A successful medical clinic is an important part of the overall health care system and can provide many benefits. However, it would be best to do your due diligence to prepare for opening a new medical practice. Several steps should be considered when preparing to open a successful medical facility:
Identify the Best Location
A good location can make all the difference between success and failure. It is very important to find a site for your office that will meet your needs and those of your patients. If not, it may be time to move on. You need to be sure that there are adequate parking facilities, ample space for equipment and supplies, easy access from public transportation (if possible), and adequate building coverage.
Find Qualified Physicians
The first step is finding a great doctor who wants to work at his own business. Then, you’ll have to develop a relationship with them. They must be able to offer quality service in addition to outstanding treatment. You will also want to discuss compensation options and how they impact patient satisfaction and referrals, affecting other physicians’ willingness to refer their patients to you.
Create a Business Plan
A thoughtful business plan outlines your clinic’s mission statement, goals, marketing strategies, financial plans, personnel policies, etc. You will then be ready to approach potential investors who can help you raise the capital needed to support the start-up costs. Most experts recommend having your business plan reviewed by a lawyer before presenting it to potential lenders and potential employees.
Obtain all necessary licensing approvals; certain licenses are required to operate a medical facility in some states. For example, in California, a chiropractic clinic requires licensure. Also, some clinics require approval by the state’s public health department, while others require approval by the appropriate boards within the county where they are located. Ask if any additional licensing requirements apply. Some states may only allow one type of license per location.
Utilize Customer Service Tools
Excellent customer service is a vital aspect of any effective organization. Your clinic is no exception. Start by setting up a medical answering service, followed by a functioning website. Doing so allows you and your staff to focus on examining and treating patients. Reliable customer service helps maintain doctor-patient relationships, while a website helps others find your clinic and schedule their first appointment.
Hire Experienced Staff
You will need to find qualified staff members. Make sure you hire someone who has the proper experience and training to run your day-to-day operations. Ideally, it would be best to look for a team that includes receptionists, front desk operators, dental assistants/hygienists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapy assistants, laboratory technicians, x-ray technicians, and dentists.
Ensure that Your Facility Is Secure
Security issues related to your medical clinic include maintaining adequate lighting, locking doors and windows, installing alarm systems, ensuring unauthorized people can’t access restricted areas, protecting inventory and equipment, screening patients, reporting theft, and implementing fire protection measures.
Evaluate the Cost-Effectiveness of Operations
Consider the various costs involved in operating a medical practice to determine whether your business model makes sense from fiscal and clinical standpoints. Consider factors like overhead expenses, malpractice insurance premiums, depreciation schedules, office supplies, maintenance fees, taxes, rent, utilities, and professional fees – plus any salary you pay yourself as the business owner.
Work on Customer Relationships
Establish the foundation for long-term success by keeping current with changes in healthcare legislation and new technologies to ensure that you remain up-to-date on medical and administrative procedures to provide the highest quality of care possible.
Establish Procedures to Deal With Emergencies
A few basic protocols you can use when faced with emergencies can help keep your patients safe. These procedures would also be important even if there were no emergencies.
Create an Effective Marketing Plan
While advertising is critical to establishing a presence in the marketplace, it alone won’t bring in new patients. You must develop marketing plans that include strategies for attracting new patients. Remember: You don’t just sell products at a clinic. The goal isn’t to get them to buy something. Instead, the goal is to put them into contact with your doctors, so they don’t need a referral and don’t go elsewhere.
