Downside of a Micro Practice for Chiropractors

In this episode of the Rocket Chiro Podcast, I wanted to balance the conversation around micro practices. I’ve talked plenty about the upside of starting and running a small solo practice, but I think it’s only fair to also be honest about the challenges.
The goal here isn’t to talk you out of it. In fact, I still think a micro practice is the smartest way for most chiropractors to get started. But if you want to make the best long-term decisions for yourself, you should know what you’re signing up for.
Some of the downsides we cover include:
Your income ceiling is limited compared to building a bigger practice with associates.
You can only see so many patients by yourself, so ultra-high-volume practice models don’t fit.
It’s hard to bring in other practitioners or offer a wide variety of services in a small space.
No backup coverage if you get sick or want to take time off.
Micro practices usually don’t have much resale value.
Insurance billing and more complex financial models are tougher to manage solo.
There can be perceived status issues with a smaller office, and you have to get over your own pride.
You’ll end up doing a lot of non-doctor tasks unless you’re really intentional about outsourcing or using technology.
At the end of the day, micro practices are still a fantastic way to start with less risk and stress, especially if you’re new. But if you know in your heart that you want to build something much bigger, you need to be careful about overcommitting to a setup that could hold you back.
If you’re a new chiropractor or you’re feeling stuck and you want more help beyond the podcast, check out my NEXT Step program. And if you want me to look at your website or local SEO, reach out through Rocket Chiro.
Resources Mentioned
Free Website/SEO Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment
Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites
Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo
Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join