In today’s medical landscape, new practices and hospital affiliations are emerging daily. If you’re considering a career in medicine, this is a great time to enter the field.
New practices are opening up their own medical offices and joining larger hospital systems because there is a growing demand for accessible primary care services. If you love helping people and want to open your own practice, becoming an independent physician may be the perfect job for you.
Now, it all sounds perfect but opening a new medical practice is not smooth sailing. You’ll have tons of new responsibilities to take on and obstacles to face. Keep reading to learn some tips on how to get started.
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Build a Reputation and Grow Your Expertise
When first starting out, you’ll want to focus on building your reputation in the community. You want patients to know who you are and what your private medical practice is about. Make sure to get involved in your local medical community and attend medical conferences on topics that you are passionate about.
Publish articles and books on topics that you specialize in and get your name out there. Focus on building your reputation and your expertise as a medical practitioner, and you’ll have a solid start in your new practice.
Since your reputation will be key to growing your practice, you’ll want to make sure you’re always professional. You’ll want to check and double-check your work and make sure you’re always on time. You’ll want to set the standard high when it comes to your work and your professionalism.
Set Your Own Working Hours
One of the best aspects of starting your own practice is setting your own hours. You can choose to work any type of schedule that you want. And, if you need to change your hours in the future, there is no one else to ask permission from.
This benefits many people, especially if you need more flexibility in your schedule. If you have young children, for example, you can work during times when there are fewer childcare options available.
If you have an aging parent, you can schedule your work around their needs and responsibilities. Putting yourself in charge of your own schedule is extremely empowering.
However, keep in mind that your hours may change over time. For example, if you’re starting a new family and need more flexibility, you can work around your own schedule and your family’s needs. Or, if you have a special skill that is needed in your community, you can take on more hours and get the practice the attention it deserves.
Start-up Costs
Costs of opening a new medical office vary depending on the location, the type of practice, and the equipment needed. A new primary care practice can cost between $100,000 and $300,000, or even more if you purchase new equipment such as CT and MRI scans.
To help offset costs, you may be eligible for government grants and loans that are designated for new practices. Look for local businesses that may want to sponsor your practice by providing equipment and supplies as part of a sponsorship agreement.
Once you are open for business, you’ll also want to create a budget for marketing and advertising for your new practice. These expenses should be factored into your start-up costs.
Be sure to find ways to save money wherever you can. For example, you can put your medical equipment on a payment plan. You may also want to consider joining other physicians in starting a new practice.
Joining forces with other physicians can help with start-up costs and finding a location for your practice. You also may be able to partner with doctors in a larger hospital system that can help you get your new practice up and running quicker.
Set Up A Good Office
Before you open your office, you’ll want to make sure that your facility is up to par. You want patients to feel comfortable with your office and know that they are in good hands. Your office should be clean and contain the latest technology and equipment.
And, it should be conveniently located near public transportation and easily accessible with ample parking. You’ll also want to ensure that your office is HIPAA compliant to meet all of the latest security standards. Once you have opened your office, you’ll want to make sure that it stays clean and organized.
It’ll create a welcoming environment for patients and make it easier for you to do your job. You’ll also want to hire a cleaning service regularly. This will help keep your office clean and make it easier for you to stay on top of other tasks.
Always Communicate With Your Patients And Follow-Ups
Since your patients will want to know about their upcoming appointments and treatment plans, you’ll want to ensure that you communicate with them effectively. You can use scheduling software to track appointments and follow-ups.
You can also use communication apps to stay in touch with patients and keep track of it. Communication also extends to all of your staff members. You want to remind them to keep in touch with their patients and that they’re also answering questions and following up on any communications. This will help to make your office run smoother and make patients feel comfortable with the level of service they are receiving.
Start Running Your New Medical Practice
When you open a new medical practice, you have the chance to create a space that is welcoming, comfortable, and conducive to healing. Your office can be a place where people feel safe, no matter what their medical issue is. If you’re ready to jump into this rewarding career, then what are you waiting for?
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