About Lee Leichter Expertise Manufacturing, Outsourcing, Regulatory (FDA), Quality systems and problems, Exporting, Start-up Issues, strategic planning, Distribution, etc.
Experience Employment history: Over 25 years in the industry
Question I am a licensed practical nurse with a batchelor in healths cient. My ultimate dream is to start a medical equipment company. How can I find out the start up cost. I live in south carolina.
Anne
Answer Dear Anne,
Sorry for the delay in responding. I have been traveling extensively this month.
I must assume that you are referring to a commerical and/or retail operation and not a medical manufacturing business. It the former, there are several commericial options in the Medical equipment business. A retail store selling medical supplies is one of them.. Most of these stores are small operations run by local businessmen. The other services that can be provided are home Oxygen services and supplies and mobility equipment. Many of these operation are only able to survive with these addiitonal services. Another option is to sell or lease to doctors and hospitals. You also may be able to provide maintenance and repair services for equipment from doctor's offices and hosptials.
This is not an easy business and requires a significant commitment to administrative services to assure reimbursement and payment.
The best way to get started is to visit several of these operations in other towns and discuss their operations and issues. They will be the greatest resource you will find.
They can also provide you with contacts for inventory suppliers and possible Small business loan sources.
There are also Distributors organizations that provide resources like HIDA (www.hida.org) and websites like MedMarket (http://www.medmarket.com/).
