Is all this stuff necessary to operate your own little clinic?

[Jo Dirt]

I want to become a NP. I'm working on preparing to get into a school within a year. I was looking at some websites about running your own clinic and they start talking about hiring all this staff and billers and renting these offices...they offered some good advice about buying used equipment but surely all of that other stuff isn't a necessity...all I would want is to have a modest little rural clinic with maybe one hired hand, and no office. I know I can't be too far away from town but why would I have to rent some office space, what about a trailer or a little house that I could buy and wouldn't have to be in debt for?

I hate renting and I hate debt.

Am I being realistic or too idealistic? I know I'm a far way off from school at this point (but a year sneaks up on you pretty fast). I just hope I don't get into all this and discover I was just walking down a primrose path. This is something I believe I would want to spend the rest of my working years doing, just don't want to have unrealistic expectations.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

I want to become a NP. I'm working on preparing to get into a school within a year. I was looking at some websites about running your own clinic and they start talking about hiring all this staff and billers and renting these offices...they offered some good advice about buying used equipment but surely all of that other stuff isn't a necessity...all I would want is to have a modest little rural clinic with maybe one hired hand, and no office. I know I can't be too far away from town but why would I have to rent some office space, what about a trailer or a little house that I could buy and wouldn't have to be in debt for?

I hate renting and I hate debt.

Am I being realistic or too idealistic? I know I'm a far way off from school at this point (but a year sneaks up on you pretty fast). I just hope I don't get into all this and discover I was just walking down a primrose path. This is something I believe I would want to spend the rest of my working years doing, just don't want to have unrealistic expectations.

Hello, motorcycle mama,

In order to have a smooth-running clinic, you will need the expertise of those in the billing department. Sure, you could see patients with just you and one other person (and, depending upon your state, this will have to be a licensed nurse). As for euipment, most clinics, if not all, must meet certain criteria in order for reimbursement and the required equipment must meet standards and be available for patient care.

The actual building would have to meet standards per the Health Department as well. Some do have houses/trailors that they've refurbished to meet standard requirements.

Plus, upon graduation you would want to work within a clinic environment to gain post-grad experience as I'm sure you are aware. During this time, you can attempt to reach your long-term goal of owning your practice.

Much to consider. And, I've only hit the highlights of running your own clinic.

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

I know two people who started their own practices. One NP and one MD. Both have said that getting a practice management consultant is essential. The practice management firms specialize in helping you set up your practice and operate within the myriad of laws and regulations. There is just so so much to operating your own business. Add to that - a business of providing healthcare - it is literally a compex maze of laws, regulations, liability, and licensing requirements to navigate thru.

[ERNP]

Actually owning the "office space" is a great business move. Not only does it allow a place to conduct business, you build equity in the real estate that can be used to improve the practice as things grow.

Without a great coder/biller you won't get paid for half of what you do. Definitely one expense that is worth the investment.