For many of us chiropractors, the idea of transitioning to a mobile-only practice is both exciting and daunting. Offering the convenience of at-home adjustments can elevate patient experiences and potentially increase revenue—yet determining a fair, profitable pricing strategy is essential for success. Let's explore fee structuring, common considerations, and firsthand insights from practitioners who have made the leap.
Should Mobile Chiropractic Services Cost More?
Mobile chiropractic care offers patients the luxury of receiving treatment in the comfort of their own homes, which is obviously more convenient than visiting a clinic. This added value often justifies a higher fee, as mobile chiropractors take on additional expenses like TRAVEL TIME (In my opinion, a chiropractor should be generating approximately $250-$300 per hour, regardless of practice style. This can be achieved through either high patient volume or by providing high-value services.), vehicle maintenance, and often longer appointments. Many practitioners find that, in offering a mobile service, they can position themselves as a premium option and charge accordingly.
When practicing mobile chiropractic, it’s often considered a concierge service. Since patients aren’t coming to a clinic, you’re bringing the treatment directly to them, making it a more personalized experience. As such, this level of service warrants a higher fee to reflect the convenience and individualized care provided.
But how high is high enough? And how can you ensure your rates remain both competitive and sustainable?
Understanding Pricing Strategies for Mobile Chiropractic Services
Establishing the right fee structure for a mobile practice requires consideration of several factors, including the cost of travel, time spent, and, importantly, the desired profit margin. To get started, many mobile chiropractors recommend calculating the following:
Your Desired Net Income: What do you need to bring in monthly or annually?
Overhead Costs: While mobile chiropractors avoid many expenses associated with a brick-and-mortar location, there are still unique costs, including travel expenses, supplies, insurance, and potentially higher marketing costs.
Average Appointment Time and Travel Distance: Calculate how many appointments you can feasibly handle in a day, factoring in travel and treatment time.
By determining the income you want to generate, factoring in your expenses, and considering your availability, you can more easily set a fee that aligns with your financial goals. It’s essential to ensure that your pricing covers not just the time spent with patients but also the time spent traveling, as well as any overhead costs associated with running a mobile practice.
Why Do Some Mobile Chiropractors Charge Less?
Interestingly, not all mobile chiropractors charge a premium. Some, for instance, maintain lower rates but compensate by focusing on volume or limiting travel distances. For example, I personally charge $80 per session, which is 200% of the Medicare rate, and I shoot for 40-50 visits per week. For those practicing in densely populated urban areas, it's easier to set up back-to-back appointments within a limited range, maximizing efficiency. However, for chiropractors serving larger regions, a premium fee structure is often necessary to offset travel time and expenses.
The context behind a chiropractor's fees can vary significantly. Some may have minimal living expenses, no student loans, or other financial support, which allows them to charge less and still operate profitably. Others may prioritize building relationships with local clients, which can be done by offering more affordable pricing to gain trust and long-term business. However, for many mobile chiropractors, especially those without significant external financial support, setting higher fees is often necessary for myself to sustain a profitable business.
The Importance of Defining a Service Range
A common pitfall for new mobile chiropractors is overextending their travel area. Limiting your service range can streamline operations and reduce costs. For example, when operating in a metro area or large city with nearby towns, keeping your service range small helps maintain a balance between convenience for patients and profitability for you. By setting a clear geographic boundary, you ensure that you're not wasting time on long drives that could otherwise be spent with patients. Personally, I would not exceed more than 25 miles of my service area and if I were to, I would need to charge accordingly.
I also don't have "house call zones" personally. The zone concept, where you're only in certain areas on certain days, makes logical sense to limit travel time and increase your dollar per hour. However, for myself it sort of loses the convenience and ease of access element that patients expect from a mobile chiropractor.
Additionally, many mobile chiropractors implement a travel fee structure for appointments outside of a set radius. This helps cover the extra time and cost involved with reaching those farther locations. By being transparent about the travel fee and keeping it reasonable, you can create a clear and fair pricing system that protects your time while still offering a valuable service to patients.
Sample Fee Schedules from Mobile Chiropractors
Every chiropractor’s fee structure varies based on their location, market demand, and service offerings. Here are a few examples that illustrate the range of pricing:
First Visit Fees: Some practitioners charge a premium for initial visits to cover assessment time and travel. A typical initial appointment might range from $250 to $400. Personally, I do not do this and simply charge $80/session. For me I want to make the initial visit accessible. But that's just me!
Regular Visit Fees: Follow-up mobile appointments might fall between $120 and $240, depending on the treatment’s complexity and duration.
Hourly Rates: For chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments, an hourly rate (e.g., $360/hour) is an option that allows for flexible treatment durations.
In some cases, offering higher rates for mobile services can create an opportunity to be positioned as an exclusive, premium service, allowing you to stand out in a competitive market. With mobile chiropractic, you’re not just offering the same service as a clinic—you’re delivering convenience, personalized care, and a flexible schedule that fits patients' needs. That added value is what justifies higher fees.
Finding the Right Balance Between Volume and Pricing
One of the biggest challenges in mobile chiropractic is balancing the volume of patients with the realities of travel and time. High-volume, low-cost approaches can work well in a clinic but can be physically and financially draining in a mobile setting. To make mobile-only work, many chiropractors recommend setting a minimum fee, keeping your service area small, and focusing on quality over quantity.
It’s important to find a pricing structure that respects your time and ensures that you’re compensated well for the convenience and personal attention you offer. Working with fewer, high-paying clients can sometimes be more profitable than managing a high volume of lower-paying appointments, particularly if your service area is expansive. It also lowers your risk not only as a doctor but from a business perspective as well.
Setting Expectations with Patients
Educating your patients on the value of mobile care is essential to gaining their trust and commitment to your pricing. Emphasize the convenience, personal attention, and continuity of care that your services provide. This can help justify the premium you charge and encourage long-term loyalty.
Clear communication about pricing is crucial—let patients know upfront if travel fees apply based on their location, and make sure they're aware of any added value you offer in a mobile setting. Some mobile chiropractors recommend creating a digital welcome packet or outlining fees and services on your website for transparency. Personally, my website has my fees plastered all over the place as well as on my online scheduler. This upfront transparency helps set proper expectations and build trust with patients
Final Thoughts: Transitioning to a Mobile-Only Practice
Switching from a brick-and-mortar practice to a mobile setup can be a rewarding journey, offering flexibility and the chance to redefine your brand as a concierge-level service. However, achieving financial sustainability in mobile chiropractic care requires a thoughtful approach to pricing and logistics.
Mobile chiropractic services are unique in that they require more effort, time, and resources than a traditional clinic, which justifies charging higher fees. By aligning your pricing strategy with your desired income, keeping your service area manageable, and ensuring you charge for the added value of convenience, you can create a successful mobile-only practice that benefits both you and your patients.
With careful planning, transparency, and a focus on delivering high-quality service, transitioning to a mobile-only practice can be a highly profitable and personally fulfilling choice.
Have a wonderful week,
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