Consultation Fees: I want to interview a few doctors but how expensive will the consultation be?

I do not believe in charging for a consultation. I feel this is not just the doctors chance to make sure you are a good candidate but also a chance to make sure you like the physician and his staff. Most practices that charge for practices do so and explain the consultation fee will be applied toward the surgery if schedule. I feel you should visit several physicians to see who you are most comfortable with and not feel pressured in to staying with one physician because of the risk of losing your consultation fee.

It’s not unusual for patients to consult
multiple plastic surgeons before proceeding with cosmetic surgery. It’s
important to realize that the cost of these consultations varies significantly
from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon. In some cases, the consultation is
complimentary and free, while in other cases, consultation charges may range
from $100 to $200.Significant differences exist in the
philosophies of plastic surgeons regarding this topic. In our practice, we feel
that consultations should be complimentary and we offer this service free of
charge. Before proceeding with any consultation, it’s important to understand
the billing policy of the consulting office. If you have questions regarding
this topic make sure they’re answered before the consultation.

Consultation fees range between $30- $150 (or more) and that fee is often applied towards surgery.I have tried to avoid charging a consultation fee my entire career, but starting this upcoming new year I will charge a fee.  I have struggled with this decision, but it has become an absolute necessity.  Despite investing in expensive services that remind patients of upcoming appointments and requiring that they confirm that they plan to attend the appointment I still have no-shows.  This is very frustrating for my patients that sometimes wait as long as 6-8 weeks before they can get a consultation because they could have taken that patient's appointment.  Additionally, my staff schedules a significant amount of my time to go through the breast augmentation or tummy tuck consultation with each patient, and that information (and my time) is valuable.

Consultation fees vary from doctor to doctor.  More and more cosmetic surgeons will offer free consultations or charge a nominal fee which can sometimes be applied to the purchase of a procedure.  I know of one office that takes your credit cards and charges you $75 ONLY if you don't show up!  Call and find out the fee schedule ahead of time.  Most plastic surgeons do not charge too much, if anything, to consult with prospective cosmetic surgery patients.

COnsultation fees  will vary around the country and from doctor to doctor.  I believe in consultation fees, because I think that it eliminates wasted time for both the doctor and the patient.  A serious patient will pay the consultation fee expecially to a doctor that they are interested in.