TNR Happenings January 7, 2019
Coaching calls are back to normal
Thank you for all of your accommodation for the past 2 weeks where calls were moved because of Christmas and New Years. We’re back to our regular coaching call schedule!
DCME is on January 19th
This is perhaps the most controversial topic since joining TNR (seeing kids?) and it is very easy to deny and avoid. Maybe you think you already have this handled... THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE YOU DON’T! Technique, certification, and advanced academic pursuits are of limited value in the turbulent, shark-infested, frigid waters of DCME cases. The DCME seminar is all about experiential learning, not the rehash, classification, and consensus of the disease model. It’s more like the attitude of, "what if?" It is limitless, not limited. Self-importance and the need to be right are the tools that keep us stuck in all areas of life. Do you have a smug attitude of, "I can do these types of cases and I see them all the time"? I graduated first in my class and I thought I knew it all. Was I ever wrong! The ego-driven attitude of, "I don’t have to improve myself for the benefit of my practice members" keeps DCs imprisoned in the disease model. With historic lows of patient visit average and the decided shift toward adult pain relief, DCME is your ticket to ride. Even though DCME was not created as a solution to DCs sagging incomes, it sure doesn’t hurt being recognized for superior abilities and skills. Get your ticket!
Practice tip of the week
Make sure you create a community calendar of outside office events for 2019. Each month you should be able to post this in an area where all your practice members see it. Include speaking engagements, if you are traveling to the Winter Classic at Notre Dame to see the Bruins vs. the Blackhawks, practice member birthdays, special occasions, promotions of practice members, LHNC fundraising and event news, etc. If you want to be treated differently on all levels, you must create the community or people will treat you like the DC down the street. Live free (specialist) or die (generalist).
From the mind of Miyagi
Let 2019 be your best year ever! No matter your current level of practice, commit to having at least 2 Head-to-Heads this year and attending all TNR events. Each event is almost like a sweat lodge. As is the case with the sweat lodge, each event doesn’t care what your issue or obstacle is. Many problems have one solution. TNR events are not specifically designed for doctors at a particular level, like a 600 patient visit per week DC. They are designed each and every time to take you from where you are to where you want to be. They are tongue and groove with no beginning and no end.
DCME confidential
Question 1: My practice member wants me to write a detailed letter to their insurance carrier to try to recoup some of the DCME cost. They are at the end of 6 months of care and have gotten great results. They paid $4500. Should I do it?
Answer: No. Even if you were successful, it would create ripples of seen and unseen peril not only for you, but the clinical events would also be affected by the intent. Your practice member cannot hear what you are saying when it’s a no. Don’t go into a long Miyaiesque explanation. The deal was consummated and you proceeded in good faith. By writing this letter you would be contaminating your care plan and entering in the disease model with entitlement (someone else is going to do this) and the business model with profit over people. It might not be easy, but if you indeed have an established relationship with this patient, they will be okay with your denial and continue in your office.
Question 2: My practice member has not asked me a single question about her DCME program. She marvels at it and loves it and yet, I have a suspicion she isn’t doing her lessons. She is on a spiritual journey, esoteric training, (Reiki practitioner), reading, etc.
Answer: Check in with her. Just because she paid her fees, our responsibility doesn’t end there. Have her show you her digital homework or strike up a conversation of one of the assignments. As in anything, you are going to have a natural resistance to doing any homework. She might understand the concepts, but the real-life results are initiated by the practical application of them.
Artifacts that Kenny Smoker has made
Occasionally Kenny requests help from LHNC. He is going to be raffling off some artifacts he made personally. These are one of a kind items and 100% of the funds will be put towards the taxes and upkeep of the movie theater. In addition to having movies, the movie theater is a social meeting place for kids and provides protection from dangerous influences like gangs, drugs, and crime. It is also used for indoor archery under the direction of Dr. Megan. Several of the kids have turned into accomplished archers and have won gold medals. Many times food is provided for the kids at the movie theater. Kenny only asks for our help when he really needs the funds. The movie theater is near and dear to our hearts since it took seven years and hundreds of volunteers to complete. We need some healthy bids on these items as we are not giving them away and the money is needed for the movie theater.
