Essential Checklist for Starting a Weight Loss Clinic or Medical Spa
eClinicalWorks Blog Details
3 October 2023
Blog
Essential Checklist for Starting a Weight Loss Clinic or Medical Spa
Kimberly Shogren
Insights from eClinicalWorks’ Project Kickstart
So, you’ve decided to open your own Weight Loss Clinic or Medical Spa. Congratulations on your enterprising endeavor.
As you venture forth, make sure you have the proper guidance to ensure a successful launch and an efficient operation. Drawing insights from eClinicalWorks’ Project Kickstart for Startups, we have compiled a checklist to help you navigate the process. Let’s check it out.
The Urgency of the Obesity Crisis and Providers on a Mission
Obesity in America has climbed to alarming levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, over 42% of adults and 19% of children and adolescents in the United States were classified as obese. These stats underscore the need to address this epidemic.
Weight Loss Clinics and Medical Spas have emerged to combat obesity and its associated health risks. Led by providers on a mission to make a lasting impact on patient lives, these facilities provide an evidence-based framework that combines medical expertise, nutritional counseling, behavioral therapy, and aesthetic treatments to support patients on their weight loss journey. The goals are to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being by addressing the underlying causes of obesity and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes.
The Essential Checklist
Consider these factors to increase your chances of running a smooth operation and having long-term success:
Goals and Business Strategy
Clearly define your goals and develop a robust business strategy. Identify your target audience, outline your services, and create a marketing plan. A well-defined vision will guide your decision-making process and help align your clinic’s operations with your objectives.
Location
Brick-and-mortar or online, what’s it going to be?
Brick-and-Mortar – a physical presence that can attract local patients and offer in-person consultations and treatments.
Telemedicine – a virtual presence that allows for broader reach, patient convenience, and lower overhead costs.
Assess your target market, the nature of your services, and the preferences of your potential patients to determine the better approach.
Staffing
Start with essential roles – physicians, nurses, admin staff. As the business picks up, evaluate the need for additional staff, including dietitians, fitness trainers, and patient coordinators. Monitor patient demand, workload, and financial feasibility to determine when to expand your team. This approach ensures you have the resources to provide quality care while managing operational costs.
Payment Model
Insurance or cash only, what’s it going to be?
An insurance model attracts a broader patient base, increases patient accessibility, and potentially provides consistent revenue streams. But you have to deal with credentialling (which takes 90 days), managing insurance claims, and potential reimbursement delays.
A cash-only model offers more control over pricing, streamlines payment processes, and can lead to higher profit margins. But it limits the number of patients who can afford your services.
Many start-ups go cash only in the early days to build the client base while they get their credentialling squared away.
Integrated Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Practice Management (PM) System
Team with a technology partner that can handle the unique needs of a Weight Loss Clinic or Medical Spa. A unified EHR and PM system integrates clinical and administrative functions, streamlining these operations:
Intake forms
Initial assessments
Goal setting and treatment planning
Progress tracking
Nutrition and meal planning
Fitness and exercise management
This plan of attack optimizes your operations, enhances patient care, improves efficiency, and promotes seamless data flow between clinical and administrative processes. Ensure your technology partner offers pricing models that provide necessary solutions and flexibility during your ramp-up period.
Patient Engagement Strategy
Empower your patients by putting them in control of their weight loss journey:
Establish patient portals
Communicate via secure text and email
Supply educational resources
Provide progress-tracking tools
Send appointment reminders
A patient engagement strategy that includes personalized communication and encouragement to adhere to treatment plans will improve outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and build a solid patient-provider relationship.
Network
Networking connects you with potential patients, establishes expertise, solidifies patient acquisition strategies, and helps you explore collaborative opportunities. Attending industry conferences, seminars, and local events puts you in touch with other healthcare professionals, referral sources, and industry experts. You can also gain traction by engaging on social media, sharing educational content, and interacting with relevant communities. Working with local gyms, wellness centers, and complementary healthcare providers can help you develop mutual referral relationships.
Opening a Weight Loss Clinic or Medical Spa is exciting and challenging. Following the steps outlined in this blog can help lay a strong foundation, initiate growth, and achieve success. These recommendations are crucial for success, from selecting a robust EHR to developing patient engagement strategies and effective networking. With dedication to these principles, your Weight Loss Clinic or Medical Spa can embark on a successful journey delivering exceptional care.
Project Kickstart
Project Kickstart is our medical practice startup program. We have the tools – from technology to marketing – and expertise to help get you up and running, growing, and thriving for years to come. And we’ll be with you every step of the way. Get more details on why we should be your healthcare IT partner. Download our eBook Kickstart Your Medical Practice today.
