Ready to Start Your Own Private Medical Practice?
We provide the support for you to start your private practice
Supporting a Private Gastroenterology and General Surgical Practice in any Region
Establishing a private medical practice is intended to be a rewarding and inspiring endeavor; however, the process can frequently prove to be rather daunting.
We played a key role in supporting the growth and evolution of a now well-established gastroenterology clinic with one of the largest number of clinicians in Cheshire (Cheshire Gut Clinic). From the early stages of development, we provided strategic guidance, operational support, and tailored solutions that helped shape their trajectory. Our partnership contributed to building a strong foundation for sustainable growth and and we are proud to have been instrumental in their journey to becoming the success they are today.
Where to begin?
The most valuable expert advice we can give is to recognise that starting a private practice means starting a business. This requires you to engage with all aspects of running a business—finance, marketing, and operations included. Many private doctors have limited exposure to these areas, as medical training often offers little in the way of business education or hands-on experience. We can help with this, as consultants understand that your time is limited; by providing targeted advice and support, we can guide you in gaining the essential knowledge and skills for success in private practice.
Our structured process will guide you through the steps of setting up a private practice
Define Your Business Plan
Every successful practice begins with clear objectives:
Mission Statement: Outline your clinic’s core purpose and values.
Specialisation: Decide which medical services you’ll offer and who your target patients are.
Financial Forecasting: Prepare detailed projections for revenue, expenses, and break-even timelines.
Strategic Milestones: Set clear short- and medium-term business goals to guide your development.
Select a Legal Business Structure
Choose the legal structure that best suits your goals:
Sole Trader: Simple to register with HMRC; however, you are personally liable for business debts.
Partnership: Two or more people share profits and responsibilities. A Partnership Agreement is highly recommended.
Limited Company: Offers limited liability protection. Must be registered with Companies House, and you must comply with Companies Act 2006.
Register with Relevant Bodies
GMC Registration: You must be fully registered and licensed with the General Medical Council.
ICO Registration: Register with the Information Commissioner’s Office to comply with GDPR and data protection laws.
Medical Indemnity Insurance: Required by law for all practising doctors in the UK.
Develop Your Marketing and Patient Experience Strategy
To build patient trust and visibility:
Professional Branding: Choose a name, logo, and colour scheme that meet ethical advertising standards under GMC guidelines.
Website Compliance: Your website must follow Accessibility Regulations and GDPR.
Communication Channels: Ensure patient confidentiality across all communication.
Choose a Suitable Premises
The clinic must meet UK standards:
Private clinic or Hospital: in most cases, you will be applying for practicing privileges’ in a private clinic or hospital.
CQC Premises Standards: Depending on your specialty, you may also practice in private GP clinics or in some cases, spectacle stores for ophthalmologist.
Set Up Financial Infrastructure
Open a Business Bank Account in the UK.
HMRC Registration: Register for self-assessment (if a sole trader) or corporation tax (if a company).
Bookkeeping: Use Making Tax Digital (MTD)-compliant accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks).
VAT: Healthcare providers are VAT exempt.
Maintain Continuous Improvement
Appraisals & CPD: Regular revalidation and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are required by the GMC.
Patient Feedback: Use Friends and Family Test (FFT) or similar tools to monitor satisfaction and areas for growth.
What can we do to support you?
Mentorship can play a pivotal role in developing a successful private practice by providing guidance, support, and real-world insight that accelerates both personal and professional growth. Here’s how:
Business Strategy and Setup: Mentors with experience in private practice can help new practitioners understand the logistics of setting up a business—such as licensing, insurance, billing systems, and legal compliance—saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.
Clinical Confidence and Skill Building: A mentor can offer clinical supervision, feedback on treatment approaches, and help mentees navigate challenging client situations, boosting their competence and confidence.
Marketing and Client Acquisition: Mentors can share effective strategies for attracting and retaining clients, including branding, networking, and building a referral base—essential for sustaining a practice.
Ethical Guidance: Private practitioners face unique ethical challenges. A mentor can provide support in navigating dilemmas and maintaining professional boundaries.
Work-Life Balance: Having someone to talk to about managing workload, avoiding burnout, and maintaining boundaries can be crucial for long-term sustainability.
Ongoing Professional Development: Mentorship encourages a culture of lifelong learning and may open doors to advanced training, certifications, or speaking and writing opportunities.
Emotional Support: Starting and running a private practice can be isolating. A mentor provides encouragement, validation, and a sense of community.
Secretarial support is essential to the smooth operation and growth of a private practice, as it enables clinicians to focus on client care while ensuring administrative efficiency. Here’s how secretarial support contributes significantly:
Client Communication and Scheduling: Secretaries manage incoming calls, emails, and appointment bookings, which enhances client experience and reduces missed opportunities due to delayed or missed communication.
Time Management and Efficiency: By handling daily administrative tasks—like calendar coordination, reminders, and document preparation—secretarial staff free up valuable clinician time for therapy or business development.
Record Keeping and Documentation: They ensure that client records, session notes, and legal documents are stored securely and comply with privacy laws.
First Point of Contact: Secretaries often serve as the initial interaction a client has with the practice, shaping first impressions and ensuring inquiries are handled professionally and compassionately.
A website is a vital tool for developing a private practice because it serves as your digital front door—making your services visible, credible, and accessible to potential clients. Here’s how it supports growth:
24/7 Visibility and Access: A website ensures people can find your practice and learn about your services anytime, even outside office hours. It expands your reach beyond local word-of-mouth referrals.
Professional Credibility: A well-designed website builds trust and legitimacy. Potential clients often search online first—if you don’t have a website, you may be seen as less established or reliable.
Client Education: You can use the site to explain your approach, specializations, therapeutic modalities, and frequently asked questions—helping clients feel informed and comfortable reaching out.
Online Booking and Contact: Integrated scheduling tools allow clients to book appointments directly, streamlining intake and reducing administrative load. Contact forms also make it easy for people to reach you.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): A website optimized for search engines increases your chances of appearing in local Google searches, especially when people look for therapists “near me” or with specific specialties.
Branding and Differentiation: Through imagery, tone, testimonials, and bios, your website communicates your personality and values—helping clients choose you based on fit, not just availability.
Billing is a critical component of running a successful private practice because it directly impacts financial stability, client trust, and legal compliance. Here’s why it matters:
Ensures Steady Cash Flow: Accurate and timely billing is essential for maintaining consistent income, which supports operational costs, staff salaries, and personal earnings.
Reflects Professionalism: A clear, organized billing system—whether for private pay or insurance—reinforces your credibility and makes your practice appear well-managed and trustworthy.
Supports Financial Planning: Good billing practices help you track income trends, forecast future earnings, and make informed decisions about expanding services or hiring support.
Minimizes Disputes: Transparent billing policies and invoices reduce confusion and conflict with clients about fees, payment timelines, or insurance responsibilities.
Insurance and Claims Management: For practices that accept insurance, correct coding and submission of claims is essential to getting reimbursed and avoiding denials or audits.
Compliance and Record-Keeping: Accurate billing ensures you stay compliant with tax laws and professional regulations. It also supports proper documentation for audits or legal inquiries.
Time Efficiency: A streamlined billing system saves time—automating invoicing, payment reminders, and tracking—allowing more focus on client care.
I want to know more:
Beyond the pressures of everyday practice, far from the noise of administrative burden, there exists a dedicated company supporting gastroenterologists and general surgeons, empowering them to focus on patient care.
Contact us
gutclinic.uk@gmail.com
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