MDNews - Central New York

+++++++++++++++++++ + + +++++++++++++++++++ REAL ESTATE +++ +++ EFFECTIVELY USING YOUR MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE By Brian M. Balash, CCIM IN TODAY'S ECONOMY, EVERY business is trying to figure out ways to become more efficient and more productive while lowering costs. When it comes to real estate, most corporate decision makers are moving away from the rows of big, private executive offices to an open, collaborative floor plan. Some companies are even "hoteling," or sharing workstations among employees who may be frequently in and out of the office. These concepts are great ways to reduce square-footage requirements and can provide a big reduction in what is typically a business' second highest expense (real estate). Corporate America and the average medical practice have the same desire to lower overhead, but there are countless reasons you will not be sitting at a shared exam cubicle instead of an exam room for your next checkup. This is a bit of a setback for savings, but there are some solutions. Whether you're a sole practitioner, a practice manager or a hospital COO, you may need to consult one or more of the following experts. Health Care Architects If you are in an office that your practice is outgrowing or your 14 | Central New York MD NEWS s MDNEWS.COM lease is set to expire and you are swimming in your space, there are a few things you can do to help with a solution. Consulting an architect who specializes in health care design can be a great step in the right direction. A good architect will be up on the cutting-edge trends in health care efficiencies and can discuss ways to either rework your space to accommodate your needs or help reduce your footprint. A good rule of thumb in determining whether you have an efficient space is to ask yourself how long have you been in your current space. If you have to scratch your head or ask the other doctors, you probably have outdated space! Not that there is anything wrong with shag carpet or wood paneling, but better use of your space can lead to more revenue and lower operating expenses. Storage Specialists If your practice hasn't already converted to an electronic medical record (EMR) system, it will have to do so by 2014 under the mandate that has been put in place by the federal government. Even with a good EMR system in place, your practice still needs a place for some filing and storage of other miscellaneous supplies. A storage solution specialist can figure

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