To successfully run a GP surgery you need to be very business minded because if you’re not, then the service that you’re providing to the general public won’t be up to the standards it needs to be. Of course, money is always an issue when it comes to running a business, but when it comes to running a surgery, being able to spend money wisely with the ability to still make profit is a great skill to have. Here are some tips on how to keep your head above water in the medical industry.
Only hire what you need
While there’s always an issue in the medical sector with understaffing, having too many practitioners on at one point will result in a large loss of funds. Every day is different, but you will notice a pattern in which days are busier than others, so try and have the right amount of GPs, nurses, and medical administrators on. This will save a surprising amount of money each year which can then be injected back into the business.
Make sure equipment is up to date
There are a plethora of different machines and devices to help your practitioners treat and diagnose their patients, and it’s important that all of your equipment is kept up to date at all times. You will likely have equipment inspections regularly, but be sure to keep an eye on the machines yourself to ensure that they are working at their best and meeting expectations around FDA compliance.
Training is key
Sending staff out on different training courses costs money, but it’s definitely money well spent. Ensuring that all members of staff are trained correctly in the fields they need to be will ensure that the patients get the best care possible, and reduces the chance of any lawsuits coming your way for malpractice. Even simple bits of training like how to use the computer system properly will help all members of staff ensure that the data they are looking at is correct; therefore meaning that nobody will accidentally be misdiagnosed or forgotten about in times of need. Spend that money on the training to save money in the long run.
Watch your overheads
Running a GP surgery comes with a long list of ongoing costs, and it’s easy for small expenses to add up without being noticed. Utility bills, software subscriptions, cleaning contracts, and maintenance fees should be reviewed regularly. If something is no longer providing value, it may be time to renegotiate or replace it. Keeping overheads under control helps free up money that can be better spent elsewhere in the practice.
Use your space wisely
The layout of your surgery can have a bigger impact than you might expect. Rooms that sit empty most of the day still cost money to heat, clean, and maintain. Take time to assess how each area is being used and whether adjustments could improve efficiency. Shared consultation rooms or flexible workspaces can help maximize the space you already have without the need for expansion.
Review finances often
Regular financial reviews help you spot issues before they become serious problems. Tracking income and expenses closely makes it easier to plan improvements and avoid unnecessary spending. A clear understanding of your finances puts you in a stronger position to make smart decisions for the future of the surgery.
Improve admin systems
Administrative tasks can drain time and money if they are not handled efficiently. Appointment booking, patient records, and internal communication should be as streamlined as possible. Investing in systems that reduce duplication and manual work can help staff focus on patients rather than paperwork. This often leads to fewer errors and a smoother day to day operation.
Reduce missed appointments
Missed appointments are costly and disruptive for GP surgeries. Simple things like reminder texts or emails can significantly reduce no shows. Clear cancellation policies and easy ways for patients to reschedule also help keep appointment slots filled. Improving attendance not only protects income but also ensures patients receive care when they need it.
Plan for busy periods
GP surgeries often experience predictable peaks during certain seasons. Planning ahead for these periods allows you to adjust staffing and resources GP Surgery without overspending. Temporary changes to schedules or additional short term support can help manage demand while keeping costs under control.
Running a business is hard work, and as you can see so is running a business in the medical industry. The best piece of advice to follow is to always run the business to the highest of standards, spend the money that’s necessary to ensure patients are getting the right care, and keep your equipment up to date! Happy patients = happy business owner.
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