Cash Flow in the Clinic: Why Even Successful Consultants Struggle with Liquidity

The income is there. The cash isn’t.

On paper, private consultants in Ireland are doing well. Many generate strong annual incomes, have full appointment books, and operate at near capacity. But when it comes to day-to-day cash flow, the reality often tells a different story.

The culprit? Not poor business performance — but poor payment timing.

In a recent internal analysis, we found that one of the biggest obstacles for Irish consultants isn’t revenue generation. It’s the inconsistent arrival of that revenue. With private insurance reimbursement delays stretching 50 to 120 days — and tax bills, indemnity costs, and payroll landing like clockwork — even the most profitable practices can feel the squeeze.

And unlike larger businesses, medical professionals can’t just shift payment terms or increase prices without real clinical and ethical implications.

Why cash flow gaps hit doctors harder

There are several unique factors that make cash flow management in private medical practice unusually complex:

1. Insurance Reimbursement Delays
Payments from private health insurers can take weeks — sometimes months — to be processed and paid. Meanwhile, salaries, rent, and supplier fees can’t wait.

2. Tax Pressures
Many consultants pay preliminary income tax, VAT, and other obligations in large lump sums — often during periods when cash is already tight. Revenue might be strong, but liquidity is low.

3. Irregular Peaks in Demand
Practice costs don’t scale evenly. Investing in new equipment, hiring a locum, or expanding clinic hours can mean major outlays — with returns that take time to realise.

4. Overreliance on Personal Credit
Without access to flexible business funding, many professionals lean on personal loans, overdrafts, or savings to manage shortfalls — which blurs boundaries and adds stress.

The hidden costs of cash flow stress

Running a successful medical practice under constant financial pressure comes at a cost — even if it’s not always visible in the accounts.

• Time lost to financial admin that could be spent seeing patients
• Delayed growth decisions because capital isn’t available
• Unnecessary stress that undermines wellbeing and focus
• Strained relationships with suppliers or staff if payments are delayed

Most critically, it prevents consultants from running their practice on their own terms — forcing decisions based on cash flow instead of care quality or opportunity.

What can be done?

Historically, options for managing liquidity in private practice have been limited:

• Term loans: Slow to apply for, fixed repayment structures, little flexibility
• Overdrafts: Often capped, tied to personal credit, and difficult to negotiate
• Personal loans: Risky and not ideal for practice-related expenses
• Leasing: Great for assets, less useful for general working capital

This is where more modern, tailored financial tools come in — ones designed around the specific working realities of consultants.

Introducing smarter options: revolving capital for medical professionals

One of the most effective ways to bridge cash flow gaps is through a revolving line of funding — a credit facility that allows you to draw down capital when needed, repay it, and draw again as required.

MediFlow, developed by Global Health Capital, is one such solution. It offers:

• Pre-approved funding limits based on your specialty and tenure
• 90-day drawdown periods with the option to roll over
• No paperwork every time you need access
• Only pay for what you use, with no early repayment fees

Rather than forcing consultants into rigid loan structures, MediFlow offers flexibility. It gives you the breathing room to manage shortfalls, cover tax or staffing needs, or take advantage of growth opportunities — without dipping into personal reserves or waiting on banks.

What to look for in a cash flow solution

Whether it’s MediFlow or another option, the most important criteria for cash flow support in a medical setting are:

• Speed: You shouldn’t wait weeks for a funding decision
• Flexibility: Fixed term loans don’t match fluid billing cycles
• Clarity: No hidden fees, no complex terms
• Relevance: Designed for your working life, not a generic SME

Final thoughts

Profitability doesn’t always equal peace of mind. Many Irish consultants are earning well — but running practices under daily financial tension due to timing, not volume.

You’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not without options.

At Global Health Capital, we built MediFlow specifically to solve this problem. We believe in giving doctors the freedom to run their business like professionals — not part-time finance managers.

If you’re ready to take control of your cash flow — not just your accounts — we’re here to help.