Size of Medical Office Space

[DrSwede]

I'm looking to start a solo practice and trying to plan for office space needs.

In general I would like 4 exam rooms (~110 sq.ft/room) and let's say a 15x15 procedure suite.

Other rooms to account for would include 2 bathrooms (patient, staff), Reception/Waiting area, Kitchenette/break room, one physician office.

How much square footage do you think would be required? Appreciate any recommendations.

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[RoloTomassi]

Check out @Doctodd floorplan in the other thread

 

[geauxg8rs]

I'm looking to start a solo practice and trying to plan for office space needs.

In general I would like 4 exam rooms (~110 sq.ft/room) and let's say a 15x15 procedure suite.

Other rooms to account for would include 2 bathrooms (patient, staff), Reception/Waiting area, Kitchenette/break room, one physician office.

How much square footage do you think would be required? Appreciate any recommendations.

Whatever you think you need, add more for reception area, make sure parking spaces are numerous and dedicated for you. Also some just for misc storage

 

[DrSwede]

I've been reading old threads. Seems like perhaps 2000 sq.ft. would be plenty.

Parking spaces in one place I am looking at are shared with the owner/tenant. Total of 34 spaces, so half would be mine. Seems reasonable.

 

[BobBarker]

I have around 3500 sq ft. Could have smaller exams and a much smaller receptionist work area and be much more efficient use of space.

 

[DrSwede]

That's pretty large. I don't plan on having another provider, but I don't want to constrain myself also. I think I'm going to chat with an architect about their company's previous medical office layouts.

 

[nvrsumr]

Mine is 3000 sq ft. Pre/post room attached to procedure suite. Executive bathroom is nice. no door on breakroom was a suggestion that I took. Have architect draw up secondary plan for modifying space to add another doc in future.

 

[bedrock]

My old solo office was 1800 sq feet. All I really needed. 3 exam rooms, small office for me, one bathroom, procedure room.
Used exam rooms for pre post on procedure days.

Nice to have more space but I don’t like paying extra for a big office.
Would rather have a big house!

 

[BobBarker]

@gdub25 has a wonderful single provider office. Maybe you could do two if the doc was doing injections only that day and the NP was using the exam rooms. The day the doc needs the exam rooms have the NP do telemeds.

 

[DrSwede]

I'm thinking the 4th exam room gives me flexibility. A little "future proofing" if you will. I normally only use 3 rooms.

 

[Pain Applicant1]

I'm looking to start a solo practice and trying to plan for office space needs.

In general I would like 4 exam rooms (~110 sq.ft/room) and let's say a 15x15 procedure suite.

Other rooms to account for would include 2 bathrooms (patient, staff), Reception/Waiting area, Kitchenette/break room, one physician office.

How much square footage do you think would be required? Appreciate any recommendations.

When I was in fellowship I measured all of the rooms in the clinic. I then determined whether or not I felt they were appropriate for their specific function. I changed the square footage of each room accordingly based on my assumption for their use. Then I drew up my blue prints to maximize my space and patient flow. It worked out well.

For maximum efficiency, try to set up a patent flow where once the patient's appointment is over they don't run into you again when exiting. If they do, they always have additional questions which can slow down your day.

I built my office to about 2300 sq ft but I use significantly less than that. I built it that big in case I wanted to expand. I didn't expand and ended up subleasing some of the extra space.

I own the commercial building my office is in so I can expand to whatever size I want to by not renewing the other leases in the building and building their suites out for myself.

You might want to consider something like this, especially with all of the talk of an impending commercial real estate collapse. Could be a prime opportunity for you. Of course, the experts who predict these things are probably wrong more often than they're right so something to keep in mind. Either way, really all you have to do is sit down and crunch the numbers to see if it makes sense.

 

[DrSwede]

I have the exam room and procedure suite measurements which is what I listed above. Did you use an independent contractor to draw up your blueprints or go with a firm that designs/builds healthcare properties? Seems like both are viable options.

I've been loosely following the commercial real estate commentary and I know what you mean. I don't think I'm in a position to purchase land or a building at this time. Perhaps in a few years or so.

 

[nvrsumr]

SBA loans work best when combining start up loan with purchasing a property.

 

[Pain Applicant1]

I have the exam room and procedure suite measurements which is what I listed above. Did you use an independent contractor to draw up your blueprints or go with a firm that designs/builds healthcare properties? Seems like both are viable options.

I've been loosely following the commercial real estate commentary and I know what you mean. I don't think I'm in a position to purchase land or a building at this time. Perhaps in a few years or so.

I drew up everything myself - because of the way I designed it the county didn't require a stamp from an architect.

 

[Cholula]

Commercial office space is measured from the outside walls and includes some common areas such as hallways so they overestimate the real usable area. Just be aware of that. If you think you need 1200 - 1500sf, you need to look for one that is advertised at 2000sf.

 

[DrSwede]

Commercial office space is measured from the outside walls and includes some common areas such as hallways so they overestimate the real usable area. Just be aware of that. If you think you need 1200 - 1500sf, you need to look for one that is advertised at 2000sf.

Wow, did not know that. Appreciate the info.

 

[Chelsea FC]

Whatever you think you need, add more for reception area, make sure parking spaces are numerous and dedicated for you. Also some just for misc storage

Wouldn't starting out leaner and smaller be smarter to do from a cost perspective?

 

[geauxg8rs]

Wouldn't starting out leaner and smaller be smarter to do from a cost perspective?

There are costs and even more headaches in moving. Try and get it right first

 

[Chelsea FC]

There are costs and even more headaches in moving. Try and get it right first

Hmm, wonder how to balance that cost and risk of moving vs the high risk that most business fail due to high overhead/expenses. Wonder if it’s smarter to eat the moving cost to run a lean bare bones practice to ensure survival

 

[Pain Applicant1]

There are costs and even more headaches in moving. Try and get it right first

Hmm, wonder how to balance that cost and risk of moving vs the high risk that most business fail due to high overhead/expenses. Wonder if it’s smarter to eat the moving cost to run a lean bare bones practice to ensure survival

You guys are both right. It's a business decision.

Also a good idea to keep a lean bare bones practice throughout the entire life of your business. It's good habit.

I rented for about 1.5 years before purchasing a commercial building and moving my practice into it. It's a pain but doable.

 

[DrSwede]

One of the biggest issues that I see is that land alone in the area of my interest is going for about 1 million per acre if you want it in a desirable location.

Another option, but is still an issue, is that if you decide to lease space that is in shell condition the build out is about $150 / sq. ft.

 

[Pain Applicant1]

One of the biggest issues that I see is that land alone in the area of my interest is going for about 1 million per acre if you want it in a desirable location.

Another option, but is still an issue, is that if you decide to lease space that is in shell condition the build out is about $150 / sq. ft.

Kind of out there but you can, if you wanted to, build it out yourself. The majority of the cost of construction is in labor so you can significantly reduce your cost, even if you hire your own labor. I was sick of getting ripped off so I learned nearly all of the construction trades (minus HVAC) and now have my own construction company. You can do this too if you want to. You may even find it to be very enjoyable and rewarding.

You can also negotiate with the landlord to build to suit. Expect a bump up in rent but it may be worthwhile to consider.

 

[nvrsumr]

Good time to buy office space bad time to own. I’d guess my space is worth 40% less than precovid.