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If you’re a physician, then starting your own private practice may have always been a dream of yours. You get to proactive medicine on your own terms without being under the influence of a hospital system or other facility. However, it can also be quite challenging to open your own practice, as it is when opening any type of business.
To open your own medical practice, you’ll first need to write up a business plan and obtain financing. Next, you’ll need to secure a building for your practice by enlisting the help of a real estate agent. Once these tasks are completed you’ll still have a lot to do, and that includes equipping and staffing your practice.
Furnishing Your Practice
Waiting Room
Furniture usually isn’t the first equipment that comes to mind when thinking about equipping a medical practice, but it’s just as necessary as medical equipment. All doctor’s offices have a waiting room, and this is one of the main rooms that’s going to need furniture. You’ll need things like:
- A receptionist’s desk
- Chairs and/or sofas
- Lighting/lamps
- Television (and cable/streaming services)
- Waiting room tables
In addition to these basic furniture pieces, you’ll also want to add some aesthetic pieces, as well as functional pieces. Choose some simple artwork to decorate your walls— you’ll be surprised at how many people will actually look at and study the artwork while they’re waiting to be called back. It’s also necessary to have trash cans, hand sanitizer, and even entryway floor mats for both the inside and outside of your practice.
Exam Room
Of course, your exam room is going to have medical equipment, but it’s also going to need to have some pieces of furniture. Your exam room is going to need nonmedical equipment, such as doctor’s stools, guest chairs, chart holders, lighting, trash cans, and cabinetry.
Medical Supplies for Your Practice
If you’ve already worked in a medical setting, then you’re already familiar with the type of medical equipment you’re going to need. You also know that you’re going to need a variety of different types of medical equipment, so it’s a good idea to make a checklist to ensure you have everything.
Tech Equipment
As with any business, you’re going to need your basic office equipment: internet access, computers and printers, telephones and intercom systems, fax machines, printer paper, pens and pencils, clipboards, stapler and staples, and a credit card processor. You’ll also need equipment specific to a medical practice, such as an electronic health records system, a practice management system, a medical billing service, and medical transcription software.
Exam Room Equipment
Equipment needed for your exam rooms will include exam tables (and replacement table tops), a phlebotomy chair, scales, gloves and glove dispensers, imaging tables, and radiology tables. These are items that you’ll find in every exam room, but you may need additional equipment depending on what type of practice you open.
Basic Medical Supplies
Finally, you’ll need your basic medical supplies. This includes first aid kits and supplies, needles and syringes, vaccines, stethoscopes, AED machines, etc.
Staffing Your Practice
Obviously, you can’t run your practice all by yourself, so you’re going to need to hire some staff. Some of the basic positions you’re going to need to fill include:
- Receptionists/secretaries
- Physician Assistants
- Office managers
- Nurses
The specific type of physicians you hire will depend on the type of practice you open. If you’re opening a family practice, you’ll need general physicians like internal medicine physicians and nurse practitioners. To find the specific types of physicians you need to hire for your practice, check out The Medicus Firm for all of your hiring needs.
Again, these are just the basics— depending on what type of practice you open, you may need additional equipment and staff. For example, if you’re opening a pediatric clinic, you’re going to want to have toys and books available in your waiting room. If you’re opening up a senior care facility, you’re going to need a lot more furniture and not as much medical equipment.
Also, don’t forget about your staff’s needs as well. They’re going to need lockers, desks, and chairs as well, and you’ll also want to look into cafeteria equipment as well— if your practice has room to accommodate it. If you don’t have room for a full cafeteria, consider some outdoor furniture for seating, such as tables, chairs, and outdoor umbrellas for shade.