Debunking A Myth: You Save Money By Not Using an Agent/Broker

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May 14, 2018 For Doctors, quick tips

You wouldn’t perform surgery on yourself, would you? Whether you’re negotiating a lease renewal or looking for a new space, believe it or not, you won’t save money by eliminating the middleman. In fact, you may cost your practice more.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a commission pool built into most lease deals comprised of rental funds. If you don’t hire a broker to represent you, the landlord’s broker or leasing agent will take the full commission. If you are represented, the fund is shared with your broker or agent. Either way, the commission comes from the pot, not your pocket.

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Give Your Waiting Room a Refresh

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April 19, 2018 patient experience
photo courtesy of GZ client, Bluemont Plastic Surgery

When it comes to medical care facilities, they need to be designed in such a way that it is easy to change things around when necessary. Adaptability is the name of the game, especially as a medical practice grows and gains more patients.

Needs and demands change, and what worked well before may not work as well now. This fact can apply not just to the space and facility itself, but also to the equipment, technology, and even to how the facility is staffed and managed. Quality of care is the most important thing, and a facility that can adapt to provide care the most effective care is a facility that will continue to grow and prosper.

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Industry Trend: The Rising Tide of Group Practices

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April 6, 2018 The GZ Take

For several years, the medical industry has been facing a major shift from private to group practices. Privately owned practices are increasingly giving way to group practices directed by larger corporations or to new providers aiming to offer services directly to patients — and primary care physicians are leading the trend.

There are several reasons why this shift is occurring; these include decreased profitability, operational challenges arising from reform efforts, and a drive for efficiency. Declining reimbursements and an increase in time spent on administration — not to mention the expense of integrating and maintaining electronic systems — are making the private practice less viable. But there are also larger market forces at play.

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How To Spring Clean Your Medical Practice

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March 21, 2018 quick tips

With the cold days on their way out and warm spring and summer months fast approaching, it’s time to do a little spring cleaning to prepare for a busy season ahead.

Making sure that your medical practice is clean, tidy, and organized not only presents a professional and reassuring appearance for your patients, it also helps to keep your staff productive and on task.

When everything has a place and everything is in its place, both efficiency and quality of care are improved. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prep for the big cleaning day.

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Dentist Office “Must-Haves”

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March 5, 2018 quick tips

Every dental office is different and provides patient experiences in individual and authentic ways. But there are some things that should always be considered- if not mandated- for a successful practice. Here are a few “must-haves” every dentist office should strive to provide.

Maximize Communication and Space

Remember that whether you own your office or lease the space, you’re still paying for every square inch. So it’s important to use that space in the most efficient and productive manner possible, with no areas that are wasted. Your design needs to help your staff communicate both internally and externally with patients as well as labs and suppliers.

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Top 5 Questions To Ask Before Leasing Medical Office Space

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February 19, 2018 quick tips, relocation

After years of hard work, it’s time to expand. You’re a successful medical or dental practice and you’ve decided it’s time to lease new office space. Because it’s one of the largest expenses, choosing the right office space is a major decision that can impact your practice in multiple ways. The following five questions are a great place to start.

1. How much space do I need?

Having the wrong-sized space – either too big or too small – is the biggest pitfall. So, first ask yourself if you’re downsizing or planning for continued growth. To assist in determining your current and future needs, you may want to enlist the services of an architect to help with your decision making.  They will be able to evaluate your current office, gauge your likes and dislikes, and determine the inefficiencies that may occur from your current design.  Just as important is choosing an architect that knows medical design and current practice trends and one that will understand your unique office flow.

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The GZ Take: Tyson’s Corner Medical Center

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January 24, 2018 The GZ Take

Good news for emergency medical practitioners and patients, Reston Hospital Center (HCA) has announced a $1.1m expansion in the Tyson’s area.

The funds have been earmarked towards a two-story, 16,250 sqft emergency center located at 2000 Old Gallows Road in Vienna. The center will have the capacity for 11 patient rooms, all dedicated to emergency care, as well as surface parking and parking for emergency services vehicles. 

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Buy vs. Lease – The Medical Practice’s Guide

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January 16, 2018 relocation

Finding the right medical office space is a different process for every practice. Some choose to lease, some choose to buy. There is no right or wrong answer in either direction, it really boils down to your specific needs and comparing the pros and cons accordingly. With that said, it may be helpful to ask yourself a few questions and make a list of your comparisons. Let’s talk leasing first.

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4 Great Prescriptions For The Right Medical Relocation

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December 5, 2017 quick tips, relocation

Building a successful medical or dental practice is hard work. Moving your practice could prove equally as challenging. If you’re an established practice currently considering relocation, you should start a must-do checklist right now. Here are four critical tips to get you started:

1. Rent or Own

Moving any office is challenging enough, relocating a medical practice is even more so. Your first logical step is deciding whether you plan to own or lease. Either scenario involves having the right information to make more informed decisions. So, next on your checklist is to partner with an agent or broker specializing in medical real estate office space. These experts can guide you at every step starting with helping you explore options that could lower the purchase price or rental rate.

2. Ideal Location

Finding the right office space also means finding a location that fits your needs. Are there convenient parking facilities for your patients, staff and suppliers? Is the address close to public transit? Is the building accessible by design with features like elevators, handicap-accessible ramps and restrooms? Another consideration to keep in mind is many older buildings don’t have the required infrastructure to support your high-tech needs.

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Create a Waiting Room Patients Enjoy

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May 15, 2017 patient experience

Gittleson Zuppas Waiting Room

Waiting rooms can be a dreaded place to enter. But, what if time spent in your waiting room didn’t feel like waiting at all?  What if instead of choosing between a Glamour magazine from October of 2010 & a Men’s Health from April of 2011, your patients and those that come with them to their appointments could pass time being productive or genuinely entertained?

Here is a list of items or services that can create a positive experience in your waiting room.

Waiting Room Improvement #1. Free WiFi.

With the popularity of smartphones and tablets, many people can make good use of their time if an internet connection is available.  Offer free WiFi to your patients so they can get some work in or play games and network while waiting for their appointment.

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