Outpatient clinic loans: SBA rates and eligibility
All Other Outpatient Care Centers · NAICS 621498 · Program that usually fits: 7(a) and 504
This category covers outpatient centers that don't have their own code, such as pain management clinics, infusion centers, wound care centers, sleep or biofeedback centers and multi-specialty outpatient clinics. Loans fund clinic build-outs, medical equipment, buying a practice or a building, and working capital while insurance claims pay. Most use 7(a), with 504 for owned real estate. Lenders focus on payer mix, provider retention and regulatory compliance.
Who qualifies
For-profit outpatient care centers that meet SBA size standards. The clinic needs the right state facility licenses, licensed providers and payer enrollments. Lenders want an owner or medical director with clinical or healthcare management experience. Nonprofit community health centers can't use 7(a). Kidney dialysis, freestanding surgery and emergency centers, and mental health and substance abuse centers have their own NAICS codes but similar lending rules. Past billing problems or exclusions can block a loan.
Which SBA program fits
7(a) for build-out and equipment
A 7(a) loan funds clinic improvements, infusion chairs, imaging, EHR systems and working capital on terms up to 10 years. It works for both new clinics and established ones adding services.
504 for a medical building
Clinics buying or building space they occupy can use a 504 loan with about 10% down and a long fixed rate on the CDC portion. It suits medical office condos and freestanding clinic buildings.
7(a) for practice purchases
A 7(a) loan finances buying an existing clinic, including equipment, goodwill and working capital. Lenders usually want the selling provider to stay through a transition so patients and referral sources stay.
What borrowers use the money for
- Clinic build-out and exam rooms
- Infusion chairs, imaging and treatment equipment
- Buying an existing outpatient clinic
- Medical office building purchase
- Working capital for insurance receivables
Typical loan amounts, down payment and terms
Outpatient clinic loans usually run from $250,000 to $2 million. Equity injection is at least 10% for start-ups and changes of ownership, and lenders may want more for new clinics without a provider base. Building purchases run up to 25 years, and equipment and acquisitions up to 10 years. Interest-only periods are sometimes allowed during build-out.
What lenders look at for an outpatient clinic
Lenders review revenue by payer and service, collections and days in receivables. A clinic that depends on one referral source or one reimbursement code is riskier. They want to know who generates revenue: if one physician produces most of it, they may require life insurance and a non-compete. Compliance gets attention, including licenses, payer audits and how the clinic relates to referring doctors. For start-ups, lenders want signed provider contracts and realistic patient ramp-up.
Example: a $800,000 loan
At today's maximum variable 7(a) rate of 10.00% over 10 years, the payment would be about $10,572 a month. Most well-qualified borrowers get a lower rate. Try your own numbers.
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Today's rate caps
These are the SBA's maximum 7(a) rates with prime at 7.00%. See current SBA loan rates and SBA 504 rates for the full picture.
| Loan amount | Maximum spread | Maximum variable rate today |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 or less | Prime + 6.5 | 13.50% |
| $50,001 to $250,000 | Prime + 6.0 | 13.00% |
| $250,001 to $350,000 | Prime + 4.5 | 11.50% |
| Over $350,000 | Prime + 3.0 | 10.00% |
Related industries and lenders
Related industries
SBA lenders active nationwide
Questions about outpatient clinics loans
What clinics fall under All Other Outpatient Care Centers?
NAICS 621498 covers outpatient centers not classified elsewhere, such as pain therapy clinics, infusion centers, wound care centers, biofeedback centers and multi-specialty outpatient clinics. Physician offices, dialysis centers, surgery centers, emergency centers and mental health centers have separate codes.
Can I get an SBA loan to open a medical clinic?
Yes. For-profit outpatient clinics are eligible for 7(a) and 504 loans. Lenders want licensed providers, a medical director, payer contracts and a realistic ramp-up plan. Expect at least 10% equity, and more for a start-up without existing patients.
Can a nonprofit health center get an SBA loan?
Not a 7(a) or 504 loan. SBA business loans are for for-profit businesses. Nonprofit community health centers usually look at USDA community facility loans, HRSA programs, CDFIs or conventional bank financing instead. A for-profit clinic owned by the same providers can still apply on its own.
Can an SBA loan pay for infusion center equipment?
Yes. Infusion chairs, pumps, pharmacy hoods and the build-out to meet clinical standards are eligible. Lenders also look at drug costs and reimbursement timing, since infusion centers carry expensive inventory and wait on insurer payments.
What rate will a clinic pay on an SBA loan?
With prime at 7.00%, 7(a) loans over $350,000 are capped at 10.00% variable and $250,001 to $350,000 at 11.50%. The 504 debenture rate was about 6.57% fixed for 25 years in November 2026. Lenders can and often do charge less than the cap.
Sources: SBA 7(a) terms, conditions and maximum variable rates; Federal Reserve H.15 selected interest rates (bank prime loan rate); November 2026 SBA 504 debenture pricing, as published by CDCs; SBA FOIA 7(a) and 504 loan-level data.