Starting your own medical practice can be a daunting challenge. It is easy to get overwhelmed especially with so many different tasks you need to accomplish. Lucky for you we have broken down each step in the process. Try and take it one step at a time so you don’t get forget important tasks.

1. Create a business plan

A business plan is a 3-to-5-year projection of your anticipated revenues, expenses, and debt. This is what you’ll need to show to lenders in order to help secure financing. When you create this you will want to be as detailed as possible. This is important in two ways, one to assuage any potential doubts about your practice from the lender, and to help get down to the nuts and bolts of what your practice truly needs to succeed.

Your business plan will include:

  • Executive summary: This will have the main details of your practice, including the name, location, and the services you’ll provide. It will also have your mission statement: why do you want to open your practice? What are your long-term goals
  • Main objectives: Who are you treating? How large is your practice? Where will you be 5 years from now?
  • Budget: Create a list of your projected expenses. Start with just the essentials you’ll need to get your practice started. You can also account for any additional purchases you plan to make once your practice gains traction. Remember to include everything from office supplies to your credit card processing costs. When estimating costs for items such as office equipment or furniture, exercise restraint–there’s no need to buy the most expensive artwork or office chairs when you’re just starting out. You should save on the non-essentials until you’re more established.
  • Income projections and funding needs: Estimate your projected revenues and expenses for the first 3-5 years.

2. Secure financing

Once you’ve completed your business plan, the next step is to submit it, along with your loan request, to different banks and lenders. Check to see if any of them have a medical division. Doctors might have trouble raising money with regular bank loans due to their unique financial situation. Since many doctors have med school debt, they might be viewed as risky borrowers, even though their future income is high. Lenders who specialize in the medical field are familiar with this unusual financial dynamic.

3. Sort out paperwork and credentials

You’ll need to do a variety of paperwork and secure credentials in order to open your practice, including:

Licensing:

  • Incorporating as a legal entity: You’ll need to incorporate your business as a legal entity. There are a number of business entity types to choose from that offer different tax benefits, legal liabilities, etc. Consult a lawyer/accountant to get help figuring out which one best fits your practice’s needs.
  • Receiving a tax ID: You’ll need a tax ID or employer identification number (EIN) to operate your practice.
  • Liability and medical malpractice insurance: Business liability and medical malpractice insurance are crucial to protect you as a doctor and business owner. And your lender will likely require you to demonstrate proof of coverage. You may also want to consider other types of insurance, such as workers’ compensation and disability.
  • State licensing: You’ll need to apply for state licensing. Requirements vary by state.
  • DEA registration: You’ll need to register with the DEA to prescribe medicine.
  • Other paperwork: You may need to obtain other certifications depending on your practice and the services you provide. For example, in-office laboratories require certification from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program.

Credentialing:
If you’re planning on accepting insurance, you need to get credentialed with each insurance company. This process can take up to 6 months, so it’s important to start the process early. Insurers will want to see your medical license, work history, proof of malpractice insurance (varies by state/specialty), and information regarding your medical education/residency. You’ll then need to negotiate contracts with your insurers regarding the terms of payment.

4. Finding a location

Your next step is to look for the best location for your office. When it comes to selecting a practice location there are a number of factors you need to consider, including local competition, parking availability, and operating out of a multi-use space versus a standalone clinic, to name just a few. If any renovations are required, you’ll have to incorporate that into your estimate of when you expect to open. Steps required for setting up your physical practice include:

  • Choose a site
  • Negotiate lease terms
  • Sign lease
  • Secure a Certificate of Occupancy
  • Select signage and furniture

5. Purchasing equipment

Next, you’ll need to purchase office equipment and practice management software to help with important administrative needs such as scheduling and billing. Make sure to purchase:

  • Office equipment: At a minimum, you’ll need a computer, photocopier, fax machine, phone, internet, and a desk and chair for reception.
  • Practice management software: Your practice management software will be integral to the smooth functioning of your office. It’ll help with important items such as scheduling, billing (note that it’s also possible to outsource billing to an outside company), reporting, and insurance verification. It should also have a patient portal so your patients can securely access their information.
  • Electronic health record (EHR) system: you’ll definitely need an EHR system to help organize your patient’s medical records. Make sure to check that your EHR system and your practice management system can integrate with one another.
  • Other software solutions: Other possible software solutions include services like credit card processing and medical transcription.

6. Create website and begin marketing

Once you have your practice set up then it’s time to focus on marketing your practice. You’ll need to let potential patients know that your practice is open and ready for business. There are numerous components to marketing your medical practice:

  • Create a website: One of the most important aspects of your marketing efforts will be creating a website.
  • Digital advertising: Digital advertising includes SEO, Google Ads, social media, and content marketing.
  • Direct and email marketing: Direct mail and email campaigns can be effective ways to spread the word about your new practice.

Practice Advisors 360 is the nation’s leading dentistry advisory company. Contact us today at (844) 360-8360 or visit us online at practiceadvisors360.com