Price tummy tuck is negotiable
As with most things in life, some surgeons are willing to negotiate their price of surgery.
This is especially true when the person asking is a loyal patient and a good referal source.
Surgeons have a strict ethical code that we must follow, but there is some latitude available to reward loyalty. It never hurts to ask. (Michael S. Hopkins, MD, Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon)
Never hurts to try
You can always ask for a discount and in this tough economy we try to do what we can. This is a very competitive field and we are all working to get your business. (Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon)
Better prices tummy tuck for loyal patients
Thank you for your question. I agree with the comments below. When patients return for multiple procedures over time, yes, some plastic surgeons will extend better pricing through some type of loyal client program.
There are many factors to consider. The plastic surgeon may be able to give you a break on the surgeon’s fee portion of the tummy tuck.
However, some of the costs such as the anesthesia fee and the facility fee may be fixed and beyond the control of the surgeon himself/herself to adjust. You pay the total fee to the surgeon but then he/she must turn around and pay for the supplies, instrument processing, facility, anesthesiologist, etc.
You may be able to get better pricing but it may not be as much as you like. The least you could do is ask, and the worst that could happen is that he could say no. However, I wouldn’t go elsewhere just to get a cheaper rate. It sounds like you have had a good experience and that you trust him. If you go elsewhere and it goes badly, the cost to fix an undesirable outcome may be much larger than paying full price for a tummy tuck well done the first time. (J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS, Nashville Plastic Surgeon)
No harm in asking for a price reduction.
I can only speak for my practice. We highly value loyal clients and very much appreciate their referrals to our office. We have a loyal client program in place that gives value to patients who help us to by telling others. However, from an ethical and professional standpoint we also have policies in place that are predictable and consistent. You should also know that all Plastic Surgeons who maintain their Society memberships need to follow a strict Code of Ethics that prohibits offering any financial incentives for surgical or physician delivered services. For retail and other non-surgical services their may a little more flexibility available. As mentioned already, total procedure fees also include professional fees for our anesthesiologists, implants when needed and the use of an Ambulatory Surgery Centre which futher limits our ability to be flexible on prices. You also understand that you have a choice about where you have your procedure performed. If you feel you can get the same care, service and quality of results elsewhere then you are free to explore those options. An open discussion about fees and financial policies with your the patient coordinator is always welcomed. (Mathew C. Mosher, MD, Vancouver Plastic Surgeon)
Pricing tummy tuck
WE have some very loyal following of patients who refer many others to our practice. We most definitely offer them a pricing consideration which is handled through the patient coordinator at all times. But the pricing structure really has to be realistic, taking into account all aspects to running a business (I agree with comment below) (Edward J. Bednar, MD, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
Negotiating prices on Tummy tuck
I agree that there is nothing wrong with trying to negotiate the cost of an operation. You should approach your patient coordinator or office manager first and mention all of the referrals. From what it seems, you appear to really trust your PS and are happy with his services. This is ultimately what you are paying for and I would discourage you from going elsewhere merely because of price. (Delio Ortegon, MD, San Antonio Plastic Surgeon)
Negotiating Cosmetic Fees
There is nothing wrong in broaching the subject of pricing with your doctor’s office. I would suggest going thru the patient coordinator or practice manager first, rather than the physician. Explain to them that you are a satisfied patient of their practice, have referred patients to them etc. Often times, offices will take this into consideration when quoting patients. Remember however, it is a business and there is much more to running a business than just the surgeon’s fee. (Antonio Gayoso, MD, Saint Petersburg Plastic Surgeon)