Build Your Practice Around Patients Not Insurance Companies

Students, please note that although our graduates are accepted by TELUS eClaims for direct billing, not every insurance company participates in direct billing.

Some insurers, such as Canada Life, operate on a reimbursement basis. This means the patient pays you in full, receives a paid receipt, and then submits it to the insurer for reimbursement.

As we always teach, aim to have at least 50% of your practice made up of cash-paying patients. Although major Canadian insurers such as Canada Life and Manulife cover osteopathic care provided by our alumni, it is never wise to depend too heavily on insurance companies.

Those who pay you can influence your business. If one cash-paying patient leaves, you still have hundreds of others. But if a large portion of your practice depends on a few insurers and one changes its policy, your business can be significantly affected.

Accept insured patients but focus your marketing on building a strong base of cash-paying patients. They may be harder to attract initially, but once they experience the value of your care, they can become some of your most loyal patients.

Build your practice around your patients Not insurance companies.