Some Physicians Find Aesthetic Medicine Helps Make Their Practices More Financially Viable

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 13 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Family doctors are adding aesthetic medical procedures to their practices in an effort to make their practices more financially viable, says the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM). After reviewing participant feedback from their fifth consecutive, sold out Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, IAPAM Executive Director, Jeff Russell, says that participating doctors want most to learn the business of aesthetic medicine, not just how to do the procedures themselves.

"The combination of reducing reimbursements, increasing costs, and longer working hours is leaving many family physicians no choice but to leave their traditional practice behind and open an aesthetic medicine practice or add aesthetic medicine procedures to their existing practices," says Russell.

Russell adds that this problem is not only occurring for those who run private practices, but also for those working in hospitals. IAPAM emergency room physicians have reported that extreme stress has caused them to move to aesthetic practices. What's more, soaring insurance costs are forcing many IAPAM obstetrician/ gynecologists to move to aesthetics as well.

"Our June Aesthetic Medicine Symposium sold out two months prior to the event. It's obvious to us that physicians are making the choice to add aesthetic procedures or leave their current practice. Aesthetic medicine creates more cash flow and decreases the administration required to manage insurance and government reimbursements. Entrepreneurs are constantly looking for opportunities to increase revenues and decrease costs. Doctors are no different," says Russell.

Due to increased demand, an additional Aesthetic Medicine Symposium will be hosted by the IAPAM in Scottsdale, AZ this September. Another sellout is expected.

About the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to licensed medical doctors (MDs), and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs).

The IAPAM hosts a two-day symposium which provides current, comprehensive aesthetic medicine training for today's leading physicians. The symposium combines clinical, hands-on training of advanced skin care procedures with strategies to successfully integrate aesthetic medical procedures into a medical practice, along with the ability to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. More information about the symposium can be accessed through http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com.

http://www.iapam.com

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