Medical Office Space: How to Choose the Best Location

70% of healthcare consumers deem location critical when selecting a provider or healthcare system. Primary doctors, who handle routine illnesses, have a broad and consistent patient demographic. As the go-to source for initial medical care, they require a medical office space that is convenient for their patients. Naturally, this applies to specialists too, who may have to consider their location even more carefully.

620 N LaSalle provided below some defining factors to help you find the best location for your medical office space.

Can Any Office Space be Used for Medical Private Practice?

Wondering, “can any office space be used for medical offices?”. Unlike other professions, navigating the question of can retail space be used for medical office spaces is more complicated than you would imagine. 

There are a lot of factors to consider for medical office space requirements and typically require strategic planning. Before signing any contracts, a medical professional should review the options with a medical real estate advisor, who is educated on the topic. In the process, it’s essential to consider location factors, financial risks, and legislation limitations. 

Concentration of Competitors

Conduct market research to establish how many health care practitioners are operating in your desired location. It may be difficult to build upon your existing patient base if you’re not already operating in the area. Patients form long-lasting relationships with their professional healthcare practitioners.

However, having other physicians in the area with different specialties may be advantageous, as it can expand your referral network. While an area may be unsuitable for a general practitioner, it may be one of the best locations for dental practices, for example.

The average patient base for primary care doctors is roughly 1200 - 1900, depending on the size of the practice and specialty. Using this dataset as a bench is useful to determine how viable any potential location is.

Proximity to Hospitals and Partner Labs

Two important factors when considering a medical office space rental are hospitals and partner labs. 

Choosing a location that’s close to another major medical facility or hospital can be majorly beneficial. This way, patients don’t have to go far if they need additional tests or procedures. Additionally, this is a perk if doctors in your practice have medical privileges. 

Any ideal doctor’s office has a medical or x-ray laboratory in the same facility or at least close by. This makes coming to your practice much more convenient for patients who need to get blood work or x-rays done after seeing you. If this isn’t available at your own facility, having one in the immediate area will be a relief to your practice. 

Demographic Characteristics

Population demographics matter just as much as size. Larger populations correlate directly with higher patient ratios, but there’s more to it than that.  Your specialty may attract a specific age group, so it's important to know these population statistics.

Age has an enormous impact on finding the best location for a medical practice. Healthcare professionals who prefer working with private payers rather than Medicare wouldn’t go looking for medical office space in a community with a large group of senior citizens.

Also, find out if the population is declining or growing. Typically, it’s easier to establish a practice in a community that is growing than trying to gain patients who have long-standing relationships with healthcare practitioners already in the area.

Traffic

Many healthcare practitioners do not consider the traffic patterns of their potential clients. Is the location in a high-traffic area with limited parking, or is it close to a pharmacy, so patients can quickly get their medication? It’s pointless finding a space building that has ideal for medical office space in a bustling area of town if the traffic is disastrous.

Research the major thoroughfares within a 5-mile radius of the location and understand more about the business activity in the area. It’s still possible to set up an small office or even large office in a busy area if there’s ample parking or more than one road providing access.

Understanding the area’s economic demographics is also important. Upscale locations tend to attract wealthier clients, which may be useful if you’re a cosmetic surgeon, for instance, as this type of surgery usually serves patients with a higher pay grade.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Choosing a location for a doctor’s office space that accommodates wheelchairs and has handicapped parking is essential. If your office is on the main floor, that can be a solution for patients that have temporary, as well as permanent, mobility constraints. In the case your office is on a higher floor and is far from elevators, it’s beneficial to have wheelchairs readily available for those that may not be able to manage the walk. 

Exterior Signage

Common sense prevails that medical office building criteria include a place for signage. Be sure to check signage regulations before signing any lease. If potential patients can’t see your practice from the street or at least from the lobby, then you may miss out on procuring new customers.

This is especially relevant for consumer-direct professions like the healthcare industry. Thoughtful signage attracts patients and sends a message about the business. Healthcare providers with no signage may reflect badly and give off a dodgy vibe.

Signage clearly communicates what type of medical service you provide and sets the tone for the level of attention and care patients can expect from you before they walk through the door. Digital advertising hasn’t quite eclipsed the necessity of well-designed and strategically positioned signboards.

Aesthetics Factor

It may seem unnecessary, but making a good first impression does matter, even when it comes to the appearance of your doctor’s office. When leasing medical office space, ensure that the external appearance will have a positive impact on new patients. Many patients are more comfortable going to a health care provider that is in a well-located, well-kept, and well-lit building. 

Additionally, the interior will need attention, too. Your space should be warm and inviting and offer an area where they can sit and relax while they wait for their appointment. 

Appearance

A medical office space’s design should embody pristine cleanliness, both in the building’s exterior and interior. Patients will undoubtedly equate the physical appearance of your practice to the quality of your healthcare service. If a place is shabby or dirty, they will think the same about your practice. Wondering how to find and choose a medical office space that doesn’t present itself one way and turn out to be another?

When viewing properties, examine landscaping, lighting, and condition of the building. If you’re still unsure, chat to other businesses or the previous tenants to find out what the landlord is like. And evaluate if there's adequate space to set up everything your practice needs.

Conclusion

As you can see, location, demographics, signage, visibility, and traffic play a crucial role in finding the best medical office space. At 620 N LaSalle, we have a variety of beautiful offices for rent. Located in River North with a plush tenant lounge, 24/7 access, and convenient on-site parking, our office spaces are perfect for your medical practice. Click here to find out more.