Starting a Medical Practice: The Physician's Handbook for Successful Practice Start-Up

This book was recommended by a friend as I was preparing to take my practice solo. It was readable, but a more detailed and structured exploration could have been used. If you dare go solo, there is so much more to know. Some told me they couldn't sleep for 6 months. (Fortunately I slept - but I'm weird about that). I would not dream of trying it without a book like this one. I had seen an inspirational talk where another MD went to business school, to avoid have to pay a consultant 5K to save his practice. I would have liked a more aggressive "how to run a business" - there is another book for that from the AMA. Both are quick reads, and don't come close to school of hard knocks. If your thinking about it, and you don't mind being an employee with your principles and freedoms tainted, then don't do it, you're probably going to make less money at least in the short term. If you are tired of feeling violated, etc, don't think another minute. Medical economics are changing in a way that make it harder and harder for smaller practices to survive. Once established as they grow, if founded by the right people, for the right reasons they may do quite well, particularly if the patients have developed the same sentiments about your clinical environment as you and would be happier also with a change. I do believe the window of opportunity is closing for such moves by younger people. Perhaps the powers that be will realize that small businesses that have always been the lifeblood of innovation (read change for the better) and growth (because they start small, and grow if the seed it sprouts from is superior). Small clnics are below the economy of size benefit, and if you recognize this and take the risk. Those that join you and share in the risk, will be reaping the rewards with you - and these may not be monitary (as in my case - I'd rather be a happy pauper than a rich whipping boy.) Sorry to go on, I'm just speaking to your soul, and you'll need it if you dare follow that path. Mark.

This is a very good source for a basic overview. It is well-organized and clear, but it is only a starting point. I didn't have a clue about where to start, so this is perfect for that.

I bought this bought and found it very informative. It is an excellent start-up tool and very easy to read and understand. After two year, I still refer back to my book.

This was the best $50 that I spent to get my practice started. I was an employee at a large group for 5 years, but I had no idea where to start for certain licenses and regulations. The chapter "Managing Personnel" was especially helpful. This book is concise and clearly written. It has excellent resources listed, such as helpful websites. This book would be helpful to someone just finishing residency and someone who has been an employee of a group for several years. JMMD