Cash vs. Insurance: What Should Chiropractors Do?

In this episode of the Rocket Chiro Podcast, Jerry tackles one of the most common questions chiropractors face: Should I accept insurance or go cash-based? Whether you're starting a new practice or reevaluating your current approach, this episode provides a practical breakdown of the pros and cons of both models.

Jerry shares his straightforward answer: If your practice includes a wide variety of services that are covered and reimbursed by insurance, going the insurance route might make sense. But if you're primarily an adjustments-only chiropractor—or your services aren’t covered—it’s hard to beat the simplicity and clarity of a cash-based model.

You'll also learn:

• Why every chiropractor needs to get good at communicating value, regardless of their model

• The growing list of headaches associated with insurance

• What makes cash practice work—and how to avoid common mistakes

• The key ingredients to running a lean, profitable, and successful cash-based clinic

Whether you’re an experienced chiropractor or just getting started, this episode offers clarity on one of the most important business decisions you'll make.

Topics Covered:

• Why there’s no such thing as a “no out-of-pocket” world anymore

• Pros and cons of accepting insurance

• Pros and cons of running a cash-based practice

• Why insurance patients often make decisions based on coverage—not value

• How poor communication ruins trust regardless of payment model

• Jerry’s simple formula for when insurance might make sense

• Four essential ingredients for a successful cash practice

• Final thoughts on building a practice that aligns with your goals and numbers

Quotes from the Episode:

“People don’t get mad about how you run your business—they get mad when they find out you run it differently than they thought you did.”

“Cash doesn’t mean cheap—it means clear.”

“You can be successful either way, but it has to make sense on paper.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Rocket Chiro Websites – Chiropractic websites built to attract new patients and represent your brand

• Local SEO for Chiropractors – Be found in local Google searches and on Google Maps

• Next Step Program – On-demand chiropractic coaching to help you start smart or get unstuck

Enjoying the Podcast?

Please subscribe, share the podcast with another chiropractor, and consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Google. It’s a simple way to support the show and help more chiropractors build better businesses.

Want Help Growing Your Practice?

Jerry offers business coaching, website design, SEO, and Google Ads services specifically for chiropractors. If you're ready for less stress and more momentum, visit RocketChiro.com.

Free Website/SEO Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment
Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites
Chiropractic SEO: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-seo
Coaching for Chiropractors: https://rocketchiro.com/join