What should I ask about a chiropractic clinic’s associate chiropractors and their patient lists?

Begin with the arrangement. Associates may be employees or independent practitioners who use the space. The difference affects how they are paid, who decides their schedule and who is responsible for what. Ask for the written agreement with each one and have your lawyer review it.

Next, ask about patient ownership. When an associate leaves, do their patients stay with the clinic, follow the associate, or choose for themselves? The answer in writing matters more than the answer in conversation. Ask also what restrictions apply to the associate after leaving and whether they are likely to hold up. Then look at the workload. How many of the clinic’s visits does each associate handle? If one associate carries a large share, ask how the clinic would manage without them.

Speak with the associates, with the seller’s consent, once the deal is far enough along. Ask what would make them stay and what concerns they have about a change of owner. Your accountant can help you see how associate pay shapes the clinic’s costs. Ask how patients are assigned to associates, and whether the clinic or the associate brought them in. A list of patients the associate brought along may leave with them. Keep notes of each answer so your lawyer can compare them with the written agreements.

Key takeaways

• Get each associate’s written agreement and have your lawyer read it.
• Settle who the patients belong to when an associate leaves.
• Ask each associate directly whether they plan to stay.