Mateo84 said:
It's not as profitable as you think unless you are doing high-volume and associated with another aesthetic practice like dermatology or plastic surgery. Even in those cases, the med spa can be a loss leader that brings people in to the other high-earning aspects of the practice.
The dentists and PCP's running med spas are not making any serious money off of them. And yes, there is one on every corner.
What it does expose you to is risk and headaches.
Aestheticians, "laser techs", etc are often difficult to hire and retain, nurse injectors and NP's just want to build their clientele and run off elsewhere on their own, etc. Expensive machines sitting unused, and expensive injectable and skincare products that expire on the shelf.
Also, make sure you are aware of ownership laws related to physician and non-physician ownership and ownership structures. Google corporate practice of medicine.
having consulted for many DSO and MSO practices and "Medical" office type roll-ups...
This is good advice. They're tough and need to be ran like a business and not a doctor's office. It's all about recurring revenue, growing smart, employee retention, utilization of equipment, and controlling margins.
Yes, an insurance payor component is nice but you're now negotiating with an industry that exists for 1 reason: to pay out less money in benefits than they collect in premiums.
I think the low t clinic, botox, etc. thing has apex'd and become saturated.
That being said, if it's attached to a REAL dermatology clinic, you'll just be playing around with the front of the office (products, botox, facials, etc.) while the real money making will be the CPT code billing for dermatology. There is a massive shortage of dermatologists and the chasm is widening with aging population and less dermatology residents coming into the field.