Is Skynet Here? How Chiropractic Offices Can Thrive
How to beat the robots.
Artificial Intelligence IS here.
And the ads for it are in your face - AI scribing, AI documentation and coding, AI billing/revenue cycle, AI patient intake and reception, and AI marketing.
AI is moving fast. I saw one genius tech guy say that the next 6 months' growth will exceed the last 10 years.
Then what?
As Elon Musk quipped, "The worst-case scenario is a Terminator situation where AI kills us all."
But the fact is, no one really knows the future.
What Do Your Chiropractic and Healthcare Patients Want?
Let's first consider what your patients want.
Well, I'm pretty sure your patients don't want to go to a Walmart and lie on a roller table while a Mr. Robot puts a vibrator to their back.
I know I don't want that!
People want people-to-people interaction.
My prediction is that your personal touch and authentic interest in your people will BECOME more valuable than ever.
A few days ago, I was at my dentist's office and could overhear him chatting with a patient. On and on. I mentioned to my hygienist, "Doc likes to chat a lot, doesn't he?" She smiled and chuckled at first, but then frowned with disapproval. I know why. Reception room was filled – practice was busy.
Many of our best offices have doctors who often seem to run just a little late because they are gabbing away with their patients about sports, local affairs, kids, whatever. It drives the staff nuts because it holds everyone up. But somehow, the appointments stay full.
Same with the front desk staff – while being tough schedulers, they can also be interested in the patient's personal lives – kids, family, and school. Authentically too, not as a gimmick.
I've been visiting chiropractic offices for 40 years now, and the ONE thing that stands out in the best chiropractic practices is the people-to-people connection. There is almost a camaraderie between the staff, doctors, and patients—patients bring in their summer cucumbers for the staff, and mothers hand off their 6-month-old to the front desk so they can get their adjustment.
The clinic director at one office we worked with was concerned about the front desk not following procedures. Meanwhile, the practice was full. The front desk staff, while overly friendly and maybe just a little hippie, were creating great relationships with patients. (Not to discount procedures -- or hippies.)
Do Not replace your front desk with AI.
And Do Not replace all of your marketing with AI. I am headed to an office now to help them organize their yearly event at their local county fair. Community events where you show up, meet new people, give them a consultation, and reactivate old timers cannot be replaced by AI. (Nothing like watching a good tractor pull with a former patient!)
And… don't let AI make you less human.
Use AI to give you more time with people. Remember:
A practice is a network of relationships
that is created and sustained through
communication and service.
Do this, and you withstand the changes that will come.
Keep it personal, friendly. And yes, keep it Innate! (I don't care!)
🖐️😎
And stay Goal Driven,
Ed
PS Have questions about growing your practice -- or tractor pulls? Contact me. Let's gab! Email (414)332-4511)
Skynet: the fictional AI defense system in the Terminator films that becomes self-aware, decides humanity is a threat, and launches a nuclear war to wipe us out — then hunts down survivors with killer robots.
Wharton Magazine
Musk v. Altman trial, April 2026
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