Once you’ve decided you are ready to learn more about the procedures you are interested in pursuing and the practice offering them, it’s time to set up a consultation. Depending on the individual practice, some consultations are complimentary and others may come with a small fee or deposit.  This fee is a way to encourage appointment retention and maximize a limited schedule. Frequently that fee is non-refundable but can be applied towards any procedure or product available at the practice, should you decide to move forward.

As usual, there will be “paperwork” to be completed so that the staff can get to know you and what it is you are interested in learning more about. This allows for efficiency and personalization for your appointment. This may be done in writing or electronically, depending on the preferred method within the practice. One of the most important requirements of the consultation paperwork is a detailed overview of your medical history. Some practices will send that to you prior to your consultation via email and you will then be able to complete that information at home and submit it online or print it out and bring it with you. Alternatively, you may wish to arrive at your appointment 10 minutes early to allow time to complete it in person.

Please Note: It is imperative that you fill these documents out thoroughly and accurately. Be prepared to disclose your current medications/supplements, any known allergies, past and present diagnoses and any other relevant information about your health. This is how a patient consultant or doctor will determine whether your procedure(s) will be safe and effective for you and allow them to make any necessary accommodations to mitigate risks and allow for best results.

Once that has been completed and submitted, it will be reviewed by a trained staff member and eventually the Practitioner who will be performing your procedure. Who conducts the consultation is dependent upon the unique process within each practice. Frequently, the initial portion of the consultation is performed by a Patient Consultant who is typically not an MD but someone who has a deep understanding of the procedures and can answer most of your questions. They will discuss the procedure(s) you are interested in with great detail, explain the entire process specific to your chosen plan, answer whatever questions you may have and then consult with the doctor if there are any more in depth explanations or concerns that need to be addressed. Please be aware that if you are interested in having any procedure performed on your body, the consultant and/or the doctor will need you to undress to allow for a general examination of the area to determine candidacy as well as to manage and discuss expectations.

Once your personalized plan has been discussed, questions have been answered and you feel comfortable with moving forward, the next step is the financial component of the consultation.  This is when the Patient Consultant will draft a quote detailing the costs associated with your procedure(s). Most cosmetic surgeries and treatments are considered “elective”. This means that insurance and HSA will not cover the cost of the procedure(s). WIth that said, most practices do offer financing options to those that qualify. A separate application process is necessary to determine qualification and credit available but it can usually be done right there in the office and decisions are issued within minutes. Otherwise, cash and credit cards are also acceptable forms of payment. Occasionally a small discount may be available for cash payment so that is something you should inquire about if that is an option for you.

In order to schedule your procedure, most practices will require either a deposit or payment in full. These appointments require significant planning and preparation, so it is imperative to the practice that the schedule is as efficient and accurate as possible, with minimal unexpected changes.

Once you have scheduled your procedure(s), the practice staff will also assist you in setting up your pre-operative appointments (if necessary) and will go over information pertaining to your upcoming visit. Typically, you will also receive a packet of documents detailing these instructions for your review.

Consultations are one of the most important steps within this process. This is when you will determine what you want to pursue and with whom you want to do it. You can get the most out of the consultation if you do some research on your own and come prepared with questions. This will ensure that the time you have is spent discussing the things most important to you as a patient.