Opening a clinic: the software checklist

Opening a clinic is the one time you choose software with nothing to move. No old contract, no export, no patient records to carry over. Moving later is the part owners dread most, so the choice is worth getting right now.

Many new clinics are small businesses run by the person who also treats. Among US med spas, according to the American Med Spa Association, 81% have a single location, and the average one takes about $1.4 million a year.

What the software should do

• Online booking that knows practitioners, rooms and devices, so nothing is double-booked.
• One inbox for calls, texts and web enquiries.
• Deposits or a card on file, to protect the diary from no-shows.
• Consent and medical history forms tied to each service and sent before the visit.
• Charting with doses, batch numbers and photos, with medical director sign-off.
• Checkout that handles packages, memberships and tips in a few steps.
• Recalls that bring patients back when a review is due.

Ask about the company, not just the software

In the reviews we read, the most common complaints were about support, reliability, pricing and contracts, not features. Before you sign, ask:

• Can I reach a person by phone during my clinic hours?
• What is the full price, including payment fees and add-ons?
• How long is the contract, and how do I leave?
• Can I export everything, photos included, at any time?

Where Sovica fits

Sovica is for independent clinics of every kind, and new clinics are one of the first groups we want to work with. If you are opening soon, tell us about your plans.