Is it worth setting up a new practice, or does it make more sense to take over an existing one?

According to the Health Structure Act, new practices can only be established in areas where there are no restrictions on admission, with the exception of freedom of establishment for dentists or Specialist dentists (such as orthodontists), for whom licensing restrictions were lifted in April 2007.
Both options have advantages and disadvantages, which we would be happy to explain to you.

The advantage of setting up a new practice is that the location of the practice, the planning, the medical equipment, and the expansion can be carried out according to the practice founder's own concept. The amount of investment required can also be determined freely. On the other hand, there is often no existing patient base and advertising for the new practice is necessary.

Taking over a practice, on the other hand, is much easier and less risky. As a rule, these practices have a long tradition, a loyal patient base, existing contacts with doctors and pharmacies in the neighborhood, and a fixed level of expected revenue. Another important point is the existing staff, who are familiar with the practice and form a well-coordinated team that is also accepted by the patients. All these points make it easier to get started and provide a better basis for a financing request. However, there are also disadvantages to taking over a practice. In addition to the usual 10-20 percent drop in the patient base after a change, the purchase price for a practice (material value of the facilities and equipment, payment for the patient base to be taken over) is also usually quite subjective and high. The quality of the equipment and facilities to be taken over must be taken into account here, as replacements can be very expensive in a practice. In addition, the existing practice premises are often not designed for further expansion.