6 Common Misconceptions About Healthcare Franchise Benefits

By: Christine Dura

Healthcare business opportunities in today’s market are nearly endless. With the increase in demand and a changing landscape, there is ample opportunity to begin your own healthcare franchise. But what are some of the common misconceptions when it comes to healthcare franchise benefits?

1. Separation. There is a long-held view that healthcare providers only work in practices and are not involved in “business.” As a result, franchising has had a difficult time making a larger impact in the healthcare field. Healthcare providers enter the field to provide patient care – not to spend their days dealing with aspects of the business, like spreadsheets and ROI. Franchising can alleviate this issue when it comes to private practices. By opening a franchise, healthcare providers can focus on patients and not the backend of a business.
2. Owner-Operator. On the other hand, franchises are often looked as owner-operator only and not cut out for professional services. This isn’t true. There are several healthcare business opportunities for healthcare providers who are interested in learning more, as well as entrepreneurs who know business. Healthcare providers have spent the bulk of their education learning a completely different set of skills than business. Starting with a franchise can be a huge benefit to them.
3. Education. Related to owner-operator misconceptions, many healthcare providers don’t understand the benefits and healthcare business opportunities that exist through franchising. When it comes to healthcare franchising, providers can use the knowledge of an entrepreneur to succeed and provide care. Not only does the entrepreneur know business, they understand culture, have a network of knowledgeable assets, and know how to run a business in a specific community.
4. Scalability. Some entrepreneurs shy away from healthcare business opportunities because of a misconception about scalability. However, it’s been proven time and again that healthcare franchises are just as, if not more, scalable than your standard franchise. As an example, OrthoNOW, an orthopedic urgent care, started as one practice Florida but in 2013 became a franchise and is now expanding across the country. The capital of franchisees alone allows for quick scalability.
5. Brand. The true success of any franchise comes in its brand recognition. Healthcare providers starting private practices have little to no brand recognition. The benefit of choosing to work with a franchise is they are able to immediately be a part of recognized network of quality care without the stress of dealing with the business end of it.
6. Proven Concept. Finding a qualified franchisee is not as easy as some might think. Not just anyone is fit to serve as a franchisee for a healthcare franchise. When it comes to healthcare business opportunities, not just anyone will do. Success comes in the proven history of the franchise. When a franchisee deviates from this prescribed success, the franchise can fail. However, when the right fit comes along, there is a built-in proof of concept with healthcare franchises. The product – healthcare – works. The product is proven and it’s up to the entrepreneur to figure out the business side of it.

Opening a healthcare franchise can be a great way to take advantage of today’s numerous healthcare business opportunities. Do your research and find the right partner, and nothing will stop you!

OrthoNOW is the first and only Orthopedic franchise. Contact Christine Dura at Christine@orthonowcare.com for more information about franchise opportunities.

Christine has over 25 years of quantifiable executive management and franchise related leadership experience within the US and internationally with notable franchise startups in the service, technology, retail, food, health and wellness, financial service, medical care, technology and professional services.   As a Senior Franchise Executive and Entrepreneur, Ms. Dura has been both an individual contributor and has successfully led world-class teams.

Ms. Dura excels at partnering with all core business operations to significantly increase the company’s foot print, expand market share, and generate sustainable revenue and EBIT gains.  Her proven successes, combined with her Master Degree in Training and Development, have shaped Ms. Dura’s uncanny ability to identify opportunities, build mutually rewarding partnerships and produce remarkable results. 

In addition, as a four-time Master and Unit Franchise Owner, Ms. Dura is in a very unique position to leverage her experiences and reputation at all levels in franchising along with her vast personal and professional investor network to drive immediate and long term results.   As OrthoNOW’s Chief Development Officer her role is to identify critical gaps in franchise growth and implement strategies to drive results. Her unique background allows her to leverage past experiences and solid reputation to spearhead OrthoNOW’s national expansion plans.