When we hear the term “medical services,” we often think of hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics and medical office buildings. However, with an increasing demand for healthcare in recent years due to factors such as an aging population and the global pandemic, there has been a rise in space needs within this sector.
This has led to the emergence of a new concept called “medtail.” Medtail refers to healthcare services located in retail settings such as strip malls or shopping centers. This includes traditional medical offices like vision and dental practices but also encompasses specialty wellness services like urgent care facilities, occupational/physical therapy centers, holistic/alternative medicine clinics and even veterinary/pet care services.
The growing popularity of medtail can also be seen in sectors like alternative medicine which includes acupuncture, homeopathy and naturopathy. These types of tenants not only provide creative ways for landlords to fill vacancies but can also generate foot traffic that benefits other retailers within the same location.
However, it’s important for landlords considering medtail leases to understand that these tenants have different needs compared to traditional retail businesses. For example:
– Load factors: Medical equipment may require more weight-bearing capacity than typical retail fixtures.
– Waste disposal: Proper disposal methods must be followed when dealing with medical waste.
– Utilities: Healthcare providers may have higher utility requirements due to specialized equipment or procedures.
– Safety regulations: Fire safety codes are stricter for healthcare facilities due t
