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When the pandemic and shutdowns began, virtual visits came into the spotlight. They were perfect for allowing older, high risk patients to see their doctor. Ensuring ongoing care without the risk of exposure to COVID 19 with in-person doctor visits. But even as the peak of the pandemic recedes (we think), it appears virtual visits are here to stay. Virtual visits aren’t just safe,...
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Discounts and specials? Sure. Bargaining? Absolutely not.
One of the reasons I’ve built a worldview that includes price transparency is because I recognized early on that everyone wants to know cost ahead of time. So why make it difficult for them. No one likes sticker shock. But there’s another benefit of price transparency. By knowing the cost ahead of time, the hope is the patient will feel less of an urge...
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Yes, we charge for virtual consults
For years now, our consultation fee has been $100. This payment holds your spot on the schedule. In our experience, if we don’t request a consultation fee, the “no show” rate is higher. And it’s not a wasted $100 regardless. If you do purchase products, injectables or book a cosmetic procedure, that $100 goes towards the cost of those services. This $100 consultation fee is...
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Postop recovery on a budget [video]
You just had an expensive cosmetic procedure and now you’re ready for the aftermath, the postop recovery. There are two options here: buy everything and do everything the internet tells you or, watch the video below. There are good reasons to follow certain instructions for postop recovery but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Postop recovery on the cheap! As the video below...
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Compete on price transparency, not price! [video]
Whenever I discuss the concept of price transparency with other healthcare providers, the first thing they say is, “I don’t want to compete on price!” I simply don’t understand why the premise of price transparency automatically leads to the assumption that you have to compete on price. Healthcare doesn’t follow the rules of a free market system The idea of price transparency in healthcare...
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One step closer: Price transparency in healthcare [video]
It’s official! Price transparency in healthcare is closer to reality. President Trump released new rules requiring hospitals to publish their charges and negotiated rates. You may be thinking, “oh this doesn’t affect me! It only affects hospitals and their employed physicians.” But make no mistake, this affects all physicians! Why price transparency in healthcare will affect everyone You see, as hospitals begin to show their prices,...
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3 options for financing cosmetic surgery and other healthcare services [video]
If you’re considering any type of procedure that will be paid out of pocket because it’s considered cosmetic or because it’s medically necessary and you haven’t met your deductible, you want to read this first! Here are 3 options for financing cosmetic surgery or any healthcare service. Options for Financing cosmetic surgery or other healthcare services If you don’t have the cash flow to...
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Prior to the consultation, everyone should get a quote
I often write about how the patient experience is improved when they “get a quote” via an online Price Estimator on a physician’s website. And not just for cosmetic services. But also for bariatric, general surgery and gynecological services, as well as surgery centers. Even if the patient doesn’t get a quote online, the provider’s office must ensure they do receive one prior to the consultation. ...
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Why you should pay cash for outpatient healthcare services
It’s hard to believe that even if you have health insurance, you may be better off if you pay cash for outpatient healthcare services. If that’s the case, why do we have health insurance at all?! We have health insurance to cover very prolonged illnesses or major trauma. Basically, catastrophic issues. But when it comes to screening tests or basic health maintenance, patients could save...
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Will more competitors force Botox to lower it’s price?
This recent Wall Street Journal article highlights the increasing competition in the neuromodulator market. A neuromodulator is the fancy term for a chemical used to relax facial muscles, thereby reducing wrinkles, ie Botox! In most industries, when you have more competition, that benefits the consumer by forcing lower prices. Will these competitive forces cause Botox to lower its price? Don’t bet on it! Why...
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