7 Steps into Your Own Business: How to Open a Medical Practice in Switzerland

Opening a medical practice in Switzerland offers autonomy, control over your work environment, and the opportunity to deliver healthcare in your own way. However, it involves careful planning, compliance with regulations, and solid business foundations. Here’s an in-depth guide that outlines the key steps to opening a medical practice in Switzerland.

1. Securing authorisation

Before opening a medical practice, obtaining authorisation is crucial. Switzerland has a strict healthcare system to ensure that only qualified professionals operate medical practices.

To start, your medical qualifications must be validated by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). If you’re an international medical graduate, your degree must meet Swiss standards, and in some cases, you may need to pass additional exams.

Each canton in Switzerland has its own set of rules for issuing medical licenses. Typically, you will need:

• Proof of recognized medical qualifications.
• Evidence of relevant professional experience, often several years post-graduation.
• A clean criminal record.
• Professional liability insurance to cover potential malpractice claims.
• In some cantons, you may also need to show proof of local language proficiency.

2. Choosing the right location

Selecting the ideal location for your practice is one of the most critical steps. Your location will influence patient flow, the type of services you offer, and the competition you face. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Proximity to hospitals: Being close to a hospital or healthcare facility can increase referrals and collaborations.
• Accessibility: Ensure your practice is easy to access by public transportation or has parking space for patients.
• Demographics: Analyze the population in the area. If you specialize in pediatric care, setting up in an area with many young families could be beneficial. Alternatively, if your focus is geriatric care, look for regions with a significant elderly population.

For example, opening a practice in an urban area like Zurich or Geneva might give you access to a larger patient base but can also mean facing stiffer competition. In contrast, rural areas might have fewer healthcare options, offering a unique opportunity to serve communities with less access to healthcare faclilities.

3. Legal aspects

Setting up your medical practice involves multiple legal considerations to protect your business and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Business structure: Decide whether you want to operate as a sole proprietorship, establish a limited liability company (LLC) or a stock company. Sole proprietorships are simpler to set up, but an LLC provides better protection against personal liability, especially in the case of legal disputes.
• Liability insurance: This is a must for all medical practitioners in Switzerland. The insurance covers potential malpractice claims, providing financial security for you and your practice in case of legal action.
• Data protection: As a healthcare provider, you’re responsible for protecting patient data. You need to comply with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP). This means implementing secure electronic record systems, training staff on data privacy, and ensuring that any third-party platforms you use, such as practice management or billing software, are compliant with data protection laws.

4. Setting up your practice

The next step is to equip and staff your medical practice. You’ll need to consider everything from medical instruments to digital infrastructure. Some key considerations include:

• Medical equipment: Depending on your specialty, you’ll need to invest in high-quality equipment. For example, if you’re a dermatologist, laser machines, diagnostic devices, and sterilization equipment are essential. Consider leasing equipment if purchasing outright is too costly upfront.
• Practice management software: Use modern software to handle patient scheduling, medical billing, and record-keeping. OneDoc offers integrated platforms that allow patients to book appointments online and access telemedicine options, streamlining your administrative tasks.
• Qualified Staff: Hiring experienced staff is vital. This includes medical assistants, nurses, and administrative personnel who can manage reception, handle patient records, and support day-to-day operations. Consider their training needs and ensure they are familiar with your practice’s protocols and software.

5. Financial planning

Starting a medical practice requires a robust financial plan to ensure sustainability from the outset. A detailed business plan should cover:

• Start-up Costs: This includes rent or the cost of purchasing premises, equipment, software and legal fees. For example, medical equipment alone can range from CHF 20,000 to CHF 100,000 depending on your specialty.
• Ongoing Expenses: Consider monthly expenses such as salaries, utilities, supplies, and insurance premiums.
• Revenue Projections: Estimate your expected income based on patient volume, services offered, and billing rates.

If you need external funding, explore options like bank loans or private investment. Remember to include a cash flow forecast to plan for slow periods, especially in the early stages.

6. Marketing

Effective marketing is crucial for attracting patients, especially in the highly competitive healthcare environment of Switzerland. You need to build a professional image and make it easy for patients to find and connect with you.

• Website: Invest in a professional website that highlights your services, qualifications, and contact details. Make sure it’s user-friendly and optimized for search engines (SEO), so patients can easily find you when searching for healthcare providers in your area.
• Social media: Engage with your community through platforms like Instagram, Linkedin or TikTok, where you can share health tips, practice updates, and patient success stories.
• Google Business Profile: Set up a profile on Google to improve your visibility in local search results. Patients often use Google to search for nearby healthcare providers, so this is a crucial tool for attracting new clients.

7. Compliance and continuing education

Once your practice is up and running, staying compliant with Swiss healthcare regulations is essential. Regular audits or inspections may occur to ensure you’re following national health standards.

Additionally, maintaining your professional qualifications through Continuing Medical Education (CME) is required. Many healthcare professionals in Switzerland must complete a certain number of CME credits annually to keep their licenses current. This can include attending conferences, workshops, or completing accredited courses in your field of expertise.

All set to go!

Opening a medical practice in Switzerland is a rewarding endeavor, offering independence and the ability to influence your healthcare environment. However, it requires careful planning and attention to detail across legal, financial, and operational dimensions. By following these 7 steps, you’ll have a solid foundation to build a successful practice and focus on what matters most—providing quality care to your patients.