How to open a multidisciplinary practice: our 10 step guide for healthcare professionals

Opening a multidisciplinary practice? That is great news and a major step to providing patients with access to a wide range of healthcare services in one location, ensuring better care coordination and streamlined processes. This guide walks you through the essential steps to establish a successful multidisciplinary practice, covering planning, layout, technology, and marketing strategies.

 

1. Define your services and team

The first step in opening a multidisciplinary practice is to determine which services and specialties will be offered. A multidisciplinary practice typically includes healthcare professionals such as general practitioners, specialists, and allied health providers like cardiologists, physiotherapists, and psychologists.

The selection of specialties will shape your practice’s design, staffing needs, and management strategy. For example, if you plan to offer physiotherapy services, you’ll need adequate space and equipment for rehabilitation. If a psychologist is part of your team, create a private and comfy area for therapy sessions.

 

2. Focus on care coordination

Effective care coordination is essential for a successful multidisciplinary practice. It ensures that patients receive comprehensive and cohesive care from different healthcare providers. Implementing an efficient medical management system is critical, allowing for the seamless sharing of patient records, appointment scheduling, and inter-provider communication.

Key steps to ensure smooth coordination include:

• Holding regular team meetings to discuss complex patient cases
• Utilizing shared electronic health records for easy access to patient data when necessary
• Creating standardized referral procedures between specialists

Good care coordination leads to better patient outcomes and boosts operational efficiency.

 

3. Optimize your medical practice layout

The layout of your practice is key to optimizing patient flow and staff collaboration. A well-designed space improves operational efficiency and enhances patient comfort. Start with designing a welcoming waiting area with ergonomic seating and calming decor. Ensure your consultation rooms are flexible enough to accommodate different specialties and well-equipped for specific treatments. Read our article about an optimised practice layout to learn more!

4. Choose efficient medical practice management software

Selecting the right medical practice management software is crucial for running your practice efficiently. The software should streamline appointments, manage patient records, facilitate billing, and support care coordination. Look for a platform that integrates various functionalities to suit a multidisciplinary setup.

A system like OneDoc can enhance your practice by adding features such as online appointment booking and video consultations. And the good news is, OneDoc integrates with more than 30 practice softwares in Switzerland!

 

5. Hire and train your staff

Hiring the right team is essential for the success of your practice. You’ll need qualified healthcare professionals, including medical secretaries and administrative staff to handle the non-clinical tasks. Beyond hiring, it’s important to invest in continuous training. Regular training ensures that your team stays current with best practices, new healthcare technologies, and evolving regulations.

Providing comprehensive onboarding for new hires and encouraging professional development not only maintains high standards of care but also fosters a positive working environment.

 

6. Meet legal and regulatory requirements

Adhering to legal and regulatory standards is critical when establishing a multidisciplinary practice. Ensure all healthcare providers are properly licensed, and that your facility complies with local healthcare regulations. In Switzerland, for instance, special attention must be given to the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP), ensuring that patient information is securely handled.

Your practice management software must also be fully compliant with data protection regulations. It should include robust security features to safeguard sensitive patient information. Conduct regular compliance audits and train staff to ensure they follow privacy protocols. Adhering to legal requirements builds trust with patients and protects your practice from legal complications.

 

7. Market your multidisciplinary practice

Creating visibility for your practice is vital to attract and retain patients. Begin by developing a professional website that clearly outlines your services, team members, and contact information. Ensure your site is user-friendly and optimized for search engines to enhance online visibility.

Also, create a Google My Business profile to improve your local search ranking, making it easier for potential patients to find you. Integrating your practice with platforms like OneDoc can further boost your visibility and simplify the appointment booking process. These tools allow patients to book appointments directly, improving both accessibility and patient satisfaction.

 

8. Integrate modern technology for enhanced efficiency

Incorporating modern technology into your practice can improve both efficiency and patient satisfaction. Here are some ways technology can optimize your operations:

 

• Online appointment booking: This feature allows patients to book appointments at their convenience and makes it easier for your staff to manage the calendar.
• Telemedicine solution: Offer video consultations to increase access to care, especially for patients who may have mobility or transportation issues.
• Electronic check-in kiosks: By allowing patients to check in directly, these help reduce wait times and ease the administrative workload.

 

Regularly review and update your practice’s technology and layout based on staff and patient feedback. This ongoing process ensures that your practice remains efficient, modern, and patient-friendly. Here are some tips for an effective implementation of digital solutions in your practice!

 

9. Ensure financial stability and growth

Starting and sustaining a multidisciplinary practice requires careful financial planning. Consider the following steps to maintain financial health:

• Develop a detailed budget: Outline all startup costs, including rent, equipment, salaries, and marketing.
• Monitor cash flow: Keep track of your income and expenses, ensuring there are no discrepancies in billing or reimbursements.
• Plan for growth: As your practice gains traction, be prepared to expand by hiring more staff or adding new specialties.

Establishing financial sustainability early on will give you the flexibility to invest in new technologies or expand services without straining your resources.

10. Build a strong referral network

Building a referral network is crucial for any multidisciplinary practice. By establishing relationships with other healthcare providers and specialists, you can simplify your patients journey and enhance care coordination. Communication between different specialists, will ensure your practice is well-connected within the healthcare community.

Networking can also help raise your practice’s profile, as specialists from outside your practice may refer patients to you for specific services, further broadening your patient base.

 

Ready for your multidisciplinary practice?

Opening a multidisciplinary practice requires careful planning, coordination, and investment. By defining your services, optimizing your layout, integrating technology, and adhering to legal requirements, you can create a healthcare environment that promotes efficiency, patient satisfaction, and high-quality care. With the right approach, your practice can provide comprehensive healthcare services while fostering a collaborative, professional atmosphere for both staff and patients.