Handling "Difficult Patients" with Bobby Maybee, DC

In this special episode, Dr. Kevin Christie shares a powerful lesson from the Chiropractic Success Academy (CSA) by co-founder Dr. Bobby Maybee. Tackling a universal challenge in practice, Dr. Maybee explores the nuanced topic of “difficult patients”—both those who are truly disruptive and those we may subconsciously reject because they don’t align with our ideal.

Dr. Maybee breaks difficult patients into two categories: 1) truly disruptive individuals who violate boundaries, disrespect staff, or ignore treatment plans, and 2) patients we just don’t “vibe” with—those who don’t share our values or personalities but still need care. He challenges chiropractors to reflect honestly: Are you subtly pushing out patients who aren’t your preferred type, and how might that impact your revenue and growth?

The episode emphasizes the importance of office policy over personality in handling problematic patients. Dr. Maybee outlines practical tools including a behavioral discharge policy, documentation templates, scripting for redirecting behavior, and front desk red flag checklists. He shares powerful stories from his early practice, including rejecting toxic energy before it enters the office, and the surprising benefits of embracing patients outside your comfort zone.

Whether you're refining your clinical boundaries or building emotional intelligence in your team, this episode delivers real-world strategies to improve both practice culture and profitability.

📲 Learn more or join CSA at CSACircle.com

➡️ Got questions? Ask in the CSA Facebook group or email [email protected].