๐ ็ธฝ็ฎ้ ๏ฝ ๐ ่ฑๆๅๆ๏ผๆฌ็ฏ๏ผ ๏ฝ ๐ ๅฎๆด็ฟป่ญฏ ๏ฝ โญ ็ฒพ่ฏ็ญ่จ
The Haggler Patient
The Haggler Patient
The increased competition for patient dollars has given rise to the commoditization of aesthetic procedures. Advertised specials by โsyringeโ or โcycleโ and bundled procedure deals promoted through online sites give rise to โdoctor shoppers,โ patients who choose an office based on the price rather than the physician. Although there are certainly patients who initially find a physician through a discount and remain because of the results, most doctor shoppers switch providers based on the latest deal. Since they usually insist on getting prices before coming in for a consult, refusing to publish your procedure prices is an effective screening tool.
The more difficult are the patients who routinely โhaggleโ over price. While physician offices can set their own prices for services not covered by third-party
payors, and certainly can give a discount or free services, ethics and practicality require reasonably standardized pricing. Some people feel entitled to โa deal,โ while others complain that they cannot afford the doctorโs prices and should receive a discount. To those patients, say with kindness that you understand that cosmetic procedures are a luxury item and your staff will be happy to help figure out if there is a plan that fits their budget. Other patients do not value the physicianโs time. Explain that the cost is based on the physicianโs years of training and experience, as well as the cost of product that is used. The patient who values the physician, staff, and office will generally understand at this point.23,24