In this blog, I will talk to you about physiotherapy in private practices. And the advantages and disadvantages of the type of physiotherapy.

What are Private Practices?

Private practices are a professional business that is not controlled or paid by the government or a larger company.

Private practices are an option some patients may look into for any reason; this could down to the modern healthcare model and the burden of public sector services such as the NHS.

Advantages Of Private Practices

Patient Perspective

From the patient perspective, there are many advantages and benefits from going to private practice, such as;

• A personalised experience of treatment
• Waiting time is reduced.
• Longer treatment sessions
• A wider variety of treatment options

Physiotherapist Perspective

Physiotherapists who work in private practices or own a private practice have many advantages to websites like Physio123.com and Physiopulse. They help private practice set up and run along with advertisements for their new business.

Personal Goal

Another advantage of private practices is that physiotherapists can achieve a challenge or goal by setting up their own business, making things more exciting.

A physiotherapist can start up their own private practice business by beginning to do some of these;

• They are writing out their business plan.
• Finding a space
• Buying equipment
• Executing a marketing strategy
• Adding your personal touches to your practice as it is your brand

Independence

Having your private practice has the most significant benefit of all, which is independence; you are your boss where you can decide when you want to work, how your work and whom you work with. This includes employees if you want to expand and patients.

The effort you put in will result in the reward you will get, so the harder you work, the more income you will earn.

Setting up your private practice is excellent but will be a lot easier with experience and extra knowledge for the job’s skills. This can include specialising in a particular physiotherapy area; this can also reward you again with extra business and income.

Work Schedule Suited To You

Owning your practice comes with the benefit of working when you want. This means you do not have to work the regular hospital hours of 08:30 to 16:30; this can also increase business if you work outside of the hours as you will gain more patients who cannot come throughout the day due to work or personal reasons.

Your Earnings Are Fair

Having your private practice gives you the opportunity of deciding the fee structure, which decides what you get paid and the earning potential you have.

Everyone wants to give themself an excellent salary what they deserve, but budgeting for the improvements in your practice comes first.

Disadvantages Of Private Practices

Patient Perspective

From the patient perspective, there are many disadvantages and negatives from going to private practice, such as;

• More expensive
• Not as much access to other medical professions
• Some physiotherapist may be profit-driven

Physiotherapist Perspective

From the physiotherapist perspective, there are many disadvantages and negatives from going to private practice, such as;

• Feel isolated
• CPD opportunities are reduced
• Work long hours to establish a business.
• No guaranteed income
• Have to pay overheads
• Finance your pension and sick pay scheme
• As well as physiotherapist skills, you must have business and administration skills.

NHS vs Private Practices

Some of the fundamental difference between working privately and in the NHS system;

Working privately, you will be employed by a particular practice or decide to take the risk of running your practice.

Some private practices have expanded in size and have also offered some of the same benefits that the NHS system can provide.

Hours You Work

NHS employees have a prearranged agreement for a duration of time; this will also include an emergency duty where they are called to work in non-sociable hours or on the weekends.

Private practice employees hours work depending on their workload. More extensive and busier practices may work more than the NHS norm.

Income

NHS employees income is usually guaranteed; Band 5 physiotherapists can expect to earn between £21,000 – £27,500. This is based on the NHS agenda pay rates.

Private practice employees income can vary and is uncertain. This depends on the number of clients they see or the type of contract they sign. The national range for the average pay can vary between £17,000 – £53,000.

Types Of Private Practice

There are a variety of options when it comes to setting up your private practice, such as;

• Treating Privately
• Support Worker
• Becoming a Partner in An Existing Practice
• Purchasing An Existing Practice

Private Practice Considerations

When setting up your private practice or going to work in one, there are many considerations you should think about to ensure it is right for you, such as;

• Experience

It is essential to have the essential skills assessment and diagnosis, and when to refer patients; you will need to keep updated with CPD and allocate time for you to complete your CPD.

• Employment

When taking the self-employed position to ensure a contract for services, which outlines a proposed agreement, if you take up the position of being an employee, make sure you receive a contract of employment. In either position, everything in the contracts should be made clear.

My Interest In Private Practices Physiotherapy

I am interested in physiotherapy in private practices because this would allow me eventually to build my client base and eventually open up my very own private practice.

Working in private practice will provide me with the experience and knowledge to set up my own. Having that experience will guide me, help me build my brand, and ensure that I do not make mistakes that I could potentially avoid.

I would recommend physiotherapy in private practices as you are more likely to receive higher-quality treatment and service as you are paying for the service, unlike the NHS.