Private practise running costs

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Hi everyone,
I would like to make a poster to put up in the clinic to educate them on where their money is going.
I hope that this will ease the minds of those who complain about how much it costs just 'for a nail cut' and other complaints/questions about fees.

Is there anything like this already in print?
I saw something similar at my mechanics.
Cheers

 

Hi Simone,

As a consumer, I don't think I would get more satisfaction knowing where my fees are spent, but knowing maybe being educated about the benefits of being treatment and maybe information about the tools used in treatment and why they are required. Also information about the education and accreditation required to become a podiatrist.

I have not seen any posters in a Chiropractors clinic, nor any complaints about the price. My chiropractor adjustment takes 5 - 10 minutes and charges $60.

My 2 cents, maybe patients do want to know business expenses of treatment!

 

Hi Simone,
Here's another tuppence-worth, from a UK pod.

I can see where you are coming from but I, personally, wouldn't want my patients to know details about my financial matters as I think it would give them yet more reason to complain or ask questions.
For example, if you said that the cost of running a car was $xyz, they'd come back with suggestions of different ( less expensive ) makes and models and of "my uncle Bruce can get you a cheaper car then that" etc etc etc.

As sjtmdwns suggests, it might be better to educate them as to the regulatory requirements for running a safe practice, the need to maintain standards and the cost implications of this.

I am surprised patients in Oz complain, I thought it was just us Pommies that were whingers ?!

regards

Catfoot

 

Hi again,
What i meant was just a point form kind of thing with something like:

-rent and overheads
-continuing professional education
-insurance
-registration
-maintenance/repair etc.

I was thinking about this because some patient think that what I charge is mostly profit and the reality is, running a clinic costs a lot!
I was thinking that people dont mind paying for something if they understand what they are getting and what they are paying for.

But I guess some people appreciate this anyway and some people dont regardless..

 

Maybe suggest if they don´t think they get value for money from your service and medical competence they should go somewhere else..

Its not worth dealing with these types of people, there are some who think complaining is an Olympic sport though.

 

Hi Simone,

coming from a marketing/retail background.

You will always have consumers who will complain and say its not worth their money, and also consumers who will appreciate and understand the value of a service.

You need to analyse your target market and customers, and try to understand what they want - do they want to be alleviated from pain?

once you understand what they want, and why they are using your services, you might be able to explain to them costs.

Maybe you can add more value to your service (without increasing costs to your business) for example - better customer service, cleaner facilities, weekly newsletter.

Then you can effectivley market your service so that your customers perceive higher value for their dollars.

My 2 cents!
:dizzy:

 

Some of mine complain, however are willing to spend $50-$75 and up Canadian for a pedicure with the pretty painted nails, and risk getting fungus, ingrown nails from poor cutting (it's $75 new, 42 est, more for extended). Research the price for esthetic work in your area, might be useful fodder.

My clients (lower risk) are always welcome try something else, but they always come back.

Sarah

 

I thimk it would be a worthwhile activity for you to do it for your own benefit.

Then you can decide if it tells the sort of story that you wish to be associated with and put it up on the waiting room wall, or in the bin.

 

we charge more than anyone else in the area and although we have the occasional patient complain about costs I never feel like I have to justify it to them (we are busier than anyone else and are the most recent to establish) I choose to educate them on the benefits of the treatment instead. I would be cautious of putting up a poster, what happens when you apply a raise to treatment costs - will you have to justify that too.

reminds me of a story about a guy who couldnt get his car started and called out a mechanic. The mechanic lifted the hood and belted the engine with a big hammer. The car burst into life with first turn of the key. When they guy was charged $95 dollars he said "all you did is hit it with a hammer !" The mechanic replied "ok, so we'll call it 20c for using the hammer . . . and $94.80 for knowing where to hit it"

 

Hi There

This is more on the fun side, but a friend of mine once told a whinger: "Madam, if you are poor everything is expensive." Strange that people would rather spend the money on eating out and drinks than maintaining their bodies.

I just opened my practise and when people complain I point out that I am not trying to compete with the Asian or other shops that are in operation and try and undercut prices. I point out the high level of hygiene they receive from my practise. Scalpels and sand burs are not repeatedly used . I chuck 'em . I have personally slummed around and had some pedicures at the opposition to see what it is like. There were some dubious practises going on! Besides you do not want patients to come to you because you're cheap.

Be proud of you accomplishment ! Some people whinge out principal ! I am not saying price yourself out of the market. Do some fishing around and compare.

Good luck
Starfish3211

 

thanks everyone. It does help having your input as I have worked alone for a long time and it can get tiring at times when you have these people complaining at you (and there arent that many).
Starfish, you are right and I do believe what you say as well its just that sometimes I feel like i am the ONLY one who believes that! I just need to toughen up!! lol

 

Hi There,

No problem, we all have those days when people can get to you and and work on your nerves. :dizzy:

 

Agree wholeheartedly. Get into the habit of charging your patients for your expertise and not your time.

A pharmacist friend once said to me... "If none of your patients are complaining about your fees, then it's very likely that you aren't charging enough." I always aim to set our fees high enough to hear a few complaints - just not too many. Strike a happy medium that you can live with comfortably.

 

Podcare,

Nice one !

regards

Catfoot