Consultation Fees - Should I Use That As Basis for Choice?

asked 1 year ago by boulder in Denver, CO
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 295 times
Tags: choices, consultation, doctor, fees

I noticed that some Dr's charge for consultation and others not ...should this be pertinent in choosing a DR to perform liposuction? What criteria should I use for choosing Dr and please prioritize. Thanks

10 answers to Consultation Fees - Should I Use That As Basis for Choice?

Whether your Liposuction Doc charges for the consultation or not does NOT have anything to do with the Quality of Liposuction.

Do not choose a liposuction doc on whether or not he charges for his consultations. Usually the very best docs don't charge for their liposuction consultations. Choose your doc on his qualifications such as if Liposuction is the major part of their practice and he is doing them daily and has for many, many yrs and does them under local tumescent technique anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. If his only qualification is that he is a board certified... more

David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

Choosing a doctor

I routinely charge a consultation fee. My office will apply it towards the surgical fee. The consultation fee in my mind weeds out people who are just window shopping and may not be as serious as someone who really wants the surgery. Plus, the expertise of the doctor during consultation is what you are paying for.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Don't agree with Dr. Peterson.

Board certification in plastic surgeon does not ensure that you are in the best possible hands. Board certified plastic surgeons continue to be responsible for a disproportionate amount of liability stemming from liposuction malpractice and procedure related deaths. This is primarily because most liposuction they perform is under general anesthesia and this increases the mortality of the procedure. Board certified dermatologic surgeons and other board certified... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Complimentary or free consultation fees for plastic cosmetic surgery

Charging consultation fee is a great way of eliminating patients who are not serious about the surgery but it is also an obstactle to those looking into the surgery. We take a credit card reservation fee to avoid the potential for "no-shows" but do not charge if patients attend the consultation. Board certification is one important criteria as is referrals or recommendations by friends and other physicians.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Experience is the key

If a surgeon charges a consultation fee, he/she will usually apply it to the surgical fees. This is a way to weed out those who unnecessarily waste a physician's time. Choose a doctor based on experience and ask to talk to some of his patients before deciding to go forward. Best of luck.

Bala S. Chandrasekhar, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Consultation Fees - Should I Use That As Basis for Choice

That is a very personal decision. I have never charged a cosmetic consult fee in over 30 years. I feel I can teach the patient my opinions as to the real needs.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction & Plastic Surgeons

The vast majority of board certified plastic surgeons in the US do isolated liposuction procedures under IV sedation or use tumescent techniques. The statistic that is previously quoted regarding mortality rates under general anesthesia exists simply because plastic surgeons combine liposuction with other procedures that require General Anesthesia- tummy tucks, for example. Consequently, we use General Anesthesia more frequently in combined cases that include 'liposuction'... more

Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

Choosing your Plastic Surgeon

You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon first and foremost. The next criteria to evaluate would be that particular surgeon's experience with the procedure you are interested in. Lastly does this surgeon have privileges at the local hospital to perform your procedure and/or works with an accredited office surgery center. Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a plastic surgeon

The #1 criteria for choosing a plastic surgeon is board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many companies will see liposuction equipment to any doctor - even if they are not a plastic surgeon. You have to be very careful and ask specifically about a doctor's credentials. Some surgeons charge consultation fees while other do not. It all really has to do with the community standard, the economy and how busy the surgeon's practice is. ... more

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

Liposuction is done with experience and good judgement

Find a (1) board certified plastic surgeon that (2) does liposction on a regular basis and you will be in the best hands possible. The consultation fee is secondary and could mean you will miss the best surgeon if you only go to fee consultations. Most surgeon will apply the consultation fee to the surgery costs. Look around and see if you can find some one that has had a good experience with a particular surgeon. Best Wishes Dr. Peterson