Running your own medical practice in 2025 is no joke. Between seeing patients, managing staff, and drowning in paperwork, it's easy to feel completely burned out. And it turns out, many doctors are looking for a change.
In fact, a recent Bain & Co. survey found that nearly 25% of physicians in health system-led organizations are contemplating a change in employers, with many seeking more autonomy in physician-owned settings. This desire for a better way to work—something more flexible that doesn't come with all the usual headaches—is exactly where medical coworking space comes in.
If you're a doctor or therapist tired of the grind, or a coworking space owner looking for the next big thing, this guide is for you. We'll break down everything you need to know, without the confusing jargon.
Let's get into it!
What exactly is a medical coworking space?
Think of it like a WeWork, but designed specifically for medical and wellness professionals.
It’s a shared office space where doctors, therapists, nurses, and other health pros can run their own independent practices. They get their own private space to see patients, but share the expensive stuff like the waiting room, fancy equipment, and reception services. It’s the best of both worlds: doctors get to be their own boss without the stress and cost of running a whole clinic by themselves.
Why doctors are loving it
- Less overhead: They split the big costs like rent and utilities with other pros. More money stays in the pocket.
- Total flexibility: Want to work two days a week? Need an office just for Wednesdays? They can. It fits the doctor's schedule.
- Big-clinic perks: Doctors get access to professional equipment and admin support they might not be able to afford on their own.
- No more isolation: Medical pros are surrounded by peers. It’s a great way to make connections, share ideas, and not feel like they're on an island.
Why coworking operators should pay attention
- A booming market: Doctors and therapists are actively looking for these kinds of spaces.
- Higher revenue: Because it's a specialty space, you can often charge more than a traditional office.
- Stand out from the crowd: Offering a medical coworking space makes you unique and memorable.
- Build an amazing community: You’re not just renting rooms; you’re creating a hub for healthcare innovation.
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How does it all work?
It’s a pretty simple idea. As an operator, you create a fully-equipped, ready-to-go medical office environment. Then, practitioners can join with a membership that fits their needs, whether they need a full-time office or just an exam room for a few hours a week.
What kinds of spaces are there?
- The all-in-one hub: This is your general medical space that works for almost any specialty.
- The specialist spot: These spaces focus on one area, like dentistry, mental health, or dermatology, and have all the special gear they need.
- The telehealth center: Perfect for doctors who see patients online, these spots have top-notch cameras, expert medical systems, internet, and tech support.
What goodies are included? (The amenities)
To make a medical coworking space truly great, you need more than just nice furniture. Here’s what the best spots offered in 2025:
The medical must-haves
- Exam rooms: Fully stocked and ready for patient consultations.
- Procedure rooms: For minor treatments in a super clean, safe environment.
- Sterilization areas: A shared spot to make sure all tools are properly sterilized and compliant.
- Relax zone: A cozy corner with niche, relevant books like health business guides for members to unwind and learn.
- Medical courier services to ship out lab samples and receive medical items.
Tech that makes life easier
- Secure, HIPAA-compliant Wi-Fi: Super important for protecting patient privacy.
- Telemedicine pods: Quiet, soundproof booths with great lighting and cameras for virtual appointments, supporting services from mental health counseling to online oral semaglutide consultations.
- EMR/EHR software: Some spaces even include access to top-notch electronic medical record software in the membership!
- Secure medical messaging app: A safe way for doctors and patients to communicate, share updates, and coordinate care without privacy risks.
The behind-the-scenes help
- A welcoming receptionist: To greet the patients and make them feel comfortable.
- Admin support: Help with scheduling and billing so doctors can focus on their patients.
- Biohazard waste disposal: A crucial service that the space handles for members.
Membership Options
Most places aren't one-size-fits-all. Doctors can usually pick a plan that fits their schedule.
| Membership type | Who it's for... | What members get... |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | Docs who need a permanent home base for their practice. | Own private office, 24/7 access, and use of all shared goodies. |
| Part-time | Docs with a flexible schedule or who work in multiple places. | A set number of days or hours per month to use the space. |
| Virtual office | Docs who work from home but need a professional address for mail and billing. | A business address and mail service without a physical office. |
| Pay-per-use | Docs who just need a room for a few hours here and there. | The ultimate flexibility. Book a room online whenever members need it. |
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How to create a great medical coworking space
Ready to build one? Awesome. Here are the four big things to focus on.
1. Find your vibe (your niche)
Don't try to be everything to everyone. The magic is in finding your niche. Maybe you want to create a calm, beautiful space just for mental health therapists. Or maybe you want to build a high-energy "wellness hub" for physical therapists, nutritionists, and acupuncturists. When you specialize, you attract a passionate community that loves what you do.
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2. Get your space set up (the right way)
A medical space has to be functional and follow all the rules. The entire model is built on providing a seamless, professional clinical environment.
As one doctor explained in an article featured by global real estate leader Colliers, the value is in removing the operational burdens:
“Medical coworking spaces are a great alternative to the health ecosystem. Importantly, people can get a prime location for a clinic at a very affordable rent. The best part is, all hassles are taken care of such as appointment coordination, nursing staff management, running the clinic, billing management, and more.” — The Economic Times, via Colliers
The rules you can't ignore
- HIPAA (patient privacy): It's all about keeping patient info private. That means things like soundproof walls between exam rooms and having a super-secure Wi-Fi network.
- ADA (accessibility): Your space needs to be easy to use for everyone, including people with disabilities. Think ramps, accessible restrooms, and rooms that can fit a wheelchair.
- Zoning & codes: Cities have special rules for medical buildings. You’ll want to check with your local government early on to make sure you’re good to go.
3. Let's talk money
You need a clear financial plan.
- For doctors (what they'll pay): A full-time spot might cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 a month. It sounds like a lot, but when you compare it to the cost of running your own office (rent + staff + equipment + insurance), it’s often a huge money-saver.
- For operators (what it costs): Your biggest costs will be the real estate, building out the space to meet medical standards, and buying all the expensive equipment. Your income will come from memberships, plus extra services like billing support.
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4. Build your tribe (your community)
The best spaces are the community.
- Host fun events: Think happy hours, networking lunches, or workshops where members can learn from each other.
- Offer cool classes: Bring in experts to talk about things like how to market a private practice or the latest medical tech.
- Get involved locally: Partner with local health fairs or charities. Conducting monthly OIG exclusion checks is a great way to build connections and give back.
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5. Marketing and promotion
Effective marketing and promotion are essential for attracting healthcare professionals to your medical coworking space. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Online marketing
- Social media: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to share information about your unique coworking model, highlight member success stories, and engage with your target audience.
- Content marketing: Create valuable content, such as blog posts, articles, and videos, that provides information and insights to healthcare professionals. This can help establish your space as a thought leader in the industry.
- Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and content for relevant keywords your competitors rank for to improve your visibility in search engine results. This will help potential members find your space online.
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2. Partnerships
- Medical associations: Collaborate with local medical associations to promote your coworking space to their members. This can be a valuable source of referrals.
- Healthcare providers: Partner with healthcare providers in your area to offer discounts or special promotions to their patients, potentially with the support of an EHR vendor.
- Industry professionals: Network with other healthcare industry professionals, such as real estate agents and property managers, to build relationships and generate leads.
3. Networking
- Industry events: Attend industry events and conferences to meet potential members, build relationships, and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
- Networking groups: Join local networking groups or chambers of commerce to connect with other professionals in your area, and make sure to share your digital business card to easily exchange contact information and leave a lasting impression.
Want to see this in action?
Here are a few places that are absolutely crushing it in 2025.
- The Healing Is Power Center (Charlotte, NC): This is a beautiful space designed just for therapists and wellness pros. They’ve recently added special rooms for group therapy and play therapy, making them a go-to spot for mental health experts in their city.
- Thought Partner Studio (Singapore): This place is more than just an office—it's a high-end wellness community. They offer members subscriptions to apps like Calm and Headspace and host workshops with world-famous wellness gurus.
- Synergy MedSuites (Austin, TX): Now this is super clever. Synergy created a space for surgeons and dermatologists who do minor procedures. They offer fully-equipped procedure rooms that doctors can rent for a half-day. It gives specialists the ability to have a surgical center without the million-dollar price tag.
Where is all this headed?
Medical coworking is here to stay, and it's getting even better. Here's a peek at what's coming next:
- The ultimate burnout buster: More and more, these spaces will be seen as the perfect cure for doctor burnout. By handling all the annoying admin stuff, they let doctors get back to what they love: taking care of patients.
- Smarter tech: Soon, these spaces will offer a complete tech package. Imagine getting a membership that includes scheduling, billing, and patient record software all in one—like a smartphone that comes with all the best apps already installed.
- Super-niche spaces: Get ready for even more specialized spaces. We're talking coworking hubs just for women's health specialists, or for doctors who focus on cutting-edge fields like regenerative medicine.
Seize the opportunity in medical coworking
The future of medical coworking is brimming with potential. As the healthcare landscape transforms, medical coworking spaces will be at the forefront, providing a much-needed solution for healthcare professionals seeking flexibility, collaboration, and efficiency.
Ready to turn your vision into reality?
Managing a medical coworking space requires specialized software to ensure smooth operations and efficient member management. Spacebring offers a comprehensive solution specifically designed for medical coworking spaces.
It helps you streamline workflows, manage memberships, and optimize space utilization. With Spacebring's powerful features and user-friendly interface, you can focus on creating a successful and impactful medical coworking space.
