higher-value services such as laser therapy, spinal decompression, or soft tissue work
- Improve your collections and reduce discounts
3. Add Additional Revenue Streams
If patient volume and per-visit fees are maxed out, the next logical step is to introduce additional revenue streams. Many chiropractors overlook the potential of ancillary services and products, leaving money on the table.
Options for additional revenue:
- Retail products (supplements, braces, orthotics, ergonomic tools)
- Weight loss or nutrition programs
- Massage therapy or acupuncture
- Corporate wellness programs
- Online courses or digital health products
Diversifying your revenue not only boosts your bottom line but also enhances patient outcomes by offering comprehensive wellness solutions.
The Hidden Challenge: Running a Practice Is More Than Just Adjusting Patients
Most chiropractors entered the profession because they love helping people—not because they wanted to spend hours dealing with business strategy, marketing, and operations. Yet, in today’s competitive landscape, ignoring the business side of practice is a surefire way to struggle.
Many doctors try to do everything themselves, from patient care to billing, marketing, and even front-desk duties. This “do-it-all” approach leads to exhaustion and limits growth. The truth is, scaling a successful practice requires structure, delegation, and a strategic approach.
So, what’s the solution?
Why You Need a Business Coach
The chiropractors who break free from struggle don’t do it alone. They seek guidance, accountability, and proven systems to take their practices to the next level. That’s where having a business coach comes in.
A great coach helps you:
- Identify and optimize the key revenue levers in your practice
- Develop efficient systems to reduce stress and free up your time
- Increase retention, revenue, and overall practice stability
- Navigate challenges with proven solutions rather than trial and error
At WellBiz360, we specialize in helping chiropractors not just survive, but thrive. Whether you’re looking to improve your profitability, scale your practice, or create more freedom in your business, we provide the strategies and support you need to succeed.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck, overworked, and financially strained, it’s time to make a change. Schedule a call with us today and take the first step toward a more profitable, stress-free practice.
You don’t have to do this alone. The right guidance can change everything.
by Dr. Jennifer Bonde
Are you looking for ways to grow your chiropractic business and expand your impact? As a business owner in the healthcare field, growth isn’t just about getting more patients through the door—it’s about strategic decision-making and being ready to seize opportunities when they arise. One of the most effective ways to take your practice to the next level is by acquiring another chiropractic practice.
Let’s delve into how buying another practice could benefit you, whether you want to expand your business into multiple locations or consolidate operations to increase profitability. This move can be transformative if approached strategically.
Why Buying Another Chiropractic Practice Makes Sense
The chiropractic field is growing, and so is the competition. To stay ahead, expanding your footprint by acquiring an existing practice can be a smart way to scale your business. Here are a few compelling reasons why this approach could work for you:
- Built-In Patient Base
Acquiring an established practice means you instantly gain access to an existing patient base. This can save you years of effort in building a clientele from scratch. Patients loyal to the current practice may remain, giving your revenue a quick boost.
- Experienced Staff
An established practice often comes with a team of experienced staff members, including chiropractors, administrative personnel, and assistants. Retaining the existing team ensures continuity for patients and minimizes disruptions during the transition.
- Increase Revenue Streams
A second practice can act as a new revenue stream, either as a standalone location or by merging operations into your current practice. This allows you to cater to a broader patient demographic and increase your market share.
- Market Expansion
Adding a second location expands your reach geographically. Whether it’s tapping into a new neighborhood or city, this allows you to build brand recognition and serve a larger community.
- Economies of Scale
Merging practices can reduce overhead costs and improve operational efficiency. Shared resources like marketing, technology, and administrative systems streamline operations and maximize profits.
Steps to Find the Right Chiropractic Practice to Acquire
While buying another practice is exciting, it requires careful planning. Here are actionable steps to help you find and secure the right opportunity:
1. Explore Broker Sites and Business Listings
Local business broker websites and platforms like BizBuySell often list chiropractic practices for sale. Regularly monitoring these sites can help you stay ahead of new listings.
2. Leverage Your State Association
Most state chiropractic associations have classified sections on their websites where practices for sale are advertised. This is an excellent resource for finding opportunities close to home.
3. Network with Other Chiropractors
Sometimes, the best deals come through word-of-mouth. Attend chiropractic conferences, seminars, or networking events to connect with other practitioners. Building relationships may lead to learning about practices not yet officially on the market.
4. Consider Businesses-for-Sale Platforms
Broader business sale websites often have a section for healthcare practices. These platforms allow you to filter by location, price range, and practice size, helping you pinpoint a practice that aligns with your goals.
5. Direct Outreach
If you know of a chiropractic office you admire, consider reaching out directly to the owner. Even if they aren’t actively selling, they may be open to discussions, especially if they’re nearing retirement or facing personal circumstances that make selling appealing.
Evaluating the Practice: What to Look For
Once you’ve identified a potential practice, it’s crucial to evaluate it thoroughly. Here are key factors to consider:
- Financial Health
Request financial statements, profit-and-loss reports, and tax returns for at least the last three years. These documents will give you insights into the practice’s revenue streams, expenses, and profitability.
- Patient Demographics
Understand the patient base. Are they loyal, long-term patients, or does the practice rely heavily on new patient acquisition? What is the average retention rate?
- Location and Competition
Analyze the practice’s location. Is it in a high-traffic area with good visibility? Consider nearby competitors and whether the market can sustain another or larger chiropractic practice.
- Assets and Equipment
Evaluate the condition of the equipment and facilities. Outdated or poorly maintained tools could require significant investment post-acquisition.
- Staff and Contracts
Assess the experience and stability of the current staff. Check for any contracts in place with employees, vendors, or landlords to understand ongoing obligations.
- Owner’s Transition Plan
Does the current owner plan to assist with the transition? Their involvement can be invaluable in retaining patients and ensuring a smooth handover.
Integration Strategies for a Smooth Transition
After acquiring a practice, the real work begins. Here’s how to integrate it effectively:
Option 1: Operate as a Second Office
If you choose to keep the new practice as a separate location, create a cohesive brand strategy across both offices. This includes consistent marketing, patient communications, and operational systems.
Option 2: Merge with Your Existing Practice
If merging, focus on combining patient databases, staff, and resources seamlessly. Communicate clearly with patients and staff to build trust and maintain retention during the transition.
Communication is Key
Patients and staff need reassurance about the transition. Be transparent about your plans, emphasizing improvements like upgraded services or technology. Regular updates via newsletters, meetings, and social media will help ease concerns.
Final Thoughts: The Game-Changer You’ve Been Looking For
Acquiring another chiropractic practice is a bold move that can significantly accelerate your business growth. With the right strategy, it can provide an additional revenue stream, expand your market reach, and improve operational efficiency. However, success depends on due diligence, strategic planning, and a clear vision for the future.
Remember, the simple act of regularly searching for opportunities—whether through broker sites, networking, or classified ads—can put you in the right place at the right time to catch a game-changing opportunity. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; start exploring today and take the first step toward growing your chiropractic business.
