Starting a private practice is a wonderful way to use your skills to benefit people in the community. And with fewer doctors opening new private practices, it's even more in demand.

But there's more to starting a practice on your own than simply finding the building. You also need to furnish it.

As a doctor, you want to keep your patients as comfortable as possible no matter why they're in your practice.

This means creating an office environment that's open, inviting, and functional. For most physicians, picking out the furniture for the waiting room is relatively simple. After all, as long as the chairs are comfortable and easy-to-clean, your patients will be happy.

But when it comes to picking out your medical exam table, it's far more difficult. And the tables you've worked with in the past might not be the best ones out there.

Here are a few must-have characteristics to look for in a medical exam table for your new private practice.

1. ADA Accessibility

Whether they use a wheelchair or have a broken leg, your patients have different mobility levels. It's important that your exam tables are able to accommodate patients with limited mobility.

If you're opening a private practice with another doctor, make sure you each have an accessible table for each doctor. Keep in mind that accessible tables can work for patients without mobility issues just as well.

There's no reason NOT to use these tables throughout the office. If it puts too much strain on your budget, don't panic.

Just make sure to buy one accessible table per ADA-compliant parking space in your lot. This way, you'll have enough accessible tables in the office to accommodate anyone visiting your practice.

2. Adjustability

Many older tables are not adjustable and feature little more than a flat surface for your patient to lie on. Though effective, they're limiting in how easy they are to use and could restrict the types of procedures and exams you can do in-office.

Medical exams should be thorough, and that means you might need to change how your patient is sitting during the exam. It's far easier and more comfortable for them if the exam table is adjustable to support those different positions.

Look for a table that allows you to adjust the seat. This will make it easier to perform the exam and will allow you to perform minor in-office procedures more easily and more quickly.

3. Tables Tailored to Your Practice

Every practice is different. The type of table a general practitioner needs may be different from the one that's best for a podiatrist.

When searching for a new table, think about the types of medicine you practice. Try to purchase a table that is specifically designed for the type of treatments you provide most often.

An all-purpose adjustable table will work for most practices. But the more tailored you can make your equipment, the more comfortable your patients will be.

You can always invest in different types to accommodate a growing practice down the road.

4. Plenty of In-Table Storage

No matter how much say you have over the design of your office, storage will always be in short supply. Between the samples from pharmaceutical reps, bandages, and equipment you need on hand, those cabinets and drawers fill up in a matter of minutes.

Unfortunately, traditional exam tables have a lot of wasted space beneath the padded surface. There's no storage system, and leaving boxes underneath the table can make your practice look cluttered and unsanitary.

Great medical exam tables provide their own additional storage solutions.

When searching for tables to furnish your practice, look for ones that have drawers and cabinets in the base. These systems keep your equipment clean and out of the way when not in use.

Best of all, it makes your treatment rooms look more modern and well-maintained.

5. Easy to Clean

You know better than anyone how many germs can linger on different surfaces in the office. Keeping your practice clean and sanitizing equipment is the most important thing you can do both for your health and the people you treat.

The exam table is one piece of equipment that all of your patients use. That means keeping it as clean as possible and sanitizing it multiple times a day is a priority.

Unfortunately, some tables are not easy to clean. If a patient gets sick while in your office, cleaning up the mess can be tough.

Choose a table that has an easy-to-clean surface and features a durable cover material. This way, you'll be able to use standard sanitization sprays and hospital-grade cleaners without damaging your table.

6. Accommodates Accessories

Some medical treatments require multiple tools. The easier they are to reach, the faster you can help your patient feel better.

Look for tables that work with accessory systems. These removable trays, tables, and lights can make your job much easier and reduces fatigue throughout the day. You'll have everything on-hand and within reach at all times.

7. Simple to Use

An exam table is only good if you can use it easily. The more features a table has, the more complicated it's likely to be.

Take a look at the adjustment system and make sure you're comfortable with the mechanisms. If it's a motorized table, make sure the switches make sense for your practice.

If the adjustments are too tight or difficult to make, the table may make your job harder than it should be.

Shop for Your Medical Exam Table Today

Finding the right medical exam table and treatment room setup for your private practice can make all the difference for your patients.

CeviMed is here to help. We're proud to carry high-quality refurbished exam equipment, beds, tables, and accessories to help you furnish your practice without breaking your budget.

Browse our selection of exam tables and find the perfect new-to-you setup for your growing practice.