Need Some Advice: Does anyone work on a contract basis with an M.D?

Hi ladies,

I'm considering working 1-2 days a week with a Vascular surgeon in my area who is expanding services in her practice. I currently work at a salon/spa in San Jose, CA as a sole practitioner and will continue doing so.

I've worked in the medical field for years but have always been a hired employee and don't know what other independant practioners are doing as far as rent/fee splits with physicians. She has an exam room that she said I can use as well as a receptionist who will book clients for me for the days I'm in her office. I would bring in my own equipment and products.

What do you think would be a reasonable compensation or arrangement for her/me? She does a lot of sclerotherapy and laser procedures in addition to vein removal surgical procedures in the hospital. She also wants to expand to cosmetic laser procedures and hire an RN for the laser procedures (required in CA). If you know of any R.N's that may be interested, please let me know.

I have a meeting with her this Monday the 11th and would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks,

Denise

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary Turner on April 8, 2011 at 4:44pm

I did this with a cosmetic surgeon for two years. I was a self employed contractor. He paid me 50% of all my services, and 10% of all the laser work I did. The national average commission for tech i was told is actually 20% laser services. I used all of his equipment. Some products were mine, some his. I set my own hours, etc. I would learn everything she is willing to teach you ! Free college....

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on April 12, 2011 at 11:23am

Mary,

Thanks for your feedback. I met with the doc yesterday and she'll be getting back to me after she does some research on her own about self employed contractors. Yes, I agree with you about the work experience! It's so important to continue learning as much as you can in this field.

Thanks again

Denise

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Shelley Hancock on April 12, 2011 at 1:42pm

Hi Denise,

I've done this with several Docs throughout the years. I had one that took out $50 per treatment for overhead (product, etc.) and then we split the rest 50/50. This was great for me becasue we were charging $250 a treatment, so I got $100. I would do 6 to 12 clients each time I went to her office! Good $$! This was years ago though.

More recently I helped out at a medspa and we split it 50/50. They supplied the equipment and product. When I brought in one of my pieces of equipment, I would get 60%.

You can learn so much working in a Physicians office. I hope this works out for you!!!!!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on April 12, 2011 at 1:55pm

Thanks for the feedback Shelley.. What do you think would be fair if I'm using all my equipment and products and just using one of her exam rooms? I want the compensation to be fair for all parties involved. She does sclerotherapy and some laser in this room so it's nicely decorated. I would start with 1 day a week and probably work up to 2 days if needed. I would be doing facials and peels for her clients. The spa/salon where I currently rent is right down the street, don't plan on leaving, just need more volume....

Thanks

Denise

Shelley Hancock said:

Hi Denise,

I've done this with several Docs throughout the years. I had one that took out $50 per treatment for overhead (product, etc.) and then we split the rest 50/50. This was great for me becasue we were charging $250 a treatment, so I got $100. I would do 6 to 12 clients each time I went to her office! Good $$! This was years ago though.

More recently I helped out at a medspa and we split it 50/50. They supplied the equipment and product. When I brought in one of my pieces of equipment, I would get 60%.

You can learn so much working in a Physicians office. I hope this works out for you!!!!!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on April 12, 2011 at 1:57pm

One more thing...What service were you providing at $250?

Denise Ivers said:

Thanks for the feedback Shelley.. What do you think would be fair if I'm using all my equipment and products and just using one of her exam rooms? I want the compensation to be fair for all parties involved. She does sclerotherapy and some laser in this room so it's nicely decorated. I would start with 1 day a week and probably work up to 2 days if needed. I would be doing facials and peels for her clients. The spa/salon where I currently rent is right down the street, don't plan on leaving, just need more volume....

Thanks

Denise

Shelley Hancock said:

Hi Denise,

I've done this with several Docs throughout the years. I had one that took out $50 per treatment for overhead (product, etc.) and then we split the rest 50/50. This was great for me becasue we were charging $250 a treatment, so I got $100. I would do 6 to 12 clients each time I went to her office! Good $$! This was years ago though.

More recently I helped out at a medspa and we split it 50/50. They supplied the equipment and product. When I brought in one of my pieces of equipment, I would get 60%.

You can learn so much working in a Physicians office. I hope this works out for you!!!!!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Shelley Hancock on April 12, 2011 at 2:20pm

Well, this was way back when microderm was new. You're not going to beleive this but it is a true story....

We were doing microderm and 70% glycolic for $250. She booked the appointments every 15 minutes. I did four an hour and I was booked every Tuesday with 6 to 12 clients. No lie, it was awesome!! I can't believe how much money I was making just one day a week. I did this for 12 years. It all started to slow down after 9/11 and then it fizzled.

I don't recommend what we were doing. It was crazy but clients were loving it and they were getting results. I was exhausted at the end of the day, but went home with a fat pocket! :)

I think if you are supplying the equipment and product, you should get at least 50%. Even though the room is nice and all, if you were not in it making money for her, she wouldn't be making any money from that room whne she wasn't using it. I've met docs that are generous and I've definitely met docs that really take advantage.....don't let that happen!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on April 12, 2011 at 2:41pm

OMG! What a story!!! Those were the days!!!

Good point about her not making money when the room is unoccupied. I know very well how this could turn out. I come from a medical backround, spent years in the field and know how easily things could change with working relationships. I've always had great relationships with the physicians and staff I've managed over the years but swore I would never go back to working "under" a physician. I'm very happy running my own show and getting bolder and braver as the years go one!! LOL! We'll see what happens.

Thanks again! I really need to make it down to one of your events.!!

Shelley Hancock said:

Well, this was way back when microderm was new. You're not going to beleive this but it is a true story....

We were doing microderm and 70% glycolic for $250. She booked the appointments every 15 minutes. I did four an hour and I was booked every Tuesday with 6 to 12 clients. No lie, it was awesome!! I can't believe how much money I was making just one day a week. I did this for 12 years. It all started to slow down after 9/11 and then it fizzled.

I don't recommend what we were doing. It was crazy but clients were loving it and they were getting results. I was exhausted at the end of the day, but went home with a fat pocket! :)

I think if you are supplying the equipment and product, you should get at least 50%. Even though the room is nice and all, if you were not in it making money for her, she wouldn't be making any money from that room whne she wasn't using it. I've met docs that are generous and I've definitely met docs that really take advantage.....don't let that happen!