Main description:

The ultimate guide to managing the multifaceted business aspects of a dermatology practice

Although board-certified dermatologists provide the best care for their patients, managing a practice and optimizing every facet of the business is a daunting endeavor. Business acumen is not taught in residency and is the most overlooked aspect of any given practice. The Business of Dermatology, written by esteemed dermatologists Jeffrey S. Dover, Kavita Mariwalla, and an impressive group of experts, provides a rare opportunity to learn about the operations side of practices across the country. Written in an informal tone, this unique book enables readers to be privy to a "40-way chat" with dermatologists whose practices are flourishing.

With a vast wealth of information relevant to the business side of a dermatology practice, this remarkable resource fills the gap between the training phase and acquisition of professional confidence. Fifty-five chapters offer insightful, highly practical pearls for everyone-from early-career dermatologists and those in solo-practice to employed physicians in large groups. Even the most seasoned practitioners will benefit from firsthand knowledge and real-world tips shared by physicians who have made their own mistakes trying to get practices off the ground and maintain them.

Key Features

Written by top dermatologists from the perspective of "if we knew then what we know now..."
Organized in a format and style conducive to easy reading, with practical tips to implement immediately
Covers all practice-relevant topics, including office space and equipment, managing financials, diverse practice models, human resources, employment considerations, patient issues, pricing, essential surgical tools/supplies, marketing, and much more
Top ten lists in each chapter highlighting the key take-home points

The Business of Dermatology is an indispensable, one-stop source for all trainee and practicing dermatologists who need insightful guidance on setting up, organizing, managing, or optimizing their practice.

This book includes complimentary access to a digital copy on https://medone.thieme.com.

Contents:

Section I Bricks and Mortar

1 To Rent or to Buy: That is the Question

2 Location

3 How Much Space Do I Need?

4 Creating a Business Plan

5 Room Layout

6 Office Flow

7 Creating a Practice Ambiance

8 Photography and Space Requirements for Everyday and Clinical Trials

9 Corporate Structure: Limited Liability and Taxation

10 Academic versus Private Practice

11 Managing the Telecom and IT of Your Business: The Central Nervous System of a Medical Practice

12 Choosing and Implementing an Electronic Medical Record System

13 Private Equity and Venture Capital-Backed Practice Models

Section II Human Resources

14 Essential Components of an Employee Manual

15 Vision and Mission Statement

16 Employees versus Independent Contractors

17 Salaried versus Hourly Wage: Which is Better and for What Positions?

18 The Practice Administrator

19 A Primer on Employment Law for Dermatology Practices

20 Essential Policies

21 Questions to Ask When Bringing on a Physician

22 Designing Your Cosmetic Dermatology Practice for Maximum Efficiency: A Case Study

Section III Patient Relations

23 "It Depends": No-show Fees, Cancellation Policies, and Deposits for Procedures

24 Reminder Calls/Texts: Implementing an Effective Appointment Reminder System

25 Is There a Better Way to Answer Calls?

26 Critical Components of Consents and Documentation

27 Patient Portals and Communication in the Age of EMR

28 Teledermatology Ground Rules

29 Risk Management

Section IV The Daily Grind

30 The Ideal Schedule

31 Delegating: Physician Extenders and Integration into a Practice

32 Managing Expectations of Staff

33 Pricing Cosmetic Procedures

34 Integrating Cosmeceuticals into Daily Practice

35 Building a Budget/Calculating Overhead

36 Evaluating Pharmacies and Patient Coupons

37 Deciding What Services to Provide

38 Evaluating a Laser for Purchase and Calculating a Return on Investment for a Device

39 Evaluating Costs of Fillers and Toxins: Brand Loyalty versus Offering Everything

Section V The Nitty-Gritty

40 Essential Instruments

41 Essential Stock to Start a Practice

42 Essential Stock for Cosmetic Procedures: How to Determine What to Carry, and Control Inventory and Costs

43 What Devices Does Your Practice Need?

44 Loyalty and VIP Programs

Section VI Your Image

45 The Most Important Components of a Successful Website

46 Social Media

47 Creating and Nurturing a Brand/Logo

48 Managing Your Online Reputation

49 Tips for the Media

50 Marketing and Advertising Your Dermatology Practice

Section VII Miscellaneous

51 Growing Your Practice

52 Mohs: Outsource or Keep In-House

53 The Ground Rules of Teaching in a Private Practice

54 Staying Active Nationally in the Years after Residency

55 Getting Involved in Advocacy