It’s no doubt the recession that started at the end of 2007 has affected everyone in some form or another. The medical profession is no different as the current economic situation has affected just about anyone working in the private economy.
To boost their revenues, many practices across the country are turning to areas outside their specialty that can bring in more revenues – namely, plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments like Botox and laser hair removal because it’s an area where payment is pretty much guaranteed.
It’s been an all too often occurrence in recent times for physicians and their office staff to attend weekend seminars on injectable toxins, dermal fillers, chemical skin peels and LASER hair removal. But if the proper training and safeguards are not in place, doctors are opening themselves up to some disastrous consequences.
Not to mention and most important, it puts patients at enormous risk.
MAG Mutual, a medical malpractice insurance firm, is seeing an increase in claims against physicians engaging in cosmetic procedures that are outside their specialty. One example – a 46 year old female developed facial scars after undergoing a LASER hair removal at her family doctor’s office. The plaintiff alleges the doctor did not properly supervise the technician who administered the hair removal…the case was ultimately settled.
With the increase in lawsuits and settlements, all physicians are seeing increases in their malpractice liability insurance premiums.
In any event, be sure the physician you are dealing with is fully certified and well experienced in the plastic surgery or aesthetic treatment you are seeking. Be suspicious if your family doctor’s office offers these services all of a sudden.
Be sure your LASER hair removal or breast augmentation goes as smoothly as possible by seeing a board certified, reputable plastic surgeon in your area.