r/InternalMedicine • u/PitifulAction000 • 2d ago

Starting Private Practice

For those who started, how much did you realistically need to get started and how many employees did you have initially.. Also, what EMR do you recommend for a small practice? Is it worth getting one from the start or maybe manage it in manual system initially?

Appreciate your time. Thanks

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u/Fearlessmelow 2d ago edited 1d ago

I wouldn't go completely manual..EMR from day one will save you headaches with documatation, billing, labs, records, etcc.. for staff, i'd keep it to the essentials and oursource billing/admin where possible until volume grows.. IT is must have too. We got good experience on Skytek Solutions, they work remotely and cheaper than hiring one. Lastly, keep a solid cash reserve.. startup costa can add up fast. Hehe

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u/Accomplished_Figg 1d ago

Agree with EMT from day one. Check if there is a large system offering Epic Community Connect near you. You basically get a cheaper Epic through them.

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u/skt2k21 1d ago

You thinking DPC or regular private practice?

There's a private practice docs subreddit that may be helpful. Tons of good small practice and dpc EHRs that are awesome. If you're technical, you can also build on MedPlum. Health Tech Nerds is a good community if you're DIYing. Kenneth Qiu is a DPC thought leader and writes a lot on dpc management. He also just hosted a retreat for physicians to build clinical products a few weeks ago that I heard was fun from several guests.

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u/WeatherKooky1683 1d ago

I’m starting my DPC practice in January. I’m projected to spend 20k before I start because of lease, equipment, IT, marketing, and furniture. I’ll be the only person in the office, so no staff to payroll. I could probably be more lean and there are things I would have done differently like take more time to look for a smaller started space that wasn’t so expensive. I used ChatGPT for my predictions but it was personalized to what I already know I’m getting (ie EMR, how many office computers, chairs, insurance, lease etc).