Is Independent Practice Right for You?
As part of our blog, we are launching a new series designed for providers who are considering starting their own independent practices but are unsure where or when to begin. This series is intended to serve as an educational resource for those in the early stages of exploring independence, as well as for providers who may already be taking their first steps toward opening a clinic. As the series progresses, some posts will also be relevant to established practices looking for ways to strengthen or improve their operations.
This first post focuses on a foundational question: what does it really mean to be an independent practice?
Understanding the Reality of Independent Practice
Many providers are drawn to independent medicine because of the autonomy it offers, the opportunity to build something meaningful, and the ability to make a deeper impact on patients’ lives, often in ways that are not possible within large institutional systems. Owning a practice allows providers to shape care delivery, move away from rigid time limits, and create a clinic culture that aligns with their values.
However, opening an independent practice is rarely quick, and it is almost never something that can or should be done overnight. Independence is a process that requires planning, patience, and a clear understanding of what the journey entails. While the process can be made more manageable with the right support, it is important to recognize that this is not an immediate or simple transition.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue independent practice is not only a professional one. It is also a personal one. There is no single right path for every provider. The key is understanding what you want for your practice and tailoring your approach to your vision.
Independence Means More Than Clinical Autonomy
As an Independent Practice Association, Integrity Health Network has been involved in dozens of new clinic start ups. Through that experience, we have seen firsthand what it truly takes to get a practice up and running.
One of the most important realities to understand is that being an independent clinic owner means wearing more than one hat. You are not only the clinician providing care. You are also the business owner and the leader your team looks to for direction.
In addition to overseeing quality care, independent practice owners must develop a business mindset. This can be a challenging transition. Many providers excel clinically but
find the business aspects of running a practice unfamiliar or overwhelming. This is where early guidance matters.
We often see clinics come to us after trying to figure everything out on their own, guessing at processes, timelines, and requirements, only to find themselves facing unnecessary complications. Seeking professional guidance early can help prevent those issues rather than trying to fix them later.
Importantly, independent medicine does not mean doing everything alone. It means choosing when and where support is needed.
The Scope of Running an Independent Clinic
Opening a practice involves far more than patient care alone. Independent clinic owners must account for staffing needs, compliance and regulatory requirements, health plan contracting and credentialing, billing and coding processes, human resources policies, clinic systems and technology, as well as scheduling and patient workflows.
While independent practice offers flexibility and autonomy, it also comes with increased administrative responsibilities. New owners must be willing to learn and engage in both clinical and operational aspects of their business, especially in the early stages.
Qualities That Often Support Success in Independent Practice
Independent practice tends to work well for providers who are comfortable making decisions, are willing to learn the non-clinical aspects of healthcare, desire control over care delivery and clinic culture, and value collaboration while remaining open to seeking external support.
These qualities are often more important than specialty or years of experience.
When Independent Ownership May Not Be the Right Fit Yet
Timing plays a critical role in the success of a new practice. Independent ownership may not be the right fit yet for providers who require immediate financial stability, do not have the time or capacity to plan, are not prepared for delayed revenue during the startup phase, or are unsure of what they want their practice to look like.
Opening a practice is a long-term investment. Revenue does not flow immediately, and careful financial planning is essential. It is also important to have clarity around major decisions, such as purchasing property or hiring staff, before moving forward.
Not yet does not mean never. Planning early can significantly change readiness over time.
Questions to Ask Before Starting an Independent Practice
Before taking steps toward independence, it is helpful to ask yourself why you want to pursue independent practice, what your long term goals are, what problem you are trying to solve or what gap you hope to fill, how comfortable you are with uncertainty and delayed outcomes, what kind of practice you want to build, what success looks like in one year versus five years, and what you need help with along with who you trust to advise you.
These questions help clarify motivation, readiness, and vision, and they form the foundation for thoughtful planning.
Planning Before Acting
One of the most common mistakes we see is rushing into the process without fully understanding timelines, requirements, or long-term implications. It is possible to learn about the process of owning a clinic without being ready to open one.
Education and early planning provide flexibility and better decision making. Support can exist at every stage, from the initial idea to launch and beyond. When providers understand timelines, common challenges, and the full scope of their decisions, they are better positioned for long term financial and operational success.
Support should be viewed as a strategic investment, not just a safety net when something goes wrong.
A Process Worth Understanding
Owning an independent clinic is a process that can be deeply rewarding but also requires patience and thoughtful preparation. There is no wrong time to learn more about your options as a medical professional and consider what you want your future to look like.
Uncertainty is normal. Every clinic we have supported has experienced it in some form. Understanding the path early gives you greater control and confidence moving forward.
At Integrity Health Network, our role has always been to help independent clinics understand the full scope of what independence involves so they can make informed decisions.
This series is designed to help you explore independent medicine more thoughtfully and intentionally. This is just the first post, and we encourage you to watch for the next installment as we continue breaking down the realities of starting and running an independent practice.
