Standby seller note credited as equity — minimizes buyer cash injection
Healthcare Business Loans: Financing for Medical Practices, Clinics, and Health Services
From practice acquisition to equipment financing, PeerSense provides comprehensive capital solutions for healthcare providers. Whether you're buying an existing practice, expanding your clinic, or upgrading medical equipment, we have financing options designed for the healthcare industry.
What financing do medical practices use in 2026?
Medical, dental, and veterinary practices finance with SBA 7(a) for practice acquisition + partner buyouts ($50K–$5M, ~9.25%), SBA 504 for owner-occupied medical office buildings (~5.80% fixed), equipment financing for imaging + dental chairs (5–9%, 100% LTV), and conventional CRE for medical office over $5M. Goodwill is 100% financeable on practice acquisitions.
— PeerSense Capital Advisory · Updated April 27, 2026
Healthcare Practice Financing Rates at a Glance
As of
| Program | Current Rate | Term |
|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) Practice Acquisition | 9.25–10.25% | 10 yr |
| SBA 504 (Medical Office Building) | ~5.80% | 10–25 yr |
| Medical Equipment Financing | 5–9% | 3–7 yr |
| Working Capital | Factor 1.15–1.45 | 3–18 mo |
| Commercial RE Loan | 6.5–8% | 5–25 yr |
- SBA 7(a) Practice Acquisition9.25–10.25%
- Term
- 10 yr
- Loan Size
- $50K–$5M
- Best For
- Buy practice, partner buyout, startup
- SBA 504 (Medical Office Building)~5.80%
- Term
- 10–25 yr
- Loan Size
- $125K–$5.5M
- Best For
- Owner-occupied medical real estate
- Medical Equipment Financing5–9%
- Term
- 3–7 yr
- Loan Size
- $10K–$5M
- Best For
- MRI, CT, dental chairs, surgical — 100% LTV
- Working CapitalFactor 1.15–1.45
- Term
- 3–18 mo
- Loan Size
- $5K–$500K
- Best For
- Billing cycle gaps, payroll, supplies
- Commercial RE Loan6.5–8%
- Term
- 5–25 yr
- Loan Size
- $500K–$25M
- Best For
- Large medical office, ASC, surgery centers
Indicative May 2026 ranges. Pricing depends on practitioner experience, payer mix, DSCR, and licensure.
Why Healthcare Practices Pick PeerSense
Representative Healthcare Practice Deal Structures
Archetypes our SBA + equipment desk underwrites for medical, dental, and veterinary.
Structured to capture Section 179 / bonus depreciation in current tax year
Indicative of deal types our institutional capital advisory desk structures. Not a representation of completed transactions. Specific deal data available under NDA on request.
Estimate Your Practice Acquisition Payment
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Go Deeper on Healthcare Capital
Lender shortlists, practice-acquisition guides, and specialty healthcare scenarios.
Lender Shortlists
Editorial Guides
See Related Rates by Program
PeerSense covers the full commercial capital stack. Rates and structures across our money pages — updated weekly.
SBA 7(a) & 504
5.50–11.75%Up to $5M acquisition / real estate / equipment, 10% down
CMBS Conduit
5.60–7.10%10-yr non-recourse fixed, $5M–$500M+, fully assumable
Bridge Loans
9.00–14.00%12–36 mo transitional, SOFR + 470-970 bps, 65-75% LTV
DSCR Investor
5.95–8.50%30-yr fixed rental, qualifies on property cash flow
Equipment Financing
5.50–12.00%Loan, lease, SBA 504, vendor, captive — Section 179 eligible
Hotel Financing
5.85–11.75%CMBS + SBA 504 + bridge + PIP across all flags
Mezzanine Debt
11.00–18.00%Subordinate to senior, $1M–$50M, capital stack fill
Private Credit
7.80–18.00%Non-bank flexibility, unitranche, recap, transitional
Invoice Factoring + ABL
0.5–3.5% / 30dB2B receivables, trucking / staffing / construction / govt
Buy an Existing Medical Practice
Acquiring an established medical practice is one of the most common paths for healthcare providers. SBA 7(a) loans allow you to finance the purchase price, including goodwill, equipment, and working capital — typically with just 10–15% down.
Established Patient Base
Acquire a practice with existing patients, revenue history, and proven operations
Trained Staff
Inherit experienced medical and administrative staff who know the practice
Immediate Cash Flow
Start generating revenue from day one with established billing and operations
Goodwill Financing
SBA 7(a) allows you to finance the intangible value of the practice
What SBA 7(a) Covers for Practice Acquisition
Typical Acquisition Structure
In some cases, the seller can provide a note for part of your down payment, reducing your out-of-pocket cash requirement. This is common in healthcare practice transitions.
Start or Expand Your Medical Practice
Whether you're launching a de novo practice or expanding your existing operations, SBA financing provides the capital you need with favorable terms. From equipment to working capital, we help healthcare providers grow their practices.
De Novo Medical Practice
Starting a new practice from scratch with equipment, leasehold improvements, and working capital
Second Location
Expanding your existing practice to a new location with proven track record
Specialty Service Addition
Adding new specialty services or departments to your existing practice
Partner Buyout
Buying out a partner or bringing in a new partner to your practice
What SBA Covers for Startup & Expansion
Key Requirements
650+ preferred for SBA financing
Healthcare background or relevant credentials
10–15% of total project cost
Detailed plan with financial projections
Medical Equipment Financing
From diagnostic imaging to treatment equipment, we provide financing for all types of medical devices and systems. Equipment leasing and loans available for all credit profiles — including startup practices.
Diagnostic Equipment
- MRI machines
- CT scanners
- X-ray systems
- Ultrasound machines
- Lab equipment
Treatment Equipment
- Surgical equipment
- Dental chairs
- Laser systems
- Physical therapy equipment
- Dialysis machines
Office & IT Systems
- EMR/EHR systems
- Practice management software
- Medical billing systems
- Telemedicine platforms
- Office furniture
Fast Approval Equipment Leasing
Equipment leasing offers faster approval than traditional loans, with flexible terms and options for all credit profiles.
SBA Equipment Financing
SBA loans can be used for medical equipment purchases with longer terms and lower rates than conventional equipment financing.
All Credit Profiles Considered
We work with equipment lenders who specialize in healthcare financing and can approve deals across the credit spectrum. Whether you're a startup practice or an established provider, we have equipment financing options available.
Healthcare Working Capital Solutions
Medical practices face unique cash flow challenges due to insurance billing cycles and operational expenses. We provide working capital solutions designed specifically for healthcare providers.
Billing Cycle Gaps
Bridge the gap between providing services and receiving insurance reimbursements
Payroll & Staffing
Cover payroll during slow periods or when expanding your medical staff
Medical Supplies
Purchase inventory, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies in bulk
Marketing & Growth
Fund patient acquisition campaigns and practice growth initiatives
Fast Funding Options
When you need capital quickly
Unsecured Lines of Credit
For established practices with strong credit
Established practices with 2+ years in business, consistent revenue, and excellent credit profiles.
When to Use Fast Capital vs. SBA Working Capital
Choose Fast Capital When:
- You need funding in 24–48 hours
- Covering immediate payroll or supply costs
- Short-term cash flow gap (30–90 days)
- Don't want to wait for SBA approval
Choose SBA When:
- You can wait 45–90 days for approval
- Need larger amounts ($100K+)
- Want lower rates and longer terms
- Building long-term practice capital
Finance Your Medical Office Building
Owning your medical office building provides long-term stability and equity growth. SBA 504 loans offer the lowest down payment option for owner-occupied commercial real estate, while bridge loans provide fast funding for time-sensitive opportunities.
SBA 504 for Medical Real Estate
Best for owner-occupied properties
Lowest down payment for commercial real estate
What Qualifies
- Medical office buildings
- Dental clinics
- Veterinary hospitals
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Urgent care facilities
You must occupy at least 51% of the building for your medical practice. The remaining space can be leased to other tenants.
Bridge Loans for Timing Scenarios
Fast funding when you need to move quickly
Much faster than conventional financing
When to Use Bridge Financing
- Time-sensitive acquisition opportunity
- Existing lender moving too slowly
- Property needs improvements before permanent financing
- Buying before selling current location
Bridge to Permanent Strategy
Many healthcare providers use a bridge loan to acquire the property quickly, then refinance into permanent SBA 504 or conventional financing once the practice is stabilized in the new location. This strategy allows you to secure the property without losing the opportunity while waiting for traditional financing.
Close in 2–4 weeks, secure the property
Refinance to SBA 504 for long-term fixed rate
Franchise Healthcare Models
Healthcare franchises offer proven business models with established brand recognition and operational support. PeerSense has extensive experience financing franchise healthcare operators across multiple concepts.
Urgent Care Franchises
MedExpress, CareNow, NextCare
Mental Health Services
Thriveworks, LifeStance Health
Physical Therapy
ATI Physical Therapy, Fyzical
Home Healthcare
Visiting Angels, Home Instead
Medical Spas
Massage Envy, European Wax Center
Diagnostic Services
Any Lab Test Now, Health Street
Why Franchise Healthcare Works
Proven Business Model
Established systems, processes, and operational playbooks
Training & Support
Comprehensive training programs and ongoing operational support
Brand Recognition
National marketing and established brand awareness
Financial Performance Data
Item 19 financial disclosures help with SBA approval
Franchise Financing Options
Most common path for franchise healthcare. 10–15% down, up to $5M.
Credit facilities and private credit for operators with 2+ locations.
Fast approval for medical equipment and furniture packages.
Most major healthcare franchises are pre-approved in the SBA Franchise Directory, which streamlines the approval process.
Healthcare Financing: Side-by-Side Comparison
Rate estimates as of March 2026. Actual rates depend on borrower profile, collateral, and deal structure.
| Loan Type | Best For | Range | Est. Rate | Term | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a)TOP PICK | Practice acquisition, partner buyout, startup costs | $50K–$5M | 9.25–10.25% | 10–25 yr | 90% |
| SBA 504 | Purchase medical office building, major equipment | $125K–$5.5M | ~5.80% | 10–25 yr | 90% |
| Equipment Financing | Imaging (MRI, CT), dental chairs, surgical equipment | $10K–$5M | 5–9% | 3–7 yr | 100% |
| Working Capital | Billing cycle gaps, payroll, supplies | $5K–$500K | Factor 1.15–1.45 | 3–18 mo | N/A |
| Commercial RE Loan | Medical office building purchase or refinance | $500K–$25M | 6.5–8% | 5–25 yr | 80% |
| Practice Acquisition | Buying an existing medical/dental practice with goodwill | $250K–$10M | 9.25–10.25% | 10 yr | 90% |
PeerSense is a capital connector only — not a lender. Rates are estimates; actual terms vary by lender.
Is Your Medical Practice Deal Fundable?
Current market intelligence from our lender network — not generic advice.
Strong Position
Licensed practitioner with 3+ years experience — physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and optometrists with established track records get the best terms
Practice DSCR above 1.25x — consistent collections and manageable overhead demonstrate the practice can service new debt
Diversified payer mix — practices with a healthy mix of private insurance, Medicare, and self-pay are lower risk than those dependent on a single payer
Real estate ownership or long-term lease — owning your medical office building opens SBA 504 and conventional options; a 10+ year lease stabilizes the deal
Clean personal credit (680+) — required for SBA programs; 700+ unlocks the most competitive conventional medical practice loans
Transition plan for acquisitions — a clear patient retention strategy and seller transition period (3-12 months) significantly improves lender confidence
Kills the Deal
New practitioner with no clinical experience — completing residency alone is not enough — lenders want to see revenue-generating experience
Single-payer dependency — practices where 80%+ of revenue comes from one insurance contract or Medicare face reimbursement risk
Outstanding malpractice claims — unresolved litigation creates uncertainty that most lenders will not underwrite through
Declining patient volume — a practice with shrinking revenue is a red flag regardless of the practitioner buying it
No transition agreement — acquiring a practice where the selling physician leaves immediately risks patient attrition — lenders discount this heavily
2026 Market Note
Healthcare practice acquisitions are surging as baby-boomer practitioners retire. SBA 7(a) remains the dominant tool for practice buyouts under $5M, with goodwill financing up to 100% of practice value. Equipment financing for medical imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound) has become faster and more competitive — many lenders now approve in 48 hours with equipment as sole collateral. The key differentiator in 2026: practices with diversified payer mixes and documented patient retention plans close 2x faster than those without.
Run a Free Deal Scan on Your Medical Practice
Get an instant DSCR estimate, LTV check, and product recommendation in under 60 seconds.
Related Financing Solutions
SBA 7(a) Loans
Complete guide to SBA 7(a) for practice acquisition
Equipment Financing
Finance medical imaging, dental, and surgical equipment
Business Acquisition
Structuring the purchase of a medical practice
Commercial Real Estate
Buy or refinance your medical office building
Working Capital
Bridge billing cycle gaps and cover operational costs
Deal Scan
Instant qualification check on your healthcare deal
Healthcare Financing Questions
Common questions about financing medical practices, clinics, and health services
For SBA 7(a) loans, you typically need 10–15% down payment. This covers the purchase price, goodwill, equipment, and working capital. In some cases, a seller note can be used to reduce your out-of-pocket cash requirement. The exact down payment depends on the deal structure, your credit profile, and the lender's requirements.
Ready to Finance Your Healthcare Practice?
PeerSense identifies the right capital source from our network of 500+ lenders, private equity firms, and institutional advisors — and makes the introduction. You get a straight assessment of where your deal fits and a direct connection to the source most likely to close it.
Whether you're acquiring a practice, expanding locations, or financing equipment, we'll connect you with capital sources that understand healthcare operations.