In recent years, the healthcare industry has been experiencing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing patient preferences, and a shift toward collaborative and patient-centric care models.
A noteworthy trend within this transformation is the rise of medical coworking spaces. These innovative environments are reshaping the way medical professionals work, collaborate, and deliver care.
Understanding Medical Co-working
The concept of coworking spaces is not new, and in the last five years, it is a model that has grown rapidly in the U.S. In 2018 there were approximately 17,000 coworking spaces nationwide, by 2024, Statista forecasts there will be nearly 42,000.
Medical coworking spaces are shared work environments designed specifically for healthcare professionals, including doctors, entrepreneurs, therapists, and researchers. These spaces provide a flexible alternative to traditional clinical settings, enabling practitioners to rent office or clinical space on-demand, often equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and medical equipment. Companies such as ShareMD Suites and Clinicube have memberships that allow users to book spaces such as consult rooms and procedure suites on demand.
MedCoShare, a Philadelphia company that provides shared office space for medical professionals, has two sites with 33 members that represent an array of healthcare professionals including primary care doctors, dermatologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, a pediatrician, and a cardiovascular surgeon. The site also has one member providing intravenous hydration therapy and another who offers laser tattoo removal, per the Philadelphia Business Journal.
Shawn Janus
“Medical coworking presents a cost-effective solution, allowing users to share overhead expenses and administrative burdens.”
The Benefits for Healthcare Professionals
There are several advantages that medical coworking spaces offer, especially for independent practices and physicians, as it reduces traditional practice constraints.
The cost of establishing and maintaining a traditional medical practice can be prohibitive, particularly for independent practitioners. Medical coworking presents a cost-effective solution, allowing users to share overhead expenses and administrative burdens. Space flexibility is also beneficial for practitioners who are starting their careers or seeking to expand their patient base without the upfront costs of establishing a full-fledged clinic.
These spaces create a unique environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities for networking. Doctors and specialists from various fields can connect, share insights, and collectively address complex medical cases.
In a recent article from The Economic Times, a doctor explained: “Medical coworking spaces are a great alternative to the health ecosystem. Importantly, people can get a prime location for a clinic at a very affordable rent. The best part is, all hassles are taken care of such as appointment coordination, nursing staff management, running the clinic, billing management, and more. With medical coworking spaces cropping up, medical professionals can expand to any geography feasible for them and provide their expertise to more patients.”
Factors Driving the Growth of Medical Coworking
The convergence of healthcare and technology has paved the way for telemedicine, remote diagnostics, and digital health records, and medical coworking spaces are ideally positioned to harness these advancements. The hybrid approach to work and wellness continues to rise, and these spaces can seamlessly blend in-person and online flexibility for patients and providers.
The rise of medical coworking spaces could mark a pivotal point in the evolution of healthcare. By offering healthcare professionals greater flexibility, access to advanced technology, and opportunities for collaboration, these spaces play a part in reshaping the way patient care is delivered. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, medical co-working holds the potential to modernize the industry, creating a place where collaboration and care converge.
Maureen Goetz
Stephen Woelfel