If you are a qualified doctor who is thinking of opening up surgery in your local area this year, you likely know that there are a lot of costs and licensing you’ll need to go through before you can finally settle into your new practice.
One of the things which will take some time to sort out once you do have the permits you need is the office itself.
Depending on the size of surgery you have, you will need different things in there to make examining patients a little easier, and here are just some of the things you’ll want to have in your office from day one.
#1 A great computer
The computer you decide to use for your doctor’s office will make a big difference to your productivity and it will mean that you are able to work on more things at the same time and grab the information of your patients within seconds when they visit you in the office.
Think about looking for free software for data collection to make storing sensitive medical records more convenient and secure.
#2 An eye test sheet
Everyone at some point in their childhood or adulthood will need to have a simple eye test to see whether they need to be referred to an optician for glasses or not.
You only need a small section of wall for this test and you can buy eye test sheets online to add to your office. This will be a simple 5-minute examination for any patient who comes in and a convenient way to see how good their eyesight is.
#3 Asthma information and peak flow meter
Many small children will develop a form of asthma during their early years, however, it can affect people of all ages and it can vary in severity.
It is a common chronic illness and therefore it will be helpful for you to have information on hand in the form of diagrams of the windpipe and flyers for different inhalers.
A peak flow meter is a handy device that will allow patients to check their airflow within seconds. It can help you determine how severe their respiratory problems are and it can help you to refer them to the right medicine.
#4 Ear testing probe
When patients come into your office with a cold or for a general checkup it is always handy to have an ear testing probe with a light on the end so that you can look out for congestion in the ears and see if the eyes are healthy too.
It can help you prescribe the right medicine within a few minutes and makes the job much easier for you and the patient.
#5 Ultrasound machine
If you are a pillar in your community there will be times throughout your career when women come to see you and find out that they are with child.
Although most small GP surgeries don’t deal with ultrasounds, you could be the one in your local area who does.
Having an ultrasound machine in your surgery will allow you to comfort the expecting mother and share this wonderful moment with them as they see their baby for the first time. What could be better than that?
#6 An ECG unit
An ECG unit is used to measure the heart rate of an individual as well as measure the frequency of the heartbeat and make sure that it is regular.
If someone came to you worrying that they have a rapid heart rate you can use this handy little device to make sure that the patient isn’t displaying an irregular heartbeat because this could need extra medical attention.
#7 Blood pressure monitor
A blood pressure monitor is one of the easiest little devices to get hold of and it is one of those essential items to have in the doctor’s office from day one because you will be using it most of the time when people come in for checkups throughout the year.
A blood pressure monitor is a small and cheap device that you can buy almost anywhere so it can be one of the first things you buy as you set out to kit out your office.
#8 BMI info and scales
When it comes to general health for people of all ages, it can be important as a doctor to give out advice about health and nutrition to keep people fit throughout their lives.
A BMI chart is a must-have in the office as it will allow you to take the height and weight of a patient and then show them the calculation to give them an idea of how healthy they really are and what they could improve on in the future.
It is a simple piece of kit but one which will help a lot of people.
#9 AED for emergencies
Of course, it is a rare occurrence that you will be faced with an emergency in the office, however, it is always worth being prepared in case an elderly or vulnerable patient collapses and suffers from a cardiac arrest.
A defibrillator is a simple piece of kit which could be the difference between life and death for a patient and therefore it is most likely to be the best investment you make for the doctor’s office. Of course, proper defibrillator placement helps save lives, so make sure to place it somewhere easily accessible and where everyone on the premises can find it.
#10 Urine test equipment
There will come times during your career as a doctor where you’ll have to do those nitty-gritty tests, and one of those tests will include urine.
There are so many different things you can test urine for including pregnancy, sugar levels, and vitamin levels, etc… getting yourself a handy testing kit in the surgery will allow you to test urine in the office and get back to your patients immediately with a diagnosis and further treatment ideas.
When it comes to kitting out your doctor’s surgery, it might take some time and effort to source the things you need, but it will be a great way to start your medical practice on a high and find success in your career.
What other things should a doctor’s office have?
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