Referrals

There are many doctors who claim to have a great system for getting referrals.  These systems may involve a certain "scripting" on how to ask a patient to bring in their friends and family, or a special brochure, or maybe even a special offer or gift.

I used to feel referrals could be harvested with the right words, the right materials, the right system in bountiful quantities.

I don't feel that way any more.

A referral is a gift.  It is not the product of a series of proper steps taken.  A doctor cannot, should not, manipulate a patient to give up the name of a friend or family member to become a new source of income.

No matter how much the doctor feels he or she can help and serve the referral, it is not right to chase after it.

When the referral does come, however, unforced-- a product of gratitude, hope, and appreciation from within the chiropractic family, it is quite a different matter.

The referral stands as a gift.

Not a result of marketing, smooth talking, or great deals...

Simply, a gift.