Marketing is usually neglected in the overall budgeting process in most privately held medical practices. The common medical professionals' belief though is that patients will find them if they need them. Though this may be partly true, in healthcare competitive market neglecting a concise marketing plan is a serious mistake.

Your practice no matter how small it may be, it's still a business. And as every other type of business it needs marketing and a budget to support it! By budgeting you will gain the necessary direction for your marketing activities. Besides, your marketing budget will give you the opportunity to compare results - e.g. analogy of client acquisition to marketing action cost.