Starting a medical practice may not be too different than starting any other business, but there is one area that will require extensive knowledge and that is the use of medical terms. Even if you are only working the business end you will come across many medical terms and must know what these terms mean. There are also key codes you will need to learn in order to bill for your medical business. You will need to be aware of the medical laws and the agencies that govern them. Look at the following key terms when starting a medical practice.

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Clinical practice guidelines

Clinical practice guidelines are statements set up in medical practices for and by health-care professionals outlining specific courses of action that patients should take should they suffer from an ailment. This helps both the patients and the health-care professionals decide appropriate action and treatment for the patient.

I recommend: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute provides detailed information about clinical practice guidelines.

ICD9

ICD9, or International Classification of Diseases, is the code in medical practice used by health-care professionals to classify the disease. Instead of typing a word such as diabetes, the code assigns a number (for diabetes it is 249).

I recommend: ICD9 Chrisendres offers a free searchable data base of ICD9 codes. National Center for Health Statistics provides information on ICD9 codes and other codes used by the medical profession.

HCPCS

HCPCS, or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, differs from ICD9 codes in that the ICD9 code refers to the disease the patient has, while the HCPCS code refers to the treatment the patient received from the doctor's medical practice.

I recommend: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers more information regarding HCPCS codes including some government regulations regarding codes and medical practice. ICD9 Data offers a free searchable database of all HCPCS codes from the current year back to 2005.

HIPAA

HIPAA, or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a federal act that became law in 1996 to protect the privacy of patient medical records. All medical practice staff personel must adhere to this law.

I recommend: HIPAA provides details, including the full statement of the law, as well as enforcement and security regarding the law and medical practice.

Observation

Observation in medical practices means watching a patient closely to decide if he or she should be admitted to a hospital, seek treatment at an outpatient facility or go home.

I recommend: The University of Arizona opened a medical observation unit to observe patients not yet admitted but in need of observation.

Primary care physician, or PCP

A primary care physician, or PCP, is the general practitioner of a medical practice who cares for all family members, including children. Other primary-care physicians include general internists and pediatricians.

I recommend: Care Counsel provides extensive information about primary-care physicians and their duties.

Starting a medical practice can be a very exciting endeavor, but one that requires much accountability and liability in areas that include employee, client, and medical safety. Many people consider the entrepreneurial route, but it is a risky road to take, especially if you don't set yourself up for success. You don't have to sell a unique product, but you should offer a one-of-a-kind service.

Anyone can start a business with the right attitude and financial backing. Competition will be fierce. You can't expect to put your feet up because it's your own business. On the contrary, you should expect to work very hard in the beginning. Before quitting your full time job in the hopes that you become your own boss and open your medical practice startup, ask yourself the following:

1. Are you committed? It takes more than just a good idea to open your medical business start up. It takes time, money and hard work.

2. If applicable, do you have the right partners? Friends are sometimes best at being just that: they are not always good business partners. Vet potential partners as objectively as possible.

3. Have you done your research to make sure there's demand for your product or service? You may have a great idea, but how many others have the same idea?

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Start a medical practice with credibility and get licensed

Businesses are legally required to obtain certain government licenses. Your state may regulate medical businesses via zoning and land/property use permits, federal and state employer tax ID numbers, and a business name certificate. Regulations vary from state to state, as do the agencies that do the regulating. There are online resources that can help you file these documents.

I recommend: Business Licenses is a fee-based online resource with statewide permits that include medical licenses. Business.gov can assist you in obtaining the necessary federal, state and local permits, licenses, and registrations for starting your business successfully. Use the “Permit Me” tool for efficiency.

Join an association and build industry credibility when you launch medical practice start-up

As a new business owner, you don't have to go it completely alone. Consider joining an industry association for support. Organizations bring together professionals with the same goals and challenges. As a member you have access to certification and educational opportunities, in addition to networking events, so you can meet industry peers, vendors and suppliers.

I recommend: The American Medical Association offers practice management tools to help you run your business. The National Medical Association has an online newsroom and featured events for educational and networking opportunities. It also offers access to publications and other tools to help you run your practice.

Partner with reliable vendors when you open your medical practice startup

As a business owner, it's imperative that you partner with vendors who can assist you in your endeavor to be successful. Both your vendors must be dependable, accommodating, offer a wide variety of products, and be reasonably priced. You want to build a long-term relationship with your suppliers and they must also share your interest in pleasing your clients.

I recommend: Value Medical Supplies provides a large variety of medical supplies including wheel chairs, patient lifts, and oxygen carts. Medical Supply Group features a diverse range of medical products from medical apparel and baby care products to core wound care and surgical supplies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you first open your medical business start up, you may decide to balance your own finances; but as your business grows, consider partnering with an accountant who can help you with tax issues and assist you in building a financially sound company.