Industries / Healthcare

Healthcare Business Loans: How Healthcare Providers Get the Right Financing

By NexGen LendingLast updated October 20267 min read

Short answer: Healthcare businesses usually finance diagnostic and treatment equipment with equipment financing, bridge slow insurance reimbursements with a business line of credit, and use a term or SBA loan for new locations, build-outs or acquisitions. Lenders focus on patient volume, payer mix, collections history, licensing and the provider’s experience.

At a glance

Best for equipment
Equipment financing (imaging, lab, therapy and exam equipment)
Best for cash flow
Business line of credit
Best for expansion
Term loan or SBA 7(a) / 504 loan
NexGen amounts
$10,000 to $20,000,000 across programs
Approval speed
Typically 1 to 24 hours for many programs
Credit
650+ on most programs; 500+ for revenue-based financing; 700+ for SBA loans

Healthcare businesses deliver care today and often get paid weeks later, after claims move through insurers and government payers. At the same time, equipment, technology, staffing and compliance costs keep rising. This guide covers the best financing for home health agencies, urgent care centers, outpatient clinics, labs, physical therapy practices and other healthcare providers, and answers the questions owners ask us most.

At NexGen Lending, we help healthcare businesses nationwide compare equipment, working capital and growth financing with one application.

What is the best financing for a healthcare business?

Short answer: Equipment financing is usually the best fit for medical and diagnostic equipment because the equipment secures the loan. A line of credit works best for payroll and supplies while claims are paid, and a term or SBA loan suits larger projects like a new clinic, a build-out or buying another practice.
Financing typeBest for
Equipment financingImaging, lab analyzers, therapy equipment, exam tables, vehicles for home health
Business line of creditPayroll, supplies and rent while insurance claims are processed
Term loans & unitranche debtNew service lines, hiring, technology upgrades, marketing
SBA 7(a) or 504 loanBuying a building, opening a new location, acquiring a practice

How do healthcare businesses handle slow insurance reimbursements?

Short answer: Most healthcare businesses keep a line of credit open to cover payroll, rent and supplies while claims are processed, then repay it as reimbursements arrive. Clean billing, low denial rates and a current accounts receivable report also shorten the gap and strengthen any financing application.

NexGen’s business line of credit goes up to $1,000,000 for businesses with 12+ months in business, $10,000+ in monthly revenue and a 650+ credit score. You draw only what you need and pay interest only on what you use. Our guide on how to get a business line of credit walks through the requirements.

What is payer mix? Payer mix is the share of your revenue that comes from each source, such as commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and self-pay patients. Lenders look at it because different payers pay at different speeds and rates, which affects your cash flow.

What do lenders look for in a healthcare business?

Short answer: Lenders look at time in business, monthly revenue and deposits, personal credit, payer mix, accounts receivable aging, licensing and credentialing, and the experience of the owners and clinicians. Practices with steady patient volume and clean collections have the most options.

How do I qualify for a healthcare business loan?

Short answer: Keep licenses and credentialing current, run all revenue through a business account, maintain a current accounts receivable report, get written equipment or contractor quotes, and apply while deposits are strong. Showing exactly how the funding increases patient capacity or revenue makes approval much more likely.
  1. Keep licensing current. State licenses, certifications and payer credentialing should be in good standing.
  2. Clean up your billing. A low claim denial rate and current receivables report show lenders reliable cash flow.
  3. Get quotes. Written equipment and build-out quotes help lenders size the loan.
  4. Show the impact. Explain how new equipment, staff or space increases patient volume or adds services.
  5. Separate business and personal finances. Clear business statements make revenue easy to verify.
  6. Compare offers. See how we compare lender offers.

Can a new healthcare business get a loan?

Short answer: Yes, though options are narrower. New healthcare businesses often rely on equipment financing secured by the equipment, SBA loans and owner investment. Lenders weigh clinical experience, licensing, a realistic business plan and how long payer credentialing will take before revenue starts.

Credentialing with insurers can take months, so budget for payroll and rent before claims start paying.

How fast can a healthcare business get funded?

Short answer: Many NexGen programs approve in 1 to 24 hours, and equipment and working capital can fund quickly after approval. SBA loans, building purchases and practice acquisitions usually take several weeks because of appraisals, valuations and documentation.

Frequently asked questions about healthcare financing

Can I finance used medical equipment?

Often, yes. Lenders will ask for the manufacturer, model, age and condition. Refurbished equipment from reputable vendors is commonly financed.

Can I use a loan to buy another clinic or practice?

Yes. SBA 7(a) loans are commonly used for healthcare acquisitions. Lenders review the seller’s financials, patient base and payer contracts. Our guide to buying an existing business covers the steps.

How do I finance a new location?

A term or SBA loan typically covers the build-out, with equipment financing for clinical equipment and a line of credit for the ramp-up. See our guide to financing a second location.

Does a high Medicaid or Medicare share hurt my chances?

Not necessarily. Lenders mainly want to see consistent collections. A stable payer mix with predictable reimbursement can support approval.

What if my credit isn’t perfect?

With a 500 to 649 credit score, revenue-based financing is the main option, since it leans on sales more than credit. Most other NexGen programs, including equipment financing and lines of credit, require 650+, and SBA loans require 700+. Below 500, NexGen's business credit guidance can help you understand your credit profile and build toward approval.

Ready to add equipment or open a new location? Apply now or call (908) 639-4361.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. NexGen figures come from NexGen’s service pages as of October 2026. Licensing and regulatory requirements vary by state. Loan terms, rates, and eligibility vary by lender and program and are subject to approval. Availability varies by state.

Related industries

Medical practices → Dental → Chiropractors → Pharmacies → All industries →