Does a medical spa have to be part of a doctor's office?

We all know that every state has a medical board which regulates physicians.  Under that jurisdiction comes medical spas. While medical spas don't have to be "part" of a traditional doctor's office, they essentially function in the same capacity.  I have seen medical spas funtioning in day spas with a supervising physician.  However, the ultimate responsibility belongs to the physician (of course they need to have a medical license). We all know that medical incompetence is present in any field.  Each case must be addressed individually.  Of course, patients must be protected.  However, every laser company and medical device has very strict protocols designed to protect the physician and consumer.  If competent physicians adhere to the protocols, perform a history and physical, and use common sense to err on the conservative side they can avoid a lot of trouble. I am all for excellent results and patient safety.  If a dermatologist can train an aesthetician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant to operate a medical spa in their absence. . .then a licensed physician should certainly be able to learn as much as them. . . Learn about the facility, the devices used, the physician and their results.  Check out their reviews, patient testimonials, and before & after photos.  Make sure they don't just use company photos and play them off as their own.  When in doubt, ask the reps who their best providers are (once you have researched your options and have an idea of what procedures you are interested in).  Company reps are usually going to send you those medical spas that deliver the best results.  They don't want to have "bad word of mouth" reviews going on about their product, right?  The cream always rises to the top. . .

You will have to check with the authorities in your state to determine what a medi-spa needs to operate. In some states the rules are very strict and a doctor must be present on site at all times. In some states only a doctor can perform the procedures. Unfortunately, many of the state regulations were politically motivated and do NOTHING to protect patients. In Florida, a blind psychiatrist sleeping in the back of the medispa technically allows the medispa to do every procedure you can think of. There is no easy shortcut you can do to find a good place to have your procedures done. You will have to do your homework, check references, make a site visit, ask questions, talk to the doctor that will be doing your treatment, etc.

In California, medi-spa, medspa, etc. is still a medical office. The same standards should apply to all procedures performed along with safety and OSHA guidelines. Physicians must own at least 51% of the medical corporation to provide medical services.