Starting 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. For your medical business to be successful, you need a clear and detailed plan at the outset to keep things moving on schedule. This step-by-step guide can help you start your private medical practice.

If you've already got a plan in place and want to focus on choosing the products and services you'll need to run your business, you can read our reviews of these medical practice services:

Why 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 Becker's Hospital Review, 60% 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 starting a medical practice of your own when you could simply step into a well-paying job, where business operations are already established and there are no overhead or startup costs to you?

For starters, when smaller, private practices open, it means more competition and more 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.

Also, 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, it's well within reach if you have the right information.

Types of medical practice to consider starting

When you decide that starting a private practice is in the cards for you, you have five types of medical practice to consider.

Solo practice

When you start a solo medical practice, you take on almost all the responsibility. This gives you full control of how your practice operates, but you may encounter higher startup costs for things such as marketing and medical equipment, and you'll certainly have to put in more hours, since you're working on both the business and clinical sides. On top of this, you'll take on all the other risks of starting a business.

Group practice

When you start a group medical practice, you share the work burden evenly with other medical professionals, so you'll work less. These shorter hours come at the expense of the full control you have with a solo medical practice, but you may have easier access to working capital, thereby lowering your startup costs.

Hospital-owned

If you start a medical practice within a hospital network, you will work on a schedule and be subject to certain employee constraints, but you'll have the hospital's working capital and marketing resources at your disposal. You'll also minimize the risk involved in starting a new business, though you may not have as much personal flexibility and freedom; you may have to work within the boundaries set by a medical board. Joint ventures with hospitals account for 16% of urgent care clinic ownership, so hospital-owned businesses may be right for you if you're interested in urgent care.

Federally qualified health center

If you start a medical practice within a federally qualified health center, your launch will work almost the same as it does when you go the hospital-owned route. With federally qualified health centers, you may run up against slight caps on working capital based on federal resource allocation.

Academic health center

As with hospital-owned practices, when you start a medical practice within an academic health center, you minimize risk while sacrificing autonomy. Unlike with a federally qualified health center, though, you'll experience few caps on working capital.

How to start a medical practice

There 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, is aware of the pitfalls and challenges, and can advise you on medical malpractice insurance and workers' compensation. After all, the details of starting up vary by specialty, and some laws and regulations differ by state. A professional consultant will understand the variables and help you plan accordingly. Some new practices might need to hire contractors to outfit their new offices, while others might find a 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 to begin. In a word – financing.

Again, the actual dollar amounts depend 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 at Zetter HealthCare Management Consultants and a member of the National 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. [See our recommendations for the best payroll providers.]

"If you're 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 you'll need?

Step 1: Creating a pro forma and obtaining financing

A pro forma is essentially the lighter version of a full-blown business plan, with revenue and debt projections grounded in reality. In your pro forma, account for all your medical clinic expenses, debt and anticipated revenues. Bankers can tell what projections are realistic and which aren't; it's their job to make wise investments, so you'll 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 lease's cost per square foot, your [electronic health record system] expense, medical supplies and office supplies. You're 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 through a traditional bank loan can be tricky, especially considering that many healthcare providers have a negative net worth after taking on debt to attend medical school. That's where a solid, realistic pro forma comes in. Max Reiboldt, president and CEO of the Coker Group consulting 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.

"You're 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 don't get paid very much when you perform the services. You're 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 you're making."

Here are some financing tips:

Find the specialists.Submit your pro forma and loan request to the medical/dental 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.
Shop around.Submit your pro forma and loan request at five to 10 banks. That way, you'll receive several offers, each with slightly different terms. Decide what terms are most important to you – interest rate, amortization schedule, etc. – and then make your selection based on those priorities.
Stay conservative.When creating your pro forma, take a conservative approach to purchasing equipment and furniture – and stick to it. You don't need leather chairs and cutting-edge machinery just yet. All of that will come with time and success; right now is about setting yourself up for that success.
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 you'll need to hire a contractor to modify your space, incorporating as a legal entity, obtaining a tax ID, buying liability and medical malpractice insurance, and credentialing with your payers (see below).

[For more information on finding the best small business loan, see our small business financing reviews.]

Step 2: Purchasing equipment and staffing your practice

Once you've obtained a loan and opened a line of credit, you're ready to start putting together the meat and potatoes of your practice – hiring your team and purchasing the office and medical equipment you'll 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 you'll want to consider.

1. Electronic health record system

Electronic health record (EHR) systems are increasingly essential 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 serves 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, you'll need a well-functioning EHR system to qualify for federal incentive payments. For more information on selecting an EHR system and our recommendations, see Business News Daily's guide to electronic health record systems.

Editor's note: Looking for the right electronic medical record system for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

2. Practice management system

Your 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. Not 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 our recommendations, see Business News Daily's guide to practice management systems.

3. Medical billing service

Of course, you can always outsource your billing to a third-party company. You'll still need a practice management system, but then your staff won't 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, that burden shifts to the company you've contracted with. Still, there are potential problems with a third-party biller. For information on choosing a service, visit Business News Daily's guide to medical billing services.

4. Medical transcription software

You'll want to consider how medical transcription fits into your practice. There are typically three ways a medical business 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 they're accurate, especially if they are going to another healthcare provider or will be uploaded into your EHR system. If you're considering medical transcription and wondering which method is right for you, consult Business News Daily's guide to medical transcription.

5. Background check services

Medical 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. You'll want to know and be able to trust your staff, which means employing a background check system. Of course, you'll be interested in candidates' 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. Failure to ensure your staff isn't properly credentialed could result in big problems for your practice. For your reference, Business News Daily reviewed background check services and came up with our best pick for medical practices.

6. Credit card processor

Although you'll be making most of your money through payers like insurance companies and Medicare, your practice will 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 Association's Member Value Program, which partners with vendors to provide discounts and perks to medical practitioners. Find out more about Business News Daily's choice for best credit card processor for medical practices.

7. Office manager

As you assemble your front-office team, you'll 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. You'll also need someone with the necessary experience. [Ensure your office is set up with the business phone provider to help manage daily operations.]

"You need to decide how you're going to staff your practice. Who's 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. The 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 services

You'll 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 to 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 medical equipment and training for staff represent an additional expense.

"Many specialists and some primary care providers will want those ancillary services," Reiboldt said. "Why? It's 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 open

You must complete several logistical steps before you can open your doors. These things should really be done in conjunction with steps one and two. Give yourself plenty of time to get incorporated as a legal identity, obtain insurance and establish policies and procedures before you open. 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 ID

This one is self-explanatory but extraordinarily important. The main reason for incorporation is limited liability, which means if you're sued, only the assets held by the company are subject to any risk. Without incorporating, you've opened up your personal assets to the threat of a lawsuit. Moreover, as Medical Economics notes, certain tax benefits are associated with each type of entity. Whether you incorporate as an S-corp or LLC, a C-corp or a general partnership, it's 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, visit our article "How to Choose the Best Legal Structure for Your Business."

2. Credentialing physicians with payers

You will also need to get your healthcare providers credentialed to submit claims to the payers you'll be working with. The credentialing process can take up to three months, but Physicians Practice suggests giving yourself 150 days, in case something goes awry. You'll need to navigate the process for each payer you plan on submitting claims to, which includes offering up information on each physician's work history, proof of malpractice insurance, hospital privileges and attestations.

3. Establishing policies, procedures and compliance documentation

A set of responsible, current, and verifiable policies and procedures, in addition to compliance with all legal regulations, is vital to your practice's success. These standards should cover all your daily operations, including data entry, billing and interactions with patients. Since the healthcare environment is always changing, you'll want to periodically update your policies and procedures as well, lest they become antiquated and ineffective.

4. Purchasing insurance

Every business owner understands the importance of insurance, but for medical professionals, it's even more crucial. First and foremost, you'll want medical malpractice insurance coverage. Beyond that, it's likely that the bank issuing your loan will require you to adopt additional coverage such as workers' compensation, though the exact kind might vary from bank to bank. "You have to start thinking about insurance," Zetter said. "[You'll 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 performance

Congratulations! If you've reached this point, you've put in plenty of blood, sweat and tears, and haven't seen a dime in compensation for it. But it will all be worth it when you get the chance to cut that ribbon and welcome your first patients to your very own medical practice. It's an accomplishment plenty of healthcare providers don't get to enjoy in the modern medical industry, so pat yourself on the back.

Once your practice is established and running smoothly, you'll want a mechanism for accountability in place. Sure, you've hired an office manager you trust, but how can you really hold them to task, especially if you're 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 there's oversight."

Considerations to keep in mind

Here are a few last-minute tips to keep in mind while you deal with the whirlwind of starting your own medical practice. These are things that can slow down 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 needs

If you need to perform any kind of construction on your office space, start as early as possible. Otherwise, you might find yourself well past your target opening date without a workable space. It's always best to find a turnkey location where you can immediately set up shop, but such space is not always available. 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 you're ready to start purchasing equipment.

"There are so many variables if you have to do a fit-out," Zetter said. "It's guaranteed: Construction always delays things. Even if you start planning in January that you'll open in June, be prepared for August [if you have to do construction]."

2. Changing regulations and payer rules

The healthcare industry is a highly regulated one, with complex rules surrounding virtually everything a provider does. For a small practice, which doesn't 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 to understand 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, you'll 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 and Medicaid patients," Reiboldt said.

For example, HIPAA requires all healthcare IT products to 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. It's your job to ensure that every product you select meets HIPAA standards.

3. Marketing

With all the necessary preparation for opening day, followed by 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 starting a private medical practice as they are to a Dunkin' Donuts franchise, particularly for general practitioners who won't 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. Advisors

This 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 with 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 you're ready to retire and sell your practice."

Paul Inselman, a doctor and founder of the Creative Coaching medical marketing firm, listed a handful of advisors and professionals that it's wise to retain in perpetuity:

Certified public accountant
Business attorney
Business coach
Insurance agent
Financial planner
Investment advisor

"Opening 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 thing we advise is to assemble your team."

5. Meaningful Use standards

The healthcare industry is undergoing through a period of digitization, largely focused on the adoption of EMR and practice management software. Now known as Promoting Interoperability, the Meaningful Use standards prescribed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services lay out exactly what is expected of a medical practice's use of an EMR system. You have to not only ensure that your EMR partner is capable of meeting these demands, but that you implement the technology in such a way that your medical business is functioning up to the standards. Otherwise, you could face reimbursement penalties.

Adam C. Uzialko contributed to the reporting and writing in this article. Some source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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