The last two years have changed everything for industries, organizations, and individuals. As the dust settles, one fact becomes clear: flexibility is a necessary tool for survival during volatile times.
Out of all this disruptive change came new ideas, tools, technologies, and, more importantly, different ways of working efficiently. Hence, shared medical office spaces, also known as medical coworking, became a safe harbor for independent health practitioners navigating the rough waters of the global pandemic.
There are a slew of advantages behind the growing popularity of the medical coworking space concept. Here are some of them:
1. Cost-effectiveness
A major reason why shared medical office spaces are superior to traditional offices is that they offer far greater value for money. In a typical situation, providers may routinely save tens of thousands of dollars on upfront and ongoing costs.
Shared medical office spaces are thoughtfully designed, move-in ready, and are typically located in prime locations—a combination that can work out to be significantly less expensive compared to a regular office rental.
With no long-term leases or commitments, practitioners avoid the huge upfront investments required when leasing a traditional office space. Additional ongoing costs such as utilities, cleaning, front-desk personnel, high-speed wifi, printing, copying, scanning, and mail services are shared by the other practitioners and are included in the membership price.
2. Flexibility and scalability
Medical coworking companies cater to a wide array of practitioners, whether they need a flexible space or a permanent home for their practice, giving them the freedom to practice on their terms.
With most traditional leases, practitioners are restricted by the size of their space and are often required to take on more space than they need. In this situation, the only way a practice can grow is by leasing space next door—often easier said than done—or by moving into a larger facility.
We live in a fast-paced world where the space that suits a private practice’s needs now could be too big or too small in six months. A shared medical office space allows independent health practitioners to scale their practice easily, in whatever direction they choose.
3. Elevated experience
Most modern medical coworking companies strive for excellence by providing a diverse range of services and curated amenities to deliver an elevated experience for both practitioners and their patients.
Beautifully designed spaces, thoughtfully managed lighting and acoustic environments, warm and welcoming front desk reception staff, meeting, event, and outdoor spaces, and complimentary refreshments are some of the additional features offered to create a full-service concierge experience.
4. Networking opportunities
Ease of networking is one of the understated benefits of being a member of a medical coworking space. Shared medical office spaces bring practitioners together who might never have had the chance to network in a more traditional office environment.
Medical coworking companies foster connections between like-minded professionals through community-building efforts by helping them network, refer patients, and build partnerships. This is a win-win for all with great potential to impact practitioners' sustainable growth, patient experience, and quality of patient care.
As the new normal continues to evolve, more flexible business solutions will be required to accommodate these changes. Shared medical office spaces offer the support, adaptability, and community needed for independent health practitioners to weather any storm and thrive no matter what tomorrow, the next year, or the next decade may bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign a contract for shared medical office space?
Shared medical office spaces often prioritize flexibility, aligning with the ever-changing landscape of healthcare. While specifics may vary from one provider to another, most shared medical office spaces, including those in the category Lina operates in, usually do not require long-term leases or commitments.
However, there may be membership agreements that outline the terms and conditions of using the space, amenities, and services offered. It's advisable to consult directly with the shared medical office provider for tailored information regarding contracts.
Why are shared office spaces essential for medical practices?
Fiscal Sense
In an industry where margins can be tight, shared office spaces offer unprecedented value for money. Given their all-inclusive pricing model, healthcare providers often save substantially on both initial investments and overhead costs.
Adaptability and Growth
The volatile times we live in necessitate agile business strategies. Shared office spaces offer the versatility for practitioners to adapt and grow without the restrictions of traditional leasing agreements.
Enhanced Patient Experience
Shared office spaces often go beyond functional requirements, delivering a comprehensive experience that includes aesthetic environments, professional staff, and added amenities. This makes each patient visit more than just a medical consultation; it becomes an elevated experience.
Networking
Community-building is integral to shared medical spaces. They foster an environment conducive to collaborations, patient referrals, and partnerships among healthcare providers, a dynamic seldom available in traditional setups.
What are the dos and don'ts of shared medical office space?
Dos
- Network: Leverage the community-building aspect of shared spaces to collaborate with like-minded professionals.
- Utilize amenities: Most shared office spaces offer a range of services designed to enhance productivity and client experience. Make full use of these.
- Scale wisely: Use the flexibility of the space to expand or contract your practice as needed, without the burden of long-term commitments.
- Be respectful: Shared spaces are a collective endeavor. Respect the privacy and space of others.
- Stay compliant: follow medical and legal guidelines, including HIPAA and other relevant protocols.
Don'ts
- Overcommit: Without long-term contracts, you have the liberty to choose a membership plan that suits your needs. Don’t rush into more space or services than necessary.
- Isolate: One of the significant benefits of shared spaces is networking. Don’t miss out on the chance to collaborate.
- Ignore guidelines: Shared spaces often have specific rules to ensure the smooth running of the facility. Ignoring these can be detrimental to all.
- Neglect patient experience: With the array of amenities at your disposal, falling short on patient experience is inexcusable.
Why Should You Invest in a Shared Medical Office Space?
Financial Prudence
The cost-saving aspect of shared medical office spaces is undeniable. The all-inclusive nature of these spaces streamlines your financial outlay, allowing you to divert resources to other critical areas of your practice.
Adaptability
The last couple of years have taught us the value of adaptability. The ability to easily scale up or down in a shared space offers peace of mind and business continuity in uncertain times.
Full-Service Experience
Modern shared medical office spaces aim to offer an elevated experience for both practitioners and their patients. With reception services, curated environments, and additional amenities, they provide a holistic healthcare experience that goes beyond basic consultations.
Community and Collaboration
Networking isn’t just a business buzzword; it's a growth catalyst. The ease of networking and collaboration in shared office spaces can significantly impact your practice's expansion, quality of care, and patient experience.
Investing in a shared medical office space is not merely a choice; it's a strategic decision that addresses many operational, financial, and experiential challenges faced by independent healthcare providers. As businesses continue to adapt to the "new normal," shared medical office spaces offer the resilience and resources required to succeed.
