Slick doctor offices and medspas feel good, but do they deliver quality care?

The Mayo Clinic is famous for its cancer care as well as the architectural splendor of its 20 story Gonda Building. 

Why spend so much on the building vs. patient care and cancer research?  In the case of the Mayo Clinic, the architect's motive was for "the patients to feel a little better before they see their doctors."

A Harvard study found that indeed design matters to reducing patient stress—with one patient explaining, "It did not seem like a doctor's office when we went to Mayo. There was no tension."  In fact, there is a lot of science that goes into the design of medical offices.

Consumers seeking cosmetic services offered by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or medical spa may not have the equivalent stress levels of a cancer patient (cosmetic treatments are by-and-large elective decisions), but that doesn't mean the setting doesn't matter.

In most offices, the first impression is set by a sensory experience akin to visiting a high-end hotel or retail operation vs. a doctor's office. There is great attention given to the design, layout, and dress of staff.  White lab coats come in black, pink, and purple.

The risk of allowing fancy offices lull you into complacency

Medical spas were the catalyst to the expansion of slick, non-medical feeling aesthetic offices. But rather than slipping into a sense of peace and tranquility, the consumer should remain focused on what really counts. 

Some medical spas, for instance, operate without a doctor on the premise or a doctor with deep expertise in delivering cosmetic services. In one study, 82% of medical spa complications occurred when a doctor was not at the facility (research by Vic Narurkar, MD).  Patients should be sure to ask the right questions before undergoing any type of procedure to ensure they are in good hands- who will be providing the medical service, what are their credentials, training and track record?

Cosmetic treatments to potentially avoid at a doctor-free medspa

Dr. Bruce Katz, a medical spa owner and New York City dermatologist, told Allure Magazine ("Doctor in the House?" by Joan Kron) that certain procedures should never be offered at a medical spa staffed by only aestheticians and nurses. This includes:

• No laser or injection treatments for spider veins
• No strong chemical peels
• No tattoo removal
• No laser like Fraxel for broken blood vessels, redness, or scars

While it is up to the individual to decide what is best for them, if in doubt, before going forward, Katz offered the tip to ask yourself "How many days a week does the person perform these procedures?"  

Plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Mills writes on RealSelf.com that the onus is on the consumer or patient to "vet the medical spa" and to inquire into the level of medical direction, standard of care, and specific training of the individual providing the service.   So don't be afraid to get your questions answered before undergoing any type of procedure-- there is little room for buyers remorse in these situations.

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