The 30-Day New Practice Launch Checklist

Everything a new chiropractor needs to handle in their first month — built from interviews with practice owners who've been there. Print it, tape it to the wall, and check it off as you go.

Section 1

Week 1 — Legal & Foundation

Form your business entity (LLC, PLLC, S-Corp) and register with your state
Apply for an EIN with the IRS (free, 5 minutes online)
Get an NPI number from CMS (npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov — free)
Open a dedicated business bank account
Bind professional malpractice insurance (NCMIC, OUM, etc.)
Bind general liability + property insurance
Confirm state chiropractic license is active and visible
Apply for a DEA number if you plan to dispense any controlled substances

Section 2

Week 1 — Online Presence

Buy your domain (your-clinic-name.com) — Cloudflare or Namecheap
Set up a professional email address (you@yourclinic.com via Google Workspace or Microsoft 365)
Claim your Google Business Profile and verify by postcard or video
Add full hours, services, photos, and FAQ to GBP
Claim your Apple Maps Business Connect listing
Claim your Bing Places for Business listing
Claim Yelp, Healthgrades, and Vitals listings
Pick a website platform (template, WordPress theme, or custom build)
Launch your website with at least: home, about, services, contact, FAQ

Section 3

Week 2 — Operations

Choose your EHR / practice management system (Genesis, ChiroTouch, Jane, etc.)
Build your patient intake form (digital first — paper as backup)
Set up an online scheduling tool (or use the one in your EHR)
Set up payment processing (Stripe, Square, or your EHR's built-in)
Buy waiting room and treatment room essentials (tables, supplies, decor)
Stock office supplies and intake clipboards
Create a phone script and FAQ for the front desk
Set up a HIPAA-compliant fax line (eFax, SRFax, etc.)

Section 4

Week 2 — Compliance

Complete your HIPAA training (and any state CE requirements)
Sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with all vendors that touch PHI
Post all required OSHA notices in employee areas
Create your Notice of Privacy Practices and have intake forms reference it
Set up a HIPAA-compliant email solution (or never send PHI via email)
Establish your records retention policy (7+ years for most states)

Section 5

Week 3 — Insurance Credentialing

Create a CAQH ProView profile (most insurers require it)
Apply for Medicare provider enrollment (PECOS — takes 60-90 days, start now)
Apply for the top 3-5 commercial insurers in your area
Decide your cash-pay vs in-network mix
Set your fee schedule and post it where appropriate
Build out your superbill template for out-of-network patients

Section 6

Week 3-4 — Marketing & First Patients

Order business cards (Moo, VistaPrint)
Print intake forms, brochures, and a simple "What to Expect" handout
Build a referral relationship with 3-5 local providers (PT, MD, dentist, gym, massage)
Set up your Google Ads account and run a small local campaign
Create Facebook + Instagram pages and post your launch announcement
Write your first 3 blog posts targeting local SEO keywords
Submit a "grand opening" announcement to local news outlets
Plan your first community event (free spinal screening, lunch-and-learn)
Ask your first 10 patients for Google reviews — politely and consistently

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