Unified Practice

Article updated June 2019

Ready to hit the road?

And no, we’re not talking about loading up a ’49 Hudson Commodore and crossing America like Jack Kerouac. We’re asking if you’re prepared to step outside your acupuncture clinic and treat your clients in their own homes.

It’s a professional decision that most acupuncturists will face: Will you specialize in clinic-based treatment? Or will you be more mobile and practice in their home? Or both?

The benefits of practicing at an acupuncture clinic are obvious. A base of operations allows you to provide a therapeutic and professional setting for your patients. Everything is already set up for efficient treatment. There’s a good chance you will be working alongside other practitioners in a stimulating and collegial atmosphere. And you can reasonably predict your expenditure on overheads.

Still, the lure of being out in the world is hard to resist. And now tablet-based acupuncture practice management software makes it easier than ever to operate effectively on the road. But as with any professional decision, home visits have pros and cons.

Let’s take a look.

Pros of Offering Acupuncture at Home

Your patient will probably be more comfortable at home
Not everybody feels confident marching into an acupuncture clinic and lying down for what might be a new and intimidating treatment. No matter how hard you work to make the ambiance of your offices welcoming and comfortable, there will always be some people who find it difficult to relax. Remove some of the intimidation factors by practicing in your patient’s own space.

You can expand your patient roster to people with the greatest need
Many of your potential patients will be seeking treatment for debilitating ailments which can severely limit mobility, such as chronic pain, depression and anxiety, addictions, and age-related disabilities. For many people, the inconvenience of leaving the house to visit a clinic can feel like more hassle than it’s worth. Home visits make the process easier for your client, and you can expand your treatment to people who may benefit the most.

You can charge a higher fee for the service
People pay for convenience and understand the effort involved in making a house call. It’s a special service for which patients are prepared to pay extra.

Lower overheads
Basing yourself at a clinic is a gamble: you’ll have to pay room rental regardless of whether your appointment schedule is filled or not. Nobody wants to sit in a lonely room while the clock ticks and the dollars drain away. If you practice exclusively in your clients’ homes, you can avoid the costs of renting a clinic space and shelling out for all the associated overheads. This can mean a tighter operation.

Cons of Offering Acupuncture at Home

You’ll be on your own
When working on the road, there’s a chance you’ll miss the collegial atmosphere of an acupuncture clinic. You’ll have to get used to the solitude between sessions.

You’ll see fewer clients in a given time
Travel time between sessions means you will be able to treat fewer patients.

You’ll have to prep and carry your equipment
Operating on the road will demand a high level of planning and organization. You’ll have to get used to transport your equipment and you’ll need a reliable vehicle equipped for your needs.

Tight schedules sometimes fall apart
As much as we want to run on time, being out on the road means being at the mercy of traffic and other unexpected delays. Appointments will not always run exactly to schedule. You’ll have to stay in regular communication with your upcoming clients to ensure they are informed of any changes to the schedule. Luckily, efficient acupuncture practice management software will help you stay connected to your schedule and your patients.

Guest blog post by Matt Leask