Is It Common to Charge for a Consultation?

Some surgeons charge for their consults, others don't, and there are different philosophies as to why some do and some don't. It's important to understand that whether or not a surgeon charges isn't really a reflection on the quality of his or her work or ethics-- in other words, just because one surgeon offers free consults, it doesn't mean he is any less of a surgeon, and just because one surgeon charges say $150 or so, it doesn't mean he is trying to charge someone unfairly or... more

It depends on the area of the country and what other surgeons are doing. Don't pick your surgeon because they give a free consultation. Ask friends, your family doctor, and use all sources. Pick your surgeon based on results and experience, not because he/she may charge a consultation fee (which is usually applied to surgery anyway). In our Santa Rosa plastic surgery practice we charge a very modest consultation fee which is then applied to surgery. It reduces the number of "tire... more

Yes, it many instances it is common to charge for a consultation. In surgical practices this is often put towards the crost of surgery if you decide to schedule.

Every plastic surgery practice differs. It is common to charge for professional consultation fees. Fees vary by surgeon and region. These fees are usually nominal. Some surgeons put the fees toward a procedure, if you decide on surgery. Some surgeons put the fees toward charity work, such as reconstructive surgery for patients without insurance. Some surgeons put the fees toward teaching and student education. Regardless, the consultation fee should not be a deciding factor regarding... more

Every region is different. My office policy is yes.  We do charge for a consultation. A full physical exam and discussion is performed and my expert advice is given.

When you go see your family practice doctor or your pediatrician, you pay a fee or copay. Your plastic surgeon is no different. You are asking for their time and that involves a fee. If you email your lawyer and ask him a question, you will get a bill in the mail for his time. Having said that, not all plastic surgeons charge a fee however. So you can still look around and find one that does not charge a consultation fee. Just because a plastic surgeon charges a consultation fee, it... more

Dear Emy1999, To quote Nobel Prize winning Economist Milton Friedman whom we could SURE all use today - "There is no such thing as a free lunch..." There is ALWAYS a reason why something is "free". All well trained professional charge for their time. Lawyers do. Accountants do. Even Plumbers do. When a plastic surgeon does not - there is a reason. Most "free" consultations are nothing of the kind. They are usually short, rushed screenings conducted by a doctor in a more

It is the option of the surgeon to charge or not to charge.  There is no right or wrong answer to this question.  If paying for the consult  offends you, many other great surgeons don't charge, so vote with your feet! sek

Emy, It is not uncommon for a plastic surgeon to charge a consultation fee. And, as I believe you have so eloquently heard, does not indicate the level of experience, abilities or ethics of any particular surgeon. I have personally waffled between charging a consultation fee, charging a consult fee and putting that toward the fee for surgery, and not charging a fee at all. Good luck!

Some doctors charge. Some don't. Some apply the fee to surgery. Some don't. There is no right or wrong. Some doctors are busier because they do notcharge for consultation. But some high-demand surgeons charge because they can. My practice is to charge for a comprehensive two -visit consultation that includes photos but to not obligate collection of the consultation fee until the patient decides to take the photos. The fee is usually separate from the surgical fee since it is very thorough,... more