Why do physicians charge more than internists who can perform the same procedure?

I've had a consult with 2 MD's about laser liposuction. The doctor whose practice is only cosmetic procedures charges $5000 for my inner thighs. An internist who does the same procedure charges $1500 for my inner thighs. Why such a difference in the price?

Answers from doctors (3)


Millennium Medical Spa

Published on Aug 01, 2013

Thank you for your question; however, you should pose it to both the doctor and internist. Certain physicians will charge based on their years of experience, skill set, location, and other factors. For example, our fee is $3,500 for one area (inner thighs are considered one area). If you were to do both Inner and outer thighs, the
fee would be $5,500.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/2858_1421355467.jpg
Answered by Millennium Medical Spa

Thank you for your question; however, you should pose it to both the doctor and internist. Certain physicians will charge based on their years of experience, skill set, location, and other factors. For example, our fee is $3,500 for one area (inner thighs are considered one area). If you were to do both Inner and outer thighs, the
fee would be $5,500.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


St. Louis Laser Liposuction Center

Published on Aug 01, 2013

That is quite a big difference. The difference in price is usually $1,000 an area tops, and is usually based on experience and skill. Still, there should not be such a big difference. Other factors that can affect the cost of liposuction procedure are facility fees, which are added on if the procedure is done in a surgery center or hospital. Finally, if additional anesthesia or if an anesthesiologist is present (which isn't really necessary), there will be additional fees.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/2821_1421355466.jpg
Answered by St. Louis Laser Liposuction Center

That is quite a big difference. The difference in price is usually $1,000 an area tops, and is usually based on experience and skill. Still, there should not be such a big difference. Other factors that can affect the cost of liposuction procedure are facility fees, which are added on if the procedure is done in a surgery center or hospital. Finally, if additional anesthesia or if an anesthesiologist is present (which isn't really necessary), there will be additional fees.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics

Published on Aug 01, 2013

Pricing is at the discretion of the provider. They may be offering a variation of the procedure you are requesting. You would have to consult each office and see how pricing is determined.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/2867_1424464390.jpg
Answered by Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics

Pricing is at the discretion of the provider. They may be offering a variation of the procedure you are requesting. You would have to consult each office and see how pricing is determined.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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