Starting your own practice is a huge step. You go from working for someone else as an employee, to having your name across the door. It’s true that it’s not for everyone, but if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, it may be a good choice for you. Here are some steps to take before you start your own medical practice.
1. Look at equipment and costs
One of the largest outlays for medical practices, after your premises, will be equipment. Tools like diagnostic equipment don’t come cheaply, and you will need to work with healthcare delivery specialists to bring in your larger pieces that you need for your practice. A lot of equipment has to be shipped from overseas, so you need to ensure you know the lead times to get things sourced and installed.
2. Get an online presence
There are many reasons why a medical practice needs an online presence:
- Most people research medical practices on the web – for example, if they need a dentist, physio etc.
- It shows you are a legitimate business
- You can list all the services you offer
- Your receptionist won’t have the same enquiries over and over – all the information customers need will be easy to find
If you are moving into an area where there will be competition, you should look at using a professional SEO service to ensure that when someone is looking for services in your area, your listing is at the top.
3. Find the ideal location
Location is key for a medical practice. Yes, you can find cheaper properties out in the suburbs or in inconvenient locations, but if you are offering lunchtime appointments or drop-ins, then people are going to struggle to get to you. It’s often better to work somewhere at the heart of the action. You should also either be close to transport links or have plenty of parking so people can drive to your location.
4. Research the legal requirements
Depending on the area you live in, you’ll need to fill out a certain amount of paperwork and get licences to run your medical practice. For example, in most areas of the USA, you’ll need to apply for licences and permits to run a small business, and you may also need to get specific licences for your medical practice. You may also need to register with a governing body, who’ll carry out inspections and make sure you are giving patients the best possible service.
5. Make sure you know what’s expected of you
Going from a member of a practice to the owner can be a shock. You aren’t just doing your job day to day, you also need to take on marketing, resolve conflicts and more. It’s important to think about whether this is the right step for you.
Starting a successful medical practice means doing a lot of prep and getting organised. The above steps outline some of the key things to do, but there’s also much more, from recruitment to finances. However, if you pull it off, owning your own practice can be life-changing in a good way.