Starting a portable X-ray business is a great idea. Mobile X-ray businesses are critical for reaching patients in isolated regions and those who are badly injured or otherwise unable to travel to a clinic. They can be enjoyable, rewarding, and profitable.
However, you should consider several important steps before you get started. It includes conducting market research, creating a business plan, securing funding, dealing with licensing and public health compliance, purchasing equipment, hiring staff, getting insurance, and initiating your marketing plan.
Let’s explore these items in more detail so you can set up a successful mobile practice.
So, How Do You Start a Mobile X-ray Machine Business?
Mobile X-ray practices are like any business in that you must take a series of steps before you can start taking on patients.
Conduct Market Research
Perform market research to determine how many other mobile radiology businesses are already in your area. Starting a new company with a saturated local market is an uphill struggle in which you might want to avoid competing.
But if mobile radiography businesses are already in your area, don’t be discouraged. Ask around and find out how busy they are and what kind of services they offer. That will help you decide if there’s room for you in the market or if you can offer niche services that the other companies don’t.
When researching, also look for partnership opportunities with healthcare facilities. You’ll need that later when you implement your marketing plan.
Establish Ownership
You must decide what type of business you want to start, whether it‘ll be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or for-profit or non-profit. Do your research and decide on these details first because the type of business structure you choose will affect how you develop your business plan.
Create a Business Plan
Next, all new businesses need to start with a plan. You can find templates online or create your own. Of course, you’ll need to have a good idea about mobile X-ray systems before starting your plan so you can decide what kind of equipment and other needs you have.
Here are several elements that are essential to any successful business plan.
- Executive Summary - summarizes the key components of your plan, including what kinds of services you offer, your target market, funding needs, and funding availability.
- Background and Objectives - gives an overview of what a mobile X-ray service offers and defines what you plan to achieve with your company.
- Products and Services - discuss what equipment you will buy, what services you will offer, and where you will offer your services. Be sure to factor in gas mileage and driving time when determining your service area, as this can significantly affect your bottom line.
- Competitive Analysis - include the initial market research you conducted already, but delve deeper to look at what sets you apart from your competition, as this justifies your entry into the local market.
- Marketing Plan - how do you intend to get yourself out there? Include developing partnerships with clinics, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities. It may also include placing ads online, in newsletters, social media, flyers, etc., or offering discounts for first-time customers or referrals.
- Operation Plan - Cover how the business will get off the ground, including obtaining licenses and hiring licensed personnel to run the equipment. It also includes a plan of how you and your personnel will conduct your day-to-day activities.
- Financials - An important section covering how much money you have, how much you need, and where you hope to secure your funding. Financials are critical for any new company hoping to acquire a loan. It’s a good idea to hire an accountant to help you so you don’t overlook important details. However, here are some critical financial details you should include.
- Be sure to include a complete list of all vehicle and equipment costs in your start-up budget
- Be sure to factor in gas mileage and labor into your operating costs
- Include where your funds will come from, like grants, small business loans, and in-house financing options
- Include realistic income projections for at least the first year
Licensing Requirements
Applying for the various licenses can take some time, so getting started early is essential. Every state has different requirements, but you can find information about your state's requirements from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
A critical requirement is becoming a licensed healthcare provider in your state, which you must do before you can start seeing patients. It’ll also ensure you can work with all the health organizations and insurance companies that operate in your region.
You can also contact the Department of Health in your state for more information. Contacting the American Portable Diagnostics Association is another great source of information.
Purchase Mobile X-Ray Equipment
The first piece of equipment you should purchase is your mobile X-ray equipment. It’s a good idea to do that before buying your vehicle since it may be critical to help you decide what vehicle size and internal storage capacity will best accommodate your equipment.
When shopping for equipment, be sure to purchase from reputable sellers who stand by their products. These sellers offer good warranties and 24/7 remote support if you’ve any questions or technical issues with your equipment. If the seller does not stand behind their product, neither should you.
If you need any help choosing equipment, the knowledgeable staff at Patient Image can explain the different types of equipment to help you decide which is best for you. We also have fast and flexible in-house financing options to help you purchase your equipment.
Since your business is mobile, you’ll need to be able to connect to the Internet via a mobile Wi-Fi service and have storage space online, so be sure to consider that in your costs and plan. Some mobile X-ray equipment already comes bundled with storage plans, streamlining that process for you.
Obtain Business Insurance
Now that you have your license and equipment, it's time to get business insurance before you take on any clients. Insurance is essential for any company, but none more so than the healthcare industry.
Talk to your local insurance providers to find details about the type of coverage you should have, as this can vary depending on the location. Be sure that your insurance includes medical malpractice and that it covers all the personnel who will be working with you.
Comply With Privacy Laws
The medical industry has strict privacy laws regarding medical records, so ensure you understand them. Then, create a series of standard procedures that all personnel will follow to ensure your compliance with those important laws. Be prepared to train your staff in the laws and why they must be followed to ensure due diligence.
For instance, every healthcare provider should know HIPAA is a critical privacy law. You can also look up privacy laws on the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Hire Staff
Now that you’re almost ready to open your mobile radiology clinic, you must hire your staff. One vital resource is to find a local radiology group since the doctors, radiologists, nurses, and other staff in your area will already be part of one and have the expertise you need to conduct and interpret the X-rays and produce reports.
Depending on your workload, you may need a receptionist to handle booking appointments, billing, and data management. Be sure they’re also trained in all medical privacy laws.
Initiate Your Marketing Plan and Open Your Business
Next, initiate the marketing plan you developed in your business plan. Advertise and visit local healthcare providers to establish relationships. Then, set up your equipment and ensure you and your staff are trained to operate them. Now, you can officially open your business and start seeing patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mobile Radiology the Right Business for Me?
Whether mobile radiology is right for you depends on where you plan to operate. A mobile company is perfect if you like being on the road rather than tied to a desk. However, conduct market research to determine if your region has a need and a high enough density of immobile patients to support it.
Final Thoughts
Now you understand the essential steps and requirements of opening a mobile radiology company, from market research, creating a business plan with financials, licensing requirements, purchasing mobile digital X-ray systems, complying with privacy laws, and hiring staff.
Once you tick all those boxes, you’re ready to join a growing sector of professionals nationwide who travel to patients in need when they cannot travel to a clinic. If you have any questions about mobile radiology equipment, contact the friendly staff at Patient Image and learn more about how we can help you.
