Leasing a new space for your practice is a significant decision, as it represents one of your largest expenses and can greatly impact your practice. At Interplan, we understand that an efficiently designed and visually appealing environment enhances health outcomes, fosters patient wellness, and elevates staff satisfaction. With our extensive experience, we've identified the top five considerations when planning a new medical office.
1. Growth of the Practice: The most competitive lease terms are typically 10 years. Committing to a decade-long lease necessitates careful consideration of your business's future. How do you envision your business evolving over the next 10 years? Do you anticipate changes in the number of providers, patient volume, or the range of services offered? Interplan can help you plan effectively for the future with programming services to determine the amount of square footage you'll need based on your projected growth. Our expertise ensures that your space will accommodate your business's development and adapt to any changes in your operational needs.
2. Patient Experience: What are the most important aspects of the patient experience that you would like to prioritize in the new design? Will this be a space where insurance is accepted, or will it cater to boutique or elective medicine? These considerations are important in determining the type of building you will need and the overall aesthetic of your space. Understanding your priorities will help Interplan guide you in selecting the right environment that enhances patient satisfaction and aligns with your business model. This strategic approach ensures that your space not only meets functional requirements but also reflects your commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.
3. Provider Work Areas: In the ever-evolving medical field, adaptability and workflow are important items to consider. It's essential to analyze specific areas with your team to optimize both the workflow and the patient's journey through your facility. Consider whether the medical team should be situated in a central bullpen, allowing easy visibility and access to patient care rooms, or if they would benefit from more secluded back-of-house areas for focused work. The rise of telehealth should also be considered, as a combination of closed and open spaces will likely be necessary to accommodate both in-person and virtual consultations. A well-thought-out design will enhance efficiency, improve patient experiences, and ensure that your facility is equipped to handle the dynamic nature of modern healthcare.
4. Patient Flow: Consider your current patient flow and processes and how you might want them to evolve with your new practice. Reflect on each stage of the patient journey, from check-in to discharge, and identify opportunities for improvement. How do you currently handle patient check-in? Is it efficient and user-friendly, or could it benefit from modernization, such as digital kiosks or mobile check-in options? Evaluate your waiting area as well. Is it comfortable and conducive to a positive patient experience, or could enhancements such as improved seating, entertainment options, or a more calming environment be beneficial? Additionally, assess your discharge process. Is it streamlined, allowing patients to leave promptly with all necessary information, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments? Are there any bottlenecks that could be addressed to improve efficiency? By thoroughly evaluating these processes and envisioning potential improvements, you can design a new practice that enhances patient satisfaction, optimizes workflow efficiency, and adapts to future needs.
5. Regulations: Involving Interplan in your project will enable us to educate you on regulations and best practices tailored to your specific specialty. Our expertise in design will ensure that your facility meets all necessary standards while optimizing functionality and patient experience. For a demonstration of our depth of knowledge, please refer to our blog post on designing an ambulatory surgery center.
At Interplan, our team of Designers, Architects, and Furniture Consultants collaborates closely with you to assess and develop your functional and aesthetic needs. This ensures a comprehensive grasp of your project’s scope and enables us to delineate a feasible budget and a well-structured project roadmap. Our project team is dedicated to accompanying you every step of the way. It’s never too early to start the conversation.
