IV hydration therapy providers are increasingly expanding their menu of services to include aesthetic services such as Botox, injectables and other aesthetic and/or dermatologic skincare services. The growing trend of embracing aesthetic treatments not only enhances the comprehensive care offerings available under one roof but is also useful in attracting a broader clientele and unlocking new revenue streams for an IV hydration therapy business. Today’s wellness landscape is more competitive than ever and staying ahead means differentiating through not only customer service, clinical quality but also with in-demand service offerings. Adding aesthetics can keep a practice competitive and attracts new patients who seek convenience and comprehensive care.
First Five Steps:
- Ensuring that a practice has appropriately licensed and trained Clinicians who are allowed via their scope to perform the aesthetic services it plans to offer is key. Though regulations vary from state to state it is typically a licensed APRN or PA;
- Structuring the appropriate supervisory relationship ensures that each APRN/PA is appropriately supervised by a licensed and qualified physician, and that the supervisory relationship is properly documented in accordance with the state’s laws and regulations – which most typically consists of offsite supervision with a written agreement and protocols between them;
- Applying for a Health Care Clinic Establishment Permit (HCCE) permit (not to be confused with a health care clinic license from AHCA) enables a provider to order aesthetic treatment supplies from vendors; The purpose of the HCCE permit is to allow the business to purchase prescription drugs in the name of the business for use by the practitioners of the business instead of having each practitioner within the business purchase the prescription drugs under his/her individual license for use on his/her individual patients.
- Patient Intake Documents – It’s crucial you incorporate service specific informed consents covering each aesthetic service you will offer; Each informed consent should disclose detailed information regarding the healthcare treatment or procedure, including its potential risks and benefits and alternative treatment options. These documents should be written in clear, understandable language that the patient can comprehend, should be signed voluntarily by the patient and should be documented into each patient’s medical record prior to treatment.
- Checking with your insurance carrier prior to offering an enhanced line of services will not only ensure your insurance coverage is up to date, but also that it covers the scope of the aesthetic services you will offer, whether as an “endorsement” or “rider”. An endorsement is a modification or addition to an existing insurance policy that changes the terms or scope of coverage, for example to include additional procedures, specialties, or types of claims that are not typically covered under the base policy. Similarly, a rider is a provision added to an insurance policy to provide additional coverage for specific risks or situations. In the context of medical malpractice insurance, a rider might be used to extend coverage for certain procedures, locations, or activities that are not covered by the standard policy. Both endorsements and riders allow policyholders to customize their insurance coverage to better suit their needs and mitigate risks specific to their practice or circumstances.
Please contact us at Florida Healthcare Law Firm to discuss in more detail the growth of your IV hydration business today and how your business can stay ahead of the curve and address each of these compliance measures proactively.
