The decorator may also have resources for how to set up a chiropractic clinic with items you need at a lower cost, or they can find unique items…
You’re opening a new (or new to you) chiropractic office. Once you’ve secured the location, the next step is to set up the inside of the clinic. How to set up a chiropractic clinic involves thinking about the equipment you need, deciding what you want your office’s interior to look like, and figuring out your budget so you know how much cash (or financing) you have to work with.
Chiropractic furniture and equipment sourcing
When opening a new office, certain furniture and equipment will be needed from day one. This includes:
- A treatment table for adjustments
- Diagnostic equipment and devices
- Desk for the reception area
- Computer, printer, and copier
- Phone system
- Chairs and end tables for the waiting room
Depending on the services you plan to offer, you may need additional or specialized equipment. You might want a drop table or flexion table for more specific adjustments, for instance. Or you may need a TENS machine or low-level laser therapy device to assist with treatments. If you will sell supplements and other products, you’ll also need some type of shelving system to display these items and another for product storage.
You can purchase furniture and chiropractic equipment direct from the distributor. If you have a pre-existing relationship with a distributor, ask for a loyalty discount. You can also ask for a discount if you plan to purchase several items at once. Some will extend lower pricing but only if you ask.
Another option when considering how to set up a chiropractic clinic is if a local chiropractor is closing their office or remodeling, you may be able to buy some of these items from them. Ask around your network to see if anyone has the things you need. This will typically lower your upfront expenses while enabling you to outfit your practice until you can afford newer or more updated items.
How to set up a chiropractic clinic: interior design
In addition to securing the necessary equipment and furniture, it’s also important to think about how you’re going to design your interior space. Consider how color will impact your patients, such as using warm colors to create a more tranquil environment. Pictures on the walls, art displayed in the corner, and other details can help you create a space that elicits the emotions you want your patients to feel while also strengthening your chiropractic brand.
If you’re not sure about the best design for your new practice, an interior decorator can help. This professional knows how to maximize your space and make it more appealing to the eye. Taking this route may even save you money in the long run by keeping you from purchasing items you don’t need, don’t have room for, or that you buy only to later realize that they aren’t going to work.
The decorator may also have resources for how to set up a chiropractic clinic with items you need at a lower cost. Or they can find unique items to give your office a feel that patients won’t get when visiting another chiropractic practice.
To find the best decorator for you, Nerd Wallet recommends first assessing the scope of your project and gathering ideas of what you want your practice to look like. This helps the decorator know if it’s a suitable project for them. If it is, ask for references and check them out. Also, communicate your budget to ensure that they can work within it.
Calculating your budget
The amount of money you have available to outfit your practice will determine how much you can do. If you have a limited budget, you may have to start with the bare necessities, then buy other items as you become more profitable. If your budget has a bit more wiggle room, you could buy more of the items you need or increase the quality of the items that you buy.
When calculating your budget, make a list of all your available financial resources. Consider how much cash you have, what amount of financing is available (such as distributors offering six months same as cash with no money down), and your financing resources (including lines of credit or credit cards). Decide how much you are comfortable with using on each one, then plan out what items each will cover.
Remember also that finding a good deal involves more than price. It may be worth it to pay more for a quality chiropractic table that will last you for several years, for instance, than to skimp on price and wind up with one that you have to replace in half the time. Consider your patients’ needs as well, such as having oversized chairs in the waiting room for larger patients or having a treatment table that you can lift and lower electronically for patients who may struggle to do this on their own.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to outfitting a new chiropractic practice. But as long as you consider these things, you will be in a better position to create a practice suitable for you and your patients.
For additional layout ideas on how to set up a chiropractic clinic click here.
