A primary care doctor is someone with whom you can confide. Such a doctor can take care of your medical needs efficiently, conveniently, and affordably. If you want to ensure you’re creating a safe and efficient practice for patients, you need to ensure you’re setting up your practice for success from the start.
Here are the top 6 factors to consider when establishing your new practice as a primary care physician:
1. Costs
Before you open your doors, you need to determine how you’ll keep costs low for patients. For example, investing in direct primary care software allows you to create an efficient system that will require less labor from fewer employees to manage. This can cut costs and deliver better services to your patients.
2. Types of Services
When starting your business, ensure you determine the scope of your services. Patients will be looking for providers who meet all their medical needs, and you need to be clear about what you can and can’t do for them. Some direct primary care doctors provide a wide array of services, while others specialize in certain areas.
3. Location
There are thousands of direct primary care providers in the US. However, it is critical to set up shop where you’re most needed and will find patients who are interested in your services. Try to find a location that’s central to where patients would be and not too close to another provider. It’s likely that the provider has many loyal patients who won’t be switching soon. Consider telemedicine services as well to reach more patients.
3. Physical Environment of the Facility
As a professional, you’re likely focused on the services you provide and your expertise. However, the way your office looks will be the first impression on the community, and it needs to make a good one.
A doctor’s office should portray some level of professionalism. For example, a doctor must keep the office clean and the ambiance comfortable. Check the furniture, therapy rooms, toilets, and other amenities. They need to be well-maintained, clean, and modern.
4. The Staff
The staff, particularly the customer service representatives, should act professionally and be welcoming. They should also have in-depth knowledge of what goes on in the facility. Above all, they should be honest, loving, and caring. Only hire those who will carry out your values in every patient interaction.
5. Availability
The main reason why people choose direct care providers is that they want to get medical help whenever they need it. Medical emergencies are never planned.
If possible, set hours that are well-suited to a variety of patients. Perhaps that means having a weekend day available or staying open later than 5 pm. You can also open additional communication channels that your patients will appreciate, such as online live chats, email messaging, or WhatsApp.
6. Have Friendly Professionals
As already mentioned, a primary care doctor should be someone you can confide in. For this reason, you have to choose someone who you feel comfortable conversing with.
People want doctors who are welcoming, friendly, trustworthy, and honest. Try to cultivate these qualities in yourself and bring on healthcare professionals with similar values.
Create a Practice People Trust
No one can guarantee success in business. However, it’s certainly not enough to just be an excellent doctor to start your own practice. You’ll need to tap into your business savviness and consider the patient experience. This is the only way to establish a loyal base and get others in the door.
As you start your business, consider these 6 factors to ensure you’re on the right t
