- Joined
- Nov 21, 2006
- Messages
- 31
- Reaction score
- 0
I just finished residency and bought a general dermatology practice out west. I have a well run cosmetic side that obviously takes only cash, but my questions relate to providing medical services. The practice currently has quite a few cash pay medical patients, and they were being charged rates much lower than insurance would normally pay. I recently raised the cash pay rate, since it was likely some of the lowest in the country. I know talking specific numbers is taboo on this forum, but do any other attendings have a specific percentage of medicare fees they charge cash paying patients? I am also finding it difficult to charge for certain procedures (like benign/premalignant destruction), which dramatically increases patients out of pocket costs. Over time many of these patients will leave the practice when they realize I am no longer the cheapest guy in town (with me likely getting some bad yelp reviews in the process), but I want to set up a good system for the future. If you are taking cash pay patients, are you taking a credit card prior to the service to prevent the "I only have 40 dollars on me"? Also what do you do with the patient that has such a large skin cancer on their nose that they require Mohs and a likely paramedian forehead flap, that obviously won't be able to afford needed services (this occurred last week)?
I currently love my practice, and for only owning it for a month am doing great. The cash pay aspect is really the biggest thorn in my side, and is not necessarily needed for future growth. I am also continuing to see several very complicated and disadvantaged patients for free, which I think is an important part of giving back. I have recently had a dentist, lawyer, and a physical therapist (all strangely without insurance) complain about paying more than 50 dollars for my services however, which is very frustrating. Any thoughts?
I currently love my practice, and for only owning it for a month am doing great. The cash pay aspect is really the biggest thorn in my side, and is not necessarily needed for future growth. I am also continuing to see several very complicated and disadvantaged patients for free, which I think is an important part of giving back. I have recently had a dentist, lawyer, and a physical therapist (all strangely without insurance) complain about paying more than 50 dollars for my services however, which is very frustrating. Any thoughts?