Juan Carlos Portillo, DC, from San Jose, Calif., also sends "monthly newsletters" to patients and maintains a website with relevant patient education information.

Bruce Kniegge, DC, from Fort Collins, Colo., thinks that communication is the key. "Communicate with all your patients. That will keep you on their mind. Ask for referrals and give your current patients your card to give to those who might suffer like them."

Steve Engen, DC, from Kearney Neb., also "reminds patients of the value of maintaining their health in order to live the lifestyle they want to live. One of my favorite quotes, author unknown, says, 'patients don't care how much you know, until they understand how much you care.'"

Community Involvement

Thomas Brodar, DC, from Delphi, Ind. believes that "being involved in your community, being approachable and striving to be part of the fabric of the area that you live in," is what reactivates patients. "Become that resource person that others can approach with their health problems. Build working relationships with other local community health care providers and know their strengths and weaknesses."

Community education workshops are also an option. Brian Bigelow, DC, from Nashua, New Hampshire, "calls patients on the telephone and invites them to a free wellness workshop." This option can remind patients to reschedule and possibly provide referrals as well.

Let the Patient Decide

Aylmer Baker, DC, from Quebec said, "I never reactivate patients because they never went 'dormant.' I make sure to treat them for what they need and release them. They always come back when needed and in the mean time they do refer more patients. Let them decide when they need to come. "

David Hochman, DC, from Orange, Conn., agrees. "Why would I reactivate a dormant patient? I would assume this patient is doing well and I would expect this patient to reactivate themselves if they need any type of musculoskeletal care. I am booked from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with more patients trying to get in my schedule. Why? Simply because I didn't over treat them or their family members or harass them. There is no need for reactivating patients in my practice."

Dean Rutherford, DC, from Hailey Idaho, thinks the option should be left with the patient. "Leave them alone. They will come back when they need help."

Perhaps the best way to reactivate your patients is summed up by Dr. Briggs, "first and foremost, CARE for your patients. Listen to them, keep good records, coordinate with their other providers. In many ways, we are a service industry, and success is tied to patient satisfaction—which comes from good, caring service."