Opening a Private Medical Practice

Opening a Private Medical PracticeCredit Minerva Studio/Shutterstock Opening your own medical practice is an exciting way to take the practice of medicine into your own hands. Unfortunately, it is also complicated and challenging. To ensure success, its critical to have a clear and detailed plan at the outplatzdeckchen that can help keep things moving on schedule.Between putting together a team, finding financing and choosing equipment, opening your own medical practice is already a big undertaking. Add in moving parts that depend on other organizations, such as completing insurance credentialing and securing a tax ID, and youve got a herculean effort on your hands.To help you prepare for things to go smoothly as possible, geschftsleben nachrichten Daily spoke with expert advisors to create an outline of the steps youll need to keep in mind. Of course, when the rubber meets the road, we recommend consulting with zu gunsten vonfessionals who have gone thro ugh the process before and have a proven track record of success.If youve already got a plan in place and want to focus on choosing the products and services youll need to groe nachfrage your geschftliches miteinander, you can read our medical practice services reviews.Best Electronic Health Record SystemsBest Practice Management SystemsBest Medical Billing tafelgeschirrsBest Medical Transcription ServicesBest Credit Card Processing for Medical PracticesBest hintergrund Checks for Medical PracticesBest Online Fax Service for Medical PracticesWhy open your own practice?The inherent risk, upfront expenses and difficulty of opening your own practice may explain the breakneck pace of consolidation within the healthcare industry. According to Beckers Hospital Review, for-profit insurers control 43 percent of the market, while 60 percent of community hospitals are part of an enterprise health system. That trend is likely to continue through 2025, when the healthcare industry is projected to reach $5.5 billion in value.The influence of large enterprise systems and big-name hospitals over healthcare providers has grown as control of the industry has become concentrated in fewer hands. For many providers, joining these conglomerates seems to be the only realistic choice. Indeed, after spending so much money and time attending medical school, why go through the risk and trouble of departureing your own practice when you could simply step into a well-paying job, where geschftsleben operations are already established and there are no overhead costs to you?For abflugers, when smaller, private practices open, it means mora competition and mora widespread distribution of profits throughout the industry. It also means that more healthcare providers are granted more autonomy, becoming free to determine their own workflows. Another major byproduct of proliferating smaller practices is that they help expand healthcare access to local areas that might currently be underserved.Als o, the ability to be your own boss is a large draw for entrepreneurial providers who choose to enter private practice. The sense of ownership and agency that comes with running your own practice is unmatched in a larger hospital system. The good news is that as difficult as it can be to get your practice started, its well within reach if you have the right information.The first stepsThere is no universal formula for starting a medical practice. It might be worth your while to hire a professional consultant who has started medical practices before and is aware of the potential pitfalls. After all, the details of starting up will vary from specialty to specialty, and some laws and regulations might differ by state. A professional will understand the variables and help you plan accordingly. Some new practices might need to hire contractors to outfit their new bros, while others might find an available turnkey location. Overall, many common items must be on your checklist when building your practice from the ground up.With so much to do, you might be asking yourself where you begin. In a word financing.Again, the actual dollar amounts vary depending on your unique situation, but in general, you should aim to secure at least $100,000 to cover equipment and startup costs, said David J. Zetter, lead consultant atZetter Healthcare Management Consultantsand a member of theNational Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants. In addition, Zetter said, you should try to obtain a $100,000 line of credit to cover payroll and bills until your revenue stream is established and stable, which will take some time.If youre not independently wealthy, or you just have enough money to set out the cost to open but also need to have operating capital until revenue comes in, then you need a loan, he said.So, how can you convince a bank to front you the money youll need?Step 1 Creating a pro forma and obtaining financingA pro forma is essentially the lighter version of a full -blownbusiness plan, with revenue and debt projections grounded in reality. In your pro forma, account for all your expenses, debt and anticipated revenues. Bankers can tell what projections are realistic and which arent its their job to make wise investments, so youll want to back up any numbers you use. A strong pro forma will project at least three years into the future, sometimes as far as five years out.The first thing you need to do is build a pro forma, which basically tells the story of what your revenue will be from the first until at least the third year, because you need to go out and get financing, said Zetter. You need to include the costs to set up the practice, your leases cost per square foot, yourelectronic health record systemexpense, medical supplies and office supplies. Youre building a crystal ball of what the practice looks like, and you have to be able to tell how all of those numbers came into being.Obtaining financing, typically through a traditional bank lo an, can be tricky, especially considering that many healthcare providers have a negative net worth after taking on debt to attend medical school. Thats where a solid, realistic pro forma comes in. Max Reiboldt, president and CEO of theCoker Groupconsulting firm and author of Starting, Owning, and Buying a Medical Practice (American Medical Association, 2011), explained the importance of a rational business plan and the absolute need for startup financing.Youre not going to get capital to start your business without a solid business plan, Reiboldt said. We show cash flow needs and debt projections by month, or at least by quarter. Furthermore, in healthcare you dont get paid very much when you perform the services. Youre really at the mercy of the insurance companies and the government. So, there is a tremendous lag on cash flow on top of this tremendous capital investment youre making.Some financing tips1. Find the specialists.Submit your pro forma and loan request to the medical/d ental division of the bank, if it has one. These people specialize in the healthcare industry and understand the risks, expenses and revenue models of that sector.2. Shop around.Submit your pro forma and loan request at five to 10 banks. That way, youll receive several offers, each with slightly different terms. Prioritize what terms are most important to you interest rate, amortization schedule, etc. and then make your selection based on which offer you deem most attractive.3. Stay conservative.When creating your pro forma, maintain a conservative approach to purchasing equipment and furniture and stick to it. You dont need leather chairs and cutting-edge machinery just yet. All of that will come with time and success, but right now is about setting yourself up for that success.4. Use the waiting period wisely.While the banks are reviewing your pro forma and considering whether to approve your loan request, you can prepare to tackle some of the next crucial steps, like signing a lease, determining whether youll need to hire a contractor to modify your space, incorporating as a legal entity, obtaining a tax ID, buying liability and malpractice insurance, and credentialing with your payers (see below).For more information on finding the best small business loan, see oursmall business financing reviews.Step 2 Purchasing equipment and staffing your practiceOnce youve obtained a loan and opened a line of credit, youre ready to start putting together the meat and potatoes of your practice hiring your team and purchasing the equipment youll need. This task is easier said than done, and ample research is necessary for each decision. But again, with a little planning and the right information, setting yourself up for success is just a matter of effort. Here are some of the things youll want to consider.1. Electronic health record systemElectronic health record (EHR) systems are increasingly universal tools of the trade for medical providers. Digitizing records and streamlining communication is a high priority for the modern healthcare provider. An all-inclusive EHR will serve as a one-stop system for your patients records and histories, communications with other providers, lab and prescription orders, and information on your revenue cycle. Moreover, youll need a well-functioning EHR system to qualify for federal incentive payments. For more information on selecting an EHR system and recommendations, seeBusiness berichterstattung Dailys guide to electronic health record systems.Editors note Looking for an electronic health records system for your medical practice? If youre looking for information to help you choose the one thats right for you, use the questionnaire below to have our sister site, BuyerZone, provide you with information from a variety of vendors for free2. Practice management systemYour practice management system is the lifeblood of your practice. Integrated with your EHR system, a practice management system keeps track of all your front-office information and facilitates operations. Chief among its uses is conducting and monitoring your billing and revenue cycle. elend only will your staff use the practice management system to bill patients and send claims to payers, but any relevant information will be shared between the EHR system and the practice management software, eliminating the need to duplicate records. For more information on selecting practice management software and recommendations, seeBusiness News Dailys guide to practice management systems.3.Medical billing serviceOf course, you can always outsource your billing to a third-party company. Youll still need a practice management system, but then your staff wont be responsible for overseeing the billing process. Not only is submitting claims time-consuming and difficult, but your staff would also be responsible for responding to rejected or denied claims to get the money due to your practice. When you opt for a third-party billing service, tha t burden shifts to the company youve contracted with. Still, there are a lot of potential problems with a third-party biller. For information on choosing a medical billing service, visitBusiness News Dailys guide to medical billing services.4. Medical transcription softwareYoull want to consider how medical transcription fits into your practice. There are typically three ways a medical practice performs transcription in-house with a staff member, via voice recognition software, or outsourced to a medical transcription service. The key aspects are timeliness and accuracy you want your dictations returned in print quickly, but only if theyre accurate, especially if theyre going to another healthcare provider or will be uploaded into your EHR system. If youre considering medical transcription and wondering which method is right for you, consultBusiness News Dailys guide to medical transcription.5. Background check servicesMedical practices are founded on trust. Not only do they handle a lot of sensitive patient information every day, but people are literally trusting the practice with their lives. That extends beyond exams, diagnoses and treatments. Youll want to know and be able to trust your staff, which means employing a background check system. Of course, youll be interested in criminal and employment histories, but healthcare providers have more to consider beyond what the average background check provides. There are also required certifications and licenses to consider. Failing to ensure your staff isnt properly credentialed could result in big problems for your practice. For your reference,Business News Daily reviewed background check servicesand came up with our best zupflmmel for medical practices.6. Credit card processorAlthough youll be making most of your money through payers like insurance companies or Medicare, your practice is going to need a credit card processor for when patients have to pay at the point of care. Not only has the world of credit card processing changed lately, with the addition of EMV chips and other security measures, but some systems are more suited to the medical field than others. Our best pick offers additional security and is a participant in the American Medical Associations Member Value Program, which lebensgefhrtes with vendors to provide discounts and perks to medical practitioners. Find out more aboutBusiness News Dailys choice for best credit card processor for medical practices.7. Office managerAs you assemble your front-office team, youll need a reliable office manager to run the day-to-day operations of your practice. Of course, this person must be responsible and dedicated, but those qualities are not enough. Youll also need someone with the necessary experience.You need to decide how youre going to staff your practice. Whos going to help you run your practice? A friend? A nurse? Your spouse? said Zetter. If you get an accountant to do it, get one that knows how to run a medical practice. Th e office manager needs vision and to take strategic actions to build the practice properly.You might also consider hiring a professional consultant to occasionally take stock of your practice once it opens and report back on its operations. A trustworthy office manager is a huge asset, but not a guarantee of a successfully run office. A professional firm contracting with your practice, however, has a financial stake in giving you an honest appraisal of how things are running.8. Ancillary servicesYoull also want to consider any ancillary services you might want to offer your patients based on your specialty and their needs. It could be a great way to make some extra money, as well as differentiate yourself from the competition and keep your patients happy. For example, Reiboldt said offering a service such as bone density tests onsite might be in your best interest. Of course, the necessary equipment and training for staff represent an additional expense.Many specialists and some pri mary care providers will want those ancillary services, Reiboldt said. Why? Its a convenience thing for the patient, No. 1, and secondarily, it adds income to the practice, but it also adds expense.Step 3 Preparing to openYou must complete several logistical steps before you can open your doors. These things should really be done in conjunction with steps 1 and 2. Credentialing, for example, can take quite a while and depends on the pace at which other organizations operate.1. Incorporating as a legal entity and obtaining a tax IDThis one is self-explanatory but extraordinarily important. The main reason for incorporation is limited liability, which means if youre sued, only the assets held by the company are subject to any risk. Without incorporating, youve opened up your personal assets to the threat of a lawsuit. Moreover, as Medical Economics notes,certain tax benefitsare associated with each type of entity. Whether you incorporate as an S-corp or LLC, a C-corp or a general part nership, its important to do your research on each type of entity and the potential benefits it offers your practice. To figure out which business entity is right for you, visitHow to Choose the Best Legal Structure for Your Business.2. Credentialing physicians with payersYou will also need to get your healthcare providers credentialed to submit claims to the payers youll be working with. The credentialing process can take up to three months, butPhysicians Practice suggestsgiving yourself as long as 150 days, in case something goes awry. Youll need to navigate the process for each payer you plan on submitting claims to, which includes offering up information on each physicians work history, proof of malpractice insurance, hospital privileges, attestations and more.3. Establishing policies, procedures and compliance documentationA set of responsible, current, and verifiable policies and procedures, in addition to compliance with all legal regulations, is a vital component of your pra ctices success. These standards should cover all your daily operations, including data entry, billing and interactions with patients. Since the healthcare environment is always changing, youll want to periodically update your policies and procedures as well, lest they become antiquated and ineffective.4. Purchasing insuranceEvery business owner understands the importance of insurance, but for medical professionals, its even more crucial. First and foremost, youll want to be covered by malpractice insurance. Beyond that, its likely that the bank issuing your loan will require you to adopt additional coverage, though the exact kind might vary from bank to bank. At the very least, Zetter said, be prepared to purchase malpractice, liability and life insurance policies when planning to open your medical practice.You have to start thinking about insurance, Zetter said. Youll need malpractice and general liability. You will probably at least need life and liability insurance, just because bankers will require it.Step 4 Opening your doors and evaluating practice performanceCongratulations If youve reached this point, youve already put in plenty of blood, sweat and tears, and havent seen a dime in compensation for it. But it surely will all be worth it when you get the chance to cut that ribbon and welcome your first patients to your very own practice. Its an accomplishment plenty of healthcare providers dont get to enjoy in the modern medical industry, so pat yourself on the back.Once youve got all of this designed and planned, you roll up your sleeves and get ready for opening day, Reiboldt said. And hopefully, everything is clicking on all cylinders. So thats it The initial stages of planning, attracting capital and purchasing, then theres the work to get ready to open.Once your practice is established and running smoothly, youll want a mechanism for accountability in place. Sure, youve hired an office manager you trust, but how can you really hold them to task, esp ecially if youre busy seeing patients day in and day out? Hire a consultant or an accountant who has experience monitoring medical practices to occasionally review operations and report back to you.After you set up a practice, there needs to be oversight of the practice beyond the office manager, Zetter said. How do you know every dime made it to the bank? You need to check that, so who makes sure that happens? Benchmark your practice and ensure theres oversight.Considerations to keep in mindHere are a few last-minute tips to keep in mind while you deal with the whirlwind that is starting your own medical practice. These are things that can either slow or completely derail your progress leading up to the opening day, or take you by surprise when you think your practice is up and running smoothly.1. Construction needsIf you need to perform any kind of construction on your office space, make sure you start as early as possible. Otherwise, you might find yourself well past your target opening date without a workable space. Its always best to find a turnkey location where you can immediately set up shop, but, realistically, such space is not always available. Make sure you evaluate your location early on and determine exactly what work needs to be done, then get to hiring the contractors who will do it. With luck and planning, construction will be complete by the time youre ready to start purchasing equipment.There are so many variables if you have to do a fit-out, Zetter said. Its guaranteed Construction always delays things. Even if you start planning in January that youll open in June, be prepared for August if you have to do construction.2. Changing regulations and payer rulesThe healthcare industry is a highly regulated one, with complex rules surrounding virtually everything a provider does. For a small practice, which doesnt have legions of attorneys on retainer like a large hospital system does, it can be difficult to navigate the web of legal requirements and payer rules. However, it is extremely important that your practice understands what it takes to be in compliance. In fact, the rules governing the healthcare industry are constantly being changed and updated, so even if you comply today, youll have to keep an eye on the future.There are very specific compliance manners for medical practices mostly tied to government regulations, like privacy with HIPAA, and certainly being in compliance with the way you bill and treat Medicare/Medicaid patients, Reiboldt said.For example, HIPAA requires that all healthcare IT products abide by a certain level of security standards to safeguard patient data, which has become especially critical as digitization of the healthcare industry has increased, as has the likelihood of cyberattacks. Every product you select must meet HIPAA standards, and it is your job to ensure that is the case.3. MarketingWith all the necessary preparation prior to opening combined with the hustle and bustle of treating patients once you do open, it can be easy to forget about marketing. Marketing and advertising are as fundamental to a private medical practice as it is to a Dunkin Donuts franchise, particularly for those general practitioners who wont be able to rely on a referral network for their patients.One thing you would plan for prior to opening and then continuously do after opening is marketing, Reiboldt said. This is a patient-caring, disease-treating business, but with that said, it is a business. And a practice needs to know how to market itself. After all, how can you be a successful practice without attracting patients?4. AdvisorsThis guide, however informative, is certainly not exhaustive, and no amount of research can possibly prepare you for everything that might happen as you get started. For that, you need real experience, and there are plenty of professionals who have experience in spades. Zetter, who acknowledged that perhaps it seems self-serving, said hiring a consultant wi th plenty of experience launching medical practices will save you money in the end and help you avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes.The biggest advice I can give is to think about who are going to be your advisors, said Zetter. Yes, you will spend more money, but if you do it smart, you will set yourself up for success and spend less in the wrong. You want somebody who wants to be doing business with you 20 years from now when youre ready to retire and sell your practice.Paul Inselman, a doctor and founder ofCreative Coachingmedical marketing, listed a handful of advisors and professionals that its wise to retain in perpetuity.Certified public accountantBusiness attorneyBusiness coachInsurance agentFinancial plannerInvestment advisorOpening a new medical practice will be the most exhilarating and scary thing that you will ever do in your career, Inselman said. When we coach our clients on opening up a medical, dental, chiropractic or any other healthcare practice, the first thi ng we advise is to assemble your team.5. Meaningful Use standards The healthcare industry is currently going through a period of digitization, largely focused on the adoption of electronic medical records (EMR) software and practice management software. Now known as Promoting Interoperability (PI), the meaningful use standards prescribed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services lay out exactly what is expected of a medical practices use of an EMR software. That means that youve got to not only ensure your EMR partner is capable of meeting these demands but that you implement the technology in such a way that your practice is functioning up to the standards. Otherwise, you could face reimbursement penalties.Editors note Looking for medical practice management software? If youre looking for information to help you choose the one thats right for you, use the questionnaire below to have our sister site, BuyerZone, provide you with information from a variety of vendors for free Adam C. Uzialko Adam C. Uzialko, a New Jersey native, graduated from Rutgers University in 2014 with a degree in Political Science and Journalism & Media Studies. In addition to his full-time position at Business News Daily and Business.com, Adam freelances for a variety of outlets. An indispensable ally of the feline race, Adam is owned by four lovely cats. 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