“Facility design has become much more thoughtful – a trend that manifests itself in a variety of ways, including the use of warmer colors, abundant natural lighting and amenities like on-site pharmacies and imaging services,” says Wilson. “Some outpatient facilities have also added fitness centers that can be used for physical therapy and preventative care.”

Furthermore, because patients want to be no more than 10 minutes away from their doctor, developers must help providers choose proper locations. “It's almost typical of what we do for retailers,” Wilson says. First, HSA maps out a proposed clinic's expected customer base, then may calculate parking ratios, access routes, and visibility.

In addition to amenities, pleasant surroundings, and strategic locations, modern outpatient clinics need flexible designs, he adds. Technology has already brought profound change to the healthcare field, and HSA recommends larger floor plates and higher ceilings that can accommodate any new equipment developed in the years to come.

Other changes have also just begun. The need for so many facilities spread out over large geographic areas is helping fuel consolidation among providers that want to scale up. Ascension, a St. Louis-based nonprofit, has begun talks to acquire Providence St. Joseph Health, for example, and Advocate Health Care recently proposed a merger with WI-based Aurora Health Care.

“I think we will continue to see such changes over the next five years,” says Wilson.