Running a clinic or physician’s office isn’t cheap. While many people look at medical professionals and think they must be rich, these people don’t realize how costly it is upfront to provide for patients while running an office and paying for the many costs of a stocked medical clinic. As the population ages, more people than ever are seeing doctors for various health issues, and the cost of treating them continues to rise. So how can your practice save money?
Opt for Refurbished Equipment
The cost of a single hospital bed, IV pump, or exam table can run into thousands of dollars. Consider refurbished medical equipment rather than springing for brand new equipment when you need additional pieces. These nearly-new pieces have all the same features and have been repaired, refurbished, and sanitized. They’ll look like new and give you the same performance as any shiny, new equipment at a far lower price.
Online Scheduling
If you haven’t tried online scheduling yet, now is the time. You’ll be amazed by the efficiency of an online portal. Patients who schedule online don’t interfere with your staff with phone calls, freeing up your support team to take care of more pressing matters. Add pre-registration through an online app so patients can be seen more quickly and have less repetition of information. While there is an upfront investment, you’ll save money in the long run. As a bonus, most patients confirm they prefer to book online rather than calling the office and possibly being put on hold or having to wait for a call-back.
Improve Your Office Flow
Do patients frequently get lost when leaving an exam room? Do you have to walk from one end to the opposite side, then back, multiple times a day? If so, your office space needs thoughtfully designed. Consider consulting with an architect specializing in designing medical offices to reconfigure your facility for a natural flow and efficiency.
Hire Scribes
Medical recordkeeping requires some knowledge of medical conditions and procedures, but many medical clinics rely on their nurses and doctors to take notes, transcribe them, and update files. This is a waste of time that physicians could better use to care for patients and perform procedures that others aren’t qualified to do. Provider’s Choice Scribe Service offers scribe services that are affordable and professional, freeing practitioners to treat more people and give those people more attention because the doctors aren’t constantly worried about paperwork.
For more ideas, talk to your staff. You may get fresh insight into cost overruns that weren’t on your radar. The people working for you can give you suggestions for solutions. Listening to your employees and asking for their advice promotes a more collaborative, positive atmosphere.
