Having an independent practice affords you complete control of how you run your practice. That’s ideal if you want to make your mark as a general practitioner.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In a single-handed practice, you are the one making all the decisions, from your working hours to the layout of your surgery. This is perfect if you want to achieve your own vision as a general practitioner and prefer not to be dependent on others.
"},"title":"Full autonomy"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"An independent practice allows you to quickly build a closer care relationship with your patients and leads to patients returning to you for all their consultations. This creates a relationship of trust and a person-centred approach to care.
"},"title":"Relationship-based care"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Another important advantage of having an independent medical practice? You decide what happens to your income and any profits. Will you leave the capital in your company to use for future investments, or distribute the profits at the end of the financial year? This financial independence can be a decisive factor in opting for an independent practice.
"},"title":"Financial decisions"},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"In an independent general practice, you are in the driver's seat. You decide how you run your practice, how many hours you work per week and when you take leave. Patients come to see you specifically, which allows you to build a close relationship with them. And whether you build up capital in your company or distribute profits each year is up to you. The downside: you won’t have colleagues on hand to consult with, and your patients have no alternative when you are ill or on holiday.
"},"title":"In summary"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Group practice: stronger together"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Having your own single-handed practice used to be a logical choice for many GPs, but nowadays you see more and more group practices. ‘Working with other doctors or healthcare professionals offers both practical and financial advantages,’ says Valerie Cesar. Valerie manages an architectural firm specialising in medical practices and sits on the board of Medpoint, a multidisciplinary network for medical professionals.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":""}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Working with other doctors or healthcare professionals offers both practical and financial advantages.
One of the biggest advantages of a group practice is the ability to achieve a better work-life balance. Dividing patients between your fellow doctors means that you don't have to be available all the time. This makes it much easier to plan holidays or days off, while your patients still have the option of coming to your practice as one of your colleagues can take over any urgent cases while you are away. ‘We see group practices often taking a flexible approach,’ says Valerie. ‘Doctors are no longer working full-time and they share their offices. This provides more breathing room and freedom without compromising the continuity of care for patients.
"},"title":"Better work-life balance"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"When you are in a group practice with colleagues, you can share not only equipment but also many of the expenses. For example, you can share rent, energy bills, software and even staff – such as an administrative assistant or nurse. You can divide up the administrative tasks, too. This makes group practice financially attractive, especially in times of rising costs.
"},"title":"Sharing costs and equipment"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Working with colleagues means you have someone to discuss complex cases with. And there will always be someone around when you need moral support. Another plus is that older GPs in a group practice can more easily transfer their patient population to younger colleagues.
‘While there are many GP associations, we also see many group practices opting for a multidisciplinary approach. Working with dieticians, psychologists or physiotherapists adds value for your patients, and it also gives you colleagues to consult with,’ explains Valerie.
"},"title":"Multidisciplinary collaboration"},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"In a group practice, you’ll have fellow doctors to consult with. You share expenses and responsibilities. And your patients always have the option of seeing one of the doctors in your practice. Continuity of care is greatly appreciated. One self-evident disadvantage is that you have less decision-making power and that you need to make clear agreements. There is also a chance that the relationships you build with your patients are less close.
"},"title":"In summary"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What suits you best?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Whether you opt for an independent or group practice, there are a few issues you should always consider:
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"A single- or two-handed practice usually requires 50 to 100 m² of space. With group practices, considerably more space is needed, depending on the number of doctors and disciplines. Be sure to also provide sufficient car parking spaces, as cities and municipalities often have strict requirements about this.
"},"title":"Surgery space"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In a group practice, it is essential to make clear agreements. Agree who is responsible for what, for example, by appointing one doctor who leads, makes decisions and who is in charge of a specific project.
"},"title":"Collaboration"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In both types of practice, you need to have your administration in order. In a group practice, you can jointly outsource or arrange many things, but it requires good organisation. Consider setting up a partnership to maintain legal and financial clarity.
"},"title":"Administration and finance"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Conclusion"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Starting your own practice is a unique opportunity to shape your career. Whether you opt for an independent practice or a group practice, the most important thing is that the type of practice that suits your ambitions.
Do you see yourself as an independent GP who likes to chart their own course? Or does the collaboration of a group practice appeal to you more? Both options have their own merits and distinct advantages.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"At ING Medicalis we are happy to brainstorm with you and share our medical sector knowledge and know-how with you.
You can also come to us for the insurance cover that you will need as a doctor. Together, we will ensure that you are well prepared to start this new chapter in your life.
This article is for informational purposes only and the information contained in it may change over time For that reason, we recommend that you always check the specific rules and requirements with the relevant authorities for the latest information. We also advise you to seek professional advice for each individual case before making any decision. ING Belgium NV cannot be held liable for decisions taken on the basis of the information provided.
"},"title":"Disclaimer"}]},"localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"My sector","url":"/en/business/my-sector"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Starting a general practice is a big step. Whether you are just starting out as a GP or are looking to take your career in a new direction, there is a lot to consider. From administrative formalities to finding the perfect surgery premises. One of the most important choices you will have to make is what form your practice will take. Will you opt for an independent practice, join an existing group practice or start something new? The choice depends on your working methods and your plans for the future. All options have advantages and disadvantages. ING Medicalis is happy to list them for you.","headerImage":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/332ecb44a136af80/original/BE_Mortgage_Medicalis_Young-girl-playfully-uses-a-stethoscope-on-a-young-doctor.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/c9e55a89-8ec9-4597-b01e-02cebb222bff/BE_Mortgage_Medicalis_Young-girl-playfully-uses-a-stethoscope-on-a-young-doctor","type":"image","width":1880},"title":"An independent general practice or a group practice? Here are the advantages!"},"date":"2025-06-03","readingTime":3},"publishDate":"2025-07-09T15:34:52.707+02:00"}}