New Doctor Bootcamp

COUNTDOWN TO OPENING A PRACTICE

START WITH A PLAN

• FIRST you need to have your license to practice applied for with a reasonable estimate as to the date of receipt. The License Number is a key to opening some of those doors to practice.
• SECOND is the list of “stuff to do” once you have located your office and signed the lease.
• THIRD BEGINNING TWO MONTHS OUT have an organized PLAN that will aim you towards the goal of opening.

COUNTDOWN TO THE GRAND OPENING

WEEK 8

• Meet 145 people on the survey
• Find out yellow page deadline. REVIEW the Medical Practice Act Advertising (60/26 & 27)
• Contact the County: Health Department to see what lead time is required & Clerk’s Office to register “doing business as” (DBA)
• Order equipment and office furniture. X-ray equipment needs certification. MY contact at the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety is: Paul Brown, Chief, Electric Products 217-785-9978
• Interior renovations in progress — do you have the required permits?
• Purchase answer machine for the telephone.
• Have you changed your student membership to regular MEMBERSHIP IN THE ICS?

WEEK 7

• Meet 145 people on the survey
• Make an appointment with a tax advisor/CPA on business decisions, banking, accounting, and TAXES. Ask the ICS about member services for personal, business and malpractice insurance.
• Request ID numbers from IRS (have printed on fee slips), Medicare, BC/BS
• Purchase malpractice insurance
• Purchase telephone system.

WEEK 6

• Meet 145 on survey
• Frame all charts, degrees etc. Nothing should go on the walls without a frame
• Have a professional portrait taken.

WEEK 5

• Meet 145 on survey
• Order permanent sign, have a temporary sign made “opening soon”

WEEK 4

• Meet 145 on survey
• Order stationery and business cards from printer. Does this material meet the law?
• Order multiple appointment cards from the printer
• Press release ready for the newspaper

WEEK 3

• Meet 145 on survey
• Order gowns, biohazard kit, other supplies
• Order music system

WEEK 2

• Meet 145 on survey
• When x-ray equipment installed notify IDNS to register, than you may use the equipment. IDNS will inspect within six months.
• Put up “opening soon” sign
• Have building inspected
• Purchase office supplies
• Purchase plants, pictures and decorate … in a conservative, professional manner!
• Run classified advertisement for employee (Sun/Mon/Tue)
• Hire a CA and train him/her
• Meet with the editor to run opening ads and have ads set up to run on the Monday you open.

WEEK 1

• 1000 survey completed
• Meet the social editor of the newspaper for a “welcome new folks” feature article
• Have a permanent sign placed on building
• Call advertising manager to confirm “opening” ad will run Monday & Wednesday of opening week.

CHECKLIST

THINGS TO DO

Register with County offices
Contact Medicare for a number
Contact BC/BS for a number
Order phone system
Order signs
Purchase insurance
Have diplomas, certificates and license matted and framed

THE PRINTER

• Stationary
• Business cards
• Appointment Reminder Cards
• 10 visit cards
• Standard envelops and plain stationery to match letterhead stock

POST OFFICE

• Notify the Post Office of your new address
• Purchase Post Cards
• Purchase stamps

BANK

• Set up a Clinic checking account
• $50 petty cash for opening days (small bills and silver)

ORDER

• Collection Stickers
• Gowns (12 Med, 12 Lg. White full back opening velcro closure)
• Clinic jackets
• Magazines for reception room (ladies, sport, children, general)

Advertisement