What's Happening?
HMDG, a leading marketing and strategy consultancy for musculoskeletal (MSK) providers in the UK, has introduced The Private Practice Barometer, a national survey aimed at providing transparent insights into the performance of private MSK clinics. This initiative marks the first time that clinics can access reliable data on business metrics such as fees, staffing levels, patient numbers, technology use, and referral patterns. Historically, clinic operators have relied on informal methods to gauge these metrics, but the new survey seeks to replace speculation with concrete data. The survey collects anonymous data from clinics, allowing them to benchmark statistics and trends against various filters like location, clinic size, and specialisms. Ben Marcilhacy, CEO of HMDG, highlights the importance of real data in the sector, stating that the survey will set a standard for transparency and insight in the UK's private MSK sector.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of The Private Practice Barometer is significant for the private MSK sector in the UK as it provides clinic owners with the data needed to make informed decisions about their business operations. By offering a clear picture of industry standards, the survey helps clinics assess their competitiveness in terms of fees and staffing, and understand the use of AI tools in their operations. This transparency can lead to improved business strategies and better patient care. Additionally, the survey's findings could influence the future of the MSK profession by providing insights into market trends and clinic performance, potentially shaping industry standards and practices.
What's Next?
The survey is set to open on August 19, 2025, and HMDG is encouraging all private MSK clinic owners to participate. The more clinics that contribute, the more robust the benchmarking data will be, creating a valuable industry resource. The full report will be available before the end of 2025, offering early access to national trends and regional breakdowns, which will support planning for 2026 and beyond. This initiative reflects HMDG's commitment to providing transparent, educational, and practical business insights to the MSK sector.
Beyond the Headlines
The survey's emphasis on anonymity and privacy ensures that individual clinics cannot be identified, which may encourage more participation and lead to more comprehensive data collection. This approach not only protects clinic identities but also fosters a collaborative environment where clinics can share information without fear of exposure. The initiative could also set a precedent for other healthcare sectors to adopt similar transparent benchmarking practices, potentially leading to widespread improvements in healthcare management and patient outcomes.
