MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

For allied health and healthcare professionals venturing into entrepreneurship, it is imperative to gain insight into the available business structures and discern which one aligns with their specific needs. Each business structure carries its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Acquiring informed guidance at the inception of a business venture is pivotal for ensuring its success. Comprehending the various business structures is a crucial step when embarking on a new business venture. Below, we delve into four of the most prevalent business structures employed in Australia.  

Sole Trader

In this business structure, you function as an independent operator, assuming full legal responsibility for all aspects of the business. Operating as a sole trader can be a financially efficient choice for individual entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, two pivotal considerations should be weighed before embarking on this path.  First and foremost, all income generated is regarded as personal income and is subject to taxation at the applicable personal income tax rates. Secondly, even if you hire employees to assist you in your endeavours, your personal liability remains unrestricted. You bear sole responsibility for all the business's debts and liabilities. 

Partnerships

Within the context of this business arrangement, a collaborative endeavour is established, involving two or more individuals who jointly operate a business, distinct from a corporate entity. The partnership's modus operandi is guided by a partnership agreement, which delineates the terms governing the partnership, notably the allocation of profits.  Partnerships offer a relatively straightforward and accessible means of structuring a business, making them a preferred choice, especially for family-owned enterprises. It is important to be aware, however, that a potential drawback of a partnership structure is that each partner typically assumes unlimited personal liability for any debts or obligations incurred by the partnership. 

Company

In this business structure, a company is established as an autonomous legal entity distinct from its shareholders. This arrangement is widely favoured due to its potential to mitigate the personal liabilities of business owners and safeguard their assets.  Income generated is attributed to the corporation, rather than individual shareholders, potentially leading to more favourable tax rates. However, it is essential to note that operating a corporation entails specific responsibilities, including the obligation to file corporate financial statements and tax records, including Business Activity Statements (BAS). 

Trusts

Within the framework of this business structure, the trust serves as the legal entity responsible for holding assets or income for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Trusts offer an economically efficient means of establishment and provide a mechanism for mitigating individual risk, while facilitating the distribution of business income to multiple individuals or entities.  It is crucial to acknowledge that the utilisation of trusts, including family trusts, for income distribution has undergone heightened scrutiny by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in recent years. Consequently, it is imperative that any trust structure is meticulously established and consistently managed.  

Seeking professional guidance prior to launching a business venture can yield cost savings and enhance the safeguarding of the owner's personal assets. We encourage you to contact Etica Accounting's team of experienced accountants to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these benefits align with your unique financial circumstances.  

Asset protection is a critical aspect of planning for all business ventures, especially for those in the allied health and medical field. By implementing smart strategies, medical practitioners can shield their personal and professional assets from potential risks, preserving their financial well-being.

1. Separate Personal and Business Assets:

Clearly distinguishing between your personal and business assets is a fundamental step in asset protection. This can be achieved by creating separate legal entities for your medical practice, such as a company or trust. This separation acts as a safeguard, reducing the risk of personal assets being affected by legal claims or business-related debts.

2. Professional Indemnity Insurance:

While contemplating worst-case scenarios may not be pleasant, being prepared is wise. Ensure you have comprehensive professional indemnity insurance to shield yourself from claims arising due to professional negligence or malpractice. This insurance helps mitigate the financial impact of legal disputes and potential damages, preserving your personal assets.

3. Trust Structures:

Implementing trust structures, like discretionary trusts, can enhance asset protection. These structures offer increased protection and flexibility when holding and managing your assets.

4. Estate Planning:

A well-structured estate plan is essential for safeguarding assets and ensuring a seamless transition in the future. Consider working with experienced estate planning professionals to establish wills, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives. By addressing succession planning and asset protection in your estate plan, you secure your wealth for future generations and minimise disputes or claims.

5. Retirement Planning:

Although retirement may seem distant, early planning is crucial. Medical professionals should maximize contributions to superannuation, taking advantage of favorable tax concessions and asset protection provisions. This shields retirement assets from creditors and potential legal claims.

6. Legal Compliance and Risk Management:

Strict adherence to legal and regulatory requirements is vital for asset protection. Maintain precise records, establish robust risk management protocols, and ensure compliance with professional standards and guidelines to reduce the likelihood of legal disputes and financial risks.

Securing your hard-earned assets is paramount for the long-term financial security of medical professionals. By adopting effective asset protection strategies, such as those outlined above, you can safeguard your wealth, mitigate potential risks, and focus on what you do best—delivering exceptional care—knowing that your financial well-being is secure.

In Australia, there are numerous practice management programs that cater to medical professionals, with only just a few of these are listed below. Etica Accounting specialises in working with your practice management programs to ensure accurate account reconciliations and to generate valuable revenue analysis reports for your practice.  

Genie Solutions is now a part of Magentus.

Genie, a trusted name in practice management for medical professionals, offers expert guidance to tailor their solutions to your needs. With over 20 years of experience, they streamline patient registration, improve data accuracy, and enhance your focus on consultations.

Their cloud-based version, Gentu, provides flexibility without locking you into a contract. It ensures secure data handling, faster payments, easy file access, and efficient appointment scheduling from anywhere in the world.

Shexie Platinum offers an all-in-one system for appointments, billing, patient management, and more. It's ideal for Practice Managers, Surgeons, Specialists, Physicians, Anaesthetists, and Diagnosticians. Client feedback provides that Shexie has user-friendly Appointments System, and seamless integration with digital devices and cameras through the "Twain" standard.

Medical Director Helix is a streamlined solution that blends practice management and clinical workflows. You can securely manage patient interactions both in your practice and on the go. This cloud-based software eliminates the need for an onsite server, leading to substantial savings in annual IT costs. It also offers automatic upgrades and straightforward licensing.