Patient Acquisition Cost Calculator for Clinics

Patient Acquisition Cost Calculator for Clinics

Stop wasting time and money guessing your clinic’s patient acquisition cost. The reality is, many clinics miscalculate this vital number. They overlook crucial factors like marketing expenses, administrative costs, and even staff time dedicated to patient acquisition. It’s not just about the ad spend. If you’re still calculating this manually, you’re probably missing the big picture and losing money in the process.

How to Use This Calculator

Gather your data before diving into the calculator. You’ll need to know your total marketing expenses, the number of new patients acquired, and associated overhead costs. Use your accounting software or marketing reports to find these figures. Don’t just scratch the surface—include everything that contributes to attracting patients. This isn’t just about ads; consider referral bonuses, promotional events, and any outreach costs. The more accurate your inputs, the more reliable your output will be.

The Formula

The Patient Acquisition Cost (PAC) is calculated using the following formula: PAC = (Total Marketing Expenses + Overhead Costs) / Number of New Patients Acquired. This straightforward formula provides a clear snapshot of how much you’re spending to acquire each patient.

Case Study

For example, a client in Texas was baffled by their rising patient acquisition costs. They were spending $10,000 a month on marketing but only brought in 50 new patients. Sounds reasonable? Not when you realize they hadn’t factored in $5,000 in overhead costs. By using the calculator, they found their true Patient Acquisition Cost was $300, not the $200 they thought. This revelation allowed them to reassess their marketing strategy, ultimately saving them thousands.

💡 Industry Pro Tip

Don’t forget to include indirect costs. Many clinics forget that the time spent by administrative staff on patient outreach and follow-up calls adds up. You might think it's just a few hours a week, but over a month, that can become significant. Factor in those hours into your overhead calculation to get a true sense of your acquisition cost.

FAQ

• What if I don’t know my overhead costs? Review your clinic’s financial statements. If necessary, estimate based on your monthly expenses.
• Is this calculator only for new patients? Yes, it focuses on new patient acquisition, but understanding existing patient retention is equally important.
• Can I adjust my marketing budget based on this calculator? Absolutely! Use the output to identify areas for improvement or reallocation of resources.
• What’s a good Patient Acquisition Cost? It varies by clinic and specialty, but aim for a PAC that allows for profitable growth. Typically, a PAC should be less than the average revenue per patient.