Small Business Index in Healthcare

The indexes have had substantial national impact. They have been featured multiple times in the media, including Het Financieele Dagblad, Skipr, and Medisch Ondernemen, where findings on rising costs, tariffs, and entrepreneurial risks have been widely discussed. In addition, professional associations have used the data in letters to the Minister and the House of Representatives to support policy advocacy on appropriate funding and future-proof primary care. Parliamentary questions have also been raised in response to our reports. The index is now also used to substantiate medical sector reports by ABN AMRO bank and Rabobank. 

Through this series of studies, the SME perspective in healthcare has, for the first time, been structurally and empirically placed on the agenda. The indexes have opened up the discussion on business operations, financial pressure, and investment capacity in small practices, leading policymakers, insurers, and professional groups to more visibly take into account the realities of primary care entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. 

The indexes aim to provide a neutral, scientific insight into the financial position, investment capacity, and societal value of small primary care practices, in order to support policy, debate, and decision-making on sustainable healthcare. 

Once or twice a year, in collaboration with physiotherapy and allied health professional associations, an online survey is conducted among practice owners. The results are scientifically analyzed by researchers at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. The professional associations subsequently communicate the report to their members. 

The indices have had a significant impact nationwide. They have been featured repeatedly in the media, including Het Financieele Dagblad, Skipr, and Medisch Ondernemen, where the findings on rising costs, reimbursement rates, and entrepreneurial risks have been widely discussed. In addition, professional associations have used the data in letters to the Minister and the House of Representatives to support policy recommendations on adequate reimbursement and a sustainable future for primary care. The reports have also prompted parliamentary questions. The index is now being used to substantiate medical sector reports published by ABN AMRO and Rabobank.

This series of studies has, for the first time, placed the SME perspective in healthcare firmly on the national policy agenda through a consistent, evidence-based approach. The indices have broadened the debate on practice management, financial pressures, and the investment capacity of small healthcare practices, leading policymakers, health insurers, and professional associations to take greater account of the realities faced by primary care entrepreneurs in the Netherlands.