This article explores the top five objectives for independently-owned medical practices in 2016 it was written for Wolf Commercial Real Estate by By Marcin Bielecki, Vice President of Healthcare Practice Lending at Citizens Bank.

Top 5 Objectives for Independently-Owned Medical Practices in 2016 (PDF)

Objectives for Independently-Owned Medical Practices

Despite all the issues facing doctors today, some 18,000 eager students still graduate from medical school every year – undeterred by the time, money and sweat equity required. 1 Whatever their
motivations, a desire to help others, a passion for science, or both, those who go on to become independent practitioners must realize they are also running a business – and learn to manage it accordingly.

To stay on top of key industry trends and concerns, Citizens commissioned the 2016 Healthcare Practice Outlook. Based on a survey of more than 250 privately-held practices with fewer than ten physicians, the report offers an inside look on smaller practices. Most importantly, it identifies the top five business objectives that practice leaders will prioritize in the year ahead.

The top five objectives for independently-owned medical practices are as follows:

OBJECTIVE #1 GROW REVENUE

Medicine should be a booming business given the nation’s aging population and dwindling numbers of uninsured. In reality, a third of the medical practices we surveyed anticipate a decrease in revenues over the next five years. Fighting that trend has understandably become a top priority among smaller practices. Since few small practices have the inclination to pursue practice acquisition opportunities, increasing the number of patients is seen as the most effective way to boost revenue, followed by providing more specialized services. Although a seemingly simple solution, many doctors are ambivalent about seeing more patients, since it decreases time spent with each patient and threatens to diminish the quality of care.

OBJECTIVE #2 IMPROVE PROFIT MARGINS AND BOOST OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES

Revenue growth isn’t enough: profit margins also need to improve. Half of our respondents anticipate a decrease in profitability over the next five years, and expect tighter margins to force hard decisions about managing their practices. Two-thirds attribute their margin challenges to the shift to cheaper insurance plans by employers and patients, leading to lower reimbursements and an increase in procedures deemed not reimbursable. Though Washington temporarily fixed Medicare’s troubled physician payment formula,2 reimbursement challenges will continue. As a result, any lasting fix to tight margins will likely involve cutting costs. But streamlining operations is a big job – for example, practices must ensure they are staffed prudently and have sufficient inventory to support the services they provide. It remains to be seen how effectively they will be able to manage this task.

OBJECTIVE #3 STAY IN BUSINESS Objectives for Independently

Our most revealing finding: 46% of respondents named “staying in business” as one of their top three objectives for 2016. This sentiment was especially strong among practices with four or more physicians, as well as those that have been in business for over 30 years. How can so many longstanding members of a revered profession worry about staying in business? Practices cite a variety of external factors – from government mandates such as electronic records and ICD-10 to shrinking reimbursements.

In the short run, practices may be getting a temporary reprieve from some of the threats they face; for example, Congress voted to delay the scheduled 21% decrease in Medicare reimbursements.3 However, these short-term fixes still leave many doctors wondering about the future long-term sustainability of their practices.

OBJECTIVE #4 ACQUIRE NEW PATIENTS

Forty-two percent of respondents said patient acquisition was one of their top objectives for 2016. Adding patients is important for any practice looking to grow revenue, but it’s especially critical for smaller and newer groups. Interestingly, almost 60% of practices are confident that their acquisition efforts will succeed.

It’s not entirely clear, however, whether that confidence is justified since few medical practices surveyed have extensive marketing experience. Almost all medical practices still market themselves primarily through old-fashioned word of mouth. Only half have a website, and merely a quarter are using social media. About one-third also employ traditional media to build awareness, like advertising in local publications and participating in community events. Nonetheless, there’s still plenty of skepticism about the value of marketing. Forty-five percent of respondents don’t believe it’s a worthwhile effort, despite the fact that many new patients who are part of the Millennial generation rely upon websites and social media to seek out their healthcare providers.

OBJECTIVE #5 RECRUIT NEW STAFF

Rounding out the top five business objectives for small practices in 2016 is staff recruitment. Practices are looking to hire to support patient growth, but to also meet the expanding list of regulatory obligations.

The job market was robust in 2015 and demand for talent will continue to rise in outpatient facilities, as delivery of care continues to shift away from hospitals and inpatient settings.4 Hiring is not an easy task, and it’s the area where medical practices say they’ll need the greatest support moving forward.

ABOUT CITIZENS BANK HEALTHCARE PRACTICE BANKING

Our team of HealthCare Specialists offers tailored and comprehensive financial solutions to help you, your employees and your practice succeed. Backed by the power of a leading financial services provider, we know our clients well, respond quickly and provide solutions to help you achieve the potential of your practice. Offering both healthcare industry insight and an understanding of the unique needs of medical practices, our HealthCare Specialists know what it takes to achieve financial success, at every stage of your practice. For more information, please visit businessbankinghealthcare.com.

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you the best for 2016 and share a little about the Citizens Bank Healthcare Practice with you. Many in the medical field are not aware that Citizens has a dedicated line of business to help you with your financial goals for your practice: Healthcare Entities are a top priority for Citizens.

We are committed to holistically serving the financial needs of Healthcare Businesses, their owners, and the staff that supports the practice. From revenue cycle management, fraud protection, and personalized financing needs, our focus is on delivering the best-fitting financial tools to satisfy your medical practice short term and long term needs:

• Healthcare Business Lines of Credit, Commercial Real Estate Loans as well as partner buy-in’s/buy-outs, practice acquisition and expansion loans to fit your needs.
• Flexible financing for equipment, leasehold improvements and ancillary business ventures.
• On sight deposit options, to save time and improve security
• Work place banking for your staff to include special financial services at no cost to you.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss our program further.

Vice President Healthcare Practice Lending at Citizens Bank
131 S. White Horse Pike 2nd Floor
Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
Mobile: (856) 580-7495
Fax: (844) 500-0395

Citations

1. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2014  | 2. Reuters, 2015 | 3. Medscape, 2015 | 4. Modern Healthcare, 2015