It depends on the lenses.

So I recently had an osteopath comment on my advert for Lifetime Patients Live. And it doesn’t really matter what profession this person was, it was the comment that could have caused issues.

He said, and I summarise, that seeing patients for a lifetime is unethical and money grabbing and that you should be able to cure their pain in 10 or less visits.

Now it is easy to knee jerk this and say he is wrong, but is that the case?

I mean if someone comes to you in pain, surely you should provide benefit in 10 or less visits. 

The real issue here is which way you choose to look at the world. Are you pain based or are you there for something more? Is your aim to improve their lives long term?

So with this said, I do agree with him. Your patients come to you for a ‘fix’ whether you like it or not, they don’t come in for wellness care and to live their best life. And if you do get the odd one, it’s rare!

This is frustrating if you want a lifetime practice. So I like to think this way, and this is what I asked in return. When do you stop going to the gym? When you get the results? And if you stop, then what? 

It’s all back to square one…

Having a lifetime practice is easy, however you have to get it straight, you must be clear on what you want and exactly what your patients want. Then find a way to communicate and sell both.

Innately everyone knows lifetime care makes sense. It’s on you to put the dots together for them. This is why having a process for your Day 1 and Day 2 is essential, why continuing to show and build value throughout their journey is a must, and why always striving to over deliver and exceed expectations is paramount for a vibrant, lifetime, and successful practice.

So next time someone questions or has a dig at you. Pause. If you’re triggered, figure out why, maybe it’s YOU who needs some clarity and certainty in what you do?

With love

Tom