Sharing office space can lead to blending office supplies and staff to reduce expenses. If sharing is not done correctly, you might increase your costs and liability. Below are a few dos and don’ts to avoid cobranding your practice:
- Forms: All forms and stationery must identify each physician separately and use a separate phone line and fax line. If separate lines are not feasible, staff should answer the phone with separate greetings for each physician. For example, “Thank you for calling the office of Dr. Brown and the office of Dr. Barry.” Never combine the phone greeting, such as “Dr. Brown and Barry’s office,” to avoid cobranding.
- Signs: List each physician’s name separately on the exterior sign and in the office. Some states have specific legal criteria referencing proper patient notices. Contact your local state society or state registrar office to inquire about state-specific requirements.
- Billing statements: For the most part, when you share office space, you also use the same practice-management software. Set up the system to print separate invoices for each physician showing separate identification. Avoid mailing statements with generic branding, such as “Offices of Drs. Brown and Barry.”