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 yourcsacircle@gmail.com.

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About the author, Kevin

Dr. Kevin Christie is a Chiropractic Physician and Certified Ergonomic Assessments Specialist (CEAS II) who dedicates himself to treating his patients’ symptoms and physical dysfunctions, whether it’s a professional athlete, a weekend golfer, or an office worker.

Dr. Christie received his B.S. degree from the Florida State University in Exercise Physiology and was an assistant strength & conditioning coach for FSU athletics. His education and desire for learning continued at Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis where he received his Doctor of Chiropractic and Masters In Human Biology degrees.

Dr. Christie is currently the CEO of Health-Fit Corporate Wellness which provides On-Site Chiropractic and Ergonomics for corporations such as Royal Caribbean, ADT Security, Tyco Integrated Systems, World Fuel Services, Strategic Coach, Frito-Lay, and others.

In 2016 he launched The Modern Desk Jockey Podcast, which provides healthy solutions for the desk worker.

Dr. Christie has been the Chiropractic/Sports Medicine Physician for multiple football academies in South Florida. He is currently the Sports Chiropractor for XPE Combine Prep Program in Boca Raton, FL. This role includes treating the college football players during the NFL Combine Prep Program and the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He also has worked on over 500 NFL, MLB and NHL players for these strength & conditioning companies during their off-season Pro NFL/MLB programs.

In November 2009, Dr. Christie was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to the Board of Athletic Trainers as the Chiropractic advisor. This appointment is through the year 2017 and will include working with and advising the Board of Athletic Trainers on maintaining and improving the quality of care for Certified Athletic Trainers in the state of Florida.

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