Many estheticians have considered what it would be like to partner with a medical professional. You may be surprised to know that many medical professionals have also thought about what it would be like to work with an esthetician. There are immense opportunities the partnership can bring. While the benefits are plentiful for both sides, these working relationships don’t come without challenges.
Many years ago, there was a distinct line between the cosmetology field and the medical world. You would never expect an esthetician to co-work in a dermatologist’s office because of the extreme difference in areas of practice. It was a world where applying creams, serums and cleansers never overlapped with surgical gloves and scalpels. However, as technology, accessibility, and collaboration emerge with synergy, we see these professions intersect beautifully in a mutually beneficial way. As the medical field continues to embrace today’s educated esthetician, you can expect to see more areas of opportunity to work and evolve together.
In-House Relationship
One of the most common ways of working with a physician is when an esthetician works within their office. In this arrangement, skin care professionals can expect to see clients who are candidates for plastic surgery, clients who are under the care of their physician for a medical condition, and clients who are looking for more progressive approaches to skin care concerns. Estheticians will provide skin care services, body treatments, and waxing.
Estheticians will need to know general medical terminology so they can aptly converse with the doctor and understand chart notes. In addition to the medical terms, concisely and accurately charting client’s visits is of paramount importance, and often requires the SOAP notes format. SOAP is an acronym for Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan, which is a form many in the medical field follow to notate a client’s visit.
Employment in a physician’s office requires maturity and confidence, as doctors want to know their clients will receive the same level of care across the office. You must be the type of person who can let the doctor(s) take the lead at any time (even if you disagree) and follow their direction for client treatment plans. Physicians can become sour over a relationship with an esthetician when they feel undermined, implying they know just as much, or more than a physician. This can result in overstepping boundaries. Remember, you are working in their world, not the other way around.
You will likely be providing home care recommendations that complement more invasive age management treatments and could be asked to assist in those in-office medical procedures by prepping and preparing clients, as well as going over aftercare instructions. Your makeup artistry skills may also be called on to provide camouflage makeup applications and consultations so clients can learn how to cover up any bruising or imperfections after procedures.
When a physician considers bringing on an esthetician, often it is mostly a financial decision. They may weigh the benefits of additional income versus the cost of hiring one. To make financial sense, physicians will want an esthetician to increase the office’s profitability. They will likely expect a general income increase. They will look for revenue to come from significant retail product sales, upselling or cross-selling treatments, procedures and surgery, and of course, an expanding client base through your services.
While there is less room for creativity in this setting as consistent oversight can be expected, it does come with some financial benefits to you, as the esthetician. Most employees of a medical practice receive a salary and sometimes a commission and bonus structure. Typically, a commission is based on closing sales and referring clients to procedures, but also includes officewide sales goals. You will likely receive a 401(K) contribution, as well as health insurance—which is rare in the esthetics industry. You may also have weekends and a weekday off, working only four days a week. Many offices also offer deep discounts on products and procedures to staff.
Referring Relationship
You may be surprised to know that you don’t have to work inside a doctor’s office to reap the benefits of a relationship. Many estheticians have built their own practice outside of a medical setting but have also created a strong relationship with a physician by taking the time to show how you both can have a mutually beneficial referral network. This type of relationship can be very valuable because of the cross-referrals that can take place. You can send your clients to have moles and suspicious spots looked at, and the practice can send their clients to you for skin care treatments and waxing.
When you have this relationship, you can send clients back and forth, and even market each other’s services to your client lists. You can also take it a step further by hosting special events and inviting the medical staff to speak or answer questions, and the other way around.
Although not as abundant, you can also expect some of the same benefits as in-house arrangements. Doctors may offer discounts on products and procedures to get you more acquainted with their offerings, and they also may offer a referral bonus structure.
This arrangement tends to work better for both parties because there are overall less investments and risks. Doctors and practice administrators may be more inclined to take on this sort of role with an esthetician especially if you’re in their same building or in close proximity.
Simply introducing yourself is not enough, but a good start. If they don’t have an esthetician on staff, go introduce yourself and ask if they have anyone they refer clients to for skin care needs. If they don’t, tell them you’d like to earn their referrals. Often it will take several visits to establish a good relationship, so make certain every time you visit you’re dressed professionally and have all the materials prepared. Be sure to drop off a resume listing your qualifications and training, as well as a service menu and a letter to the staff introducing yourself and asking for referrals. This way, if the decision makers are busy with patients, they can give this information to them later. On your second visit, you can ask to leave brochures, and ask for some of their materials as well. Be ready to answer any questions they may have about your skin care treatments and how they can complement the work they do in their own office.
Be aware you will have to prove your ability to take outstanding care of their client referrals for this to be a long term relationship. It may take some time to get back to staff, as word of mouth can take longer for good experiences, opposed to bad ones that travel like wildfire.
First and foremost, make sure you’re staying within your scope of practice as an esthetician.
One of the best things that can come from this type of arrangement, aside from wonderful clients, is that it also increases your credibility to your existing clients. Medical professionals are generally highly regarded, and if they’re willing to recommend you, your clients will see that as something very special.
A Word to the Wise
If you’re considering entering the medical world, whether that’s through employment or a referring relationship, there are some basic criteria to be mindful of to get you off on the right foot.
Scope of Practice
First and foremost, make sure you’re staying within your scope of practice as an esthetician when you’re working as one. If you’re unsure what is allowed, contact your state board or advocacy group for insight. Not only is it imperative to maintain your license, but it is also illegal to do things outside your scope. If you have liability insurance, your insurance company will not provide coverage for incidents outside of it, either. When in doubt, refer out to your physician.
HIPPA
In the medical field, client confidentiality is of the utmost importance. From medical records to protecting client’s privacy and identity during office visits, you must be willing to adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act’s (known as HIPAA) strict guidelines. This means you must keep client lists, medical conditions, and treatments or procedures confidential. For more information on how to follow HIPAA guidelines, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website at HHS.gov.
Universal Precautions
Many serious infections are transmitted through contact with blood and bodily fluids. When you work in a medical environment, the potential exposure is even higher. As estheticians we are already taught to use the Universal Precautions safety measures, treating all blood and bodily fluid as if it were known to be infectious or contain bloodborne pathogens. In the medical field, however, it is imperative to practice safe and sanitary conditions at every point of patient contact, this often includes hand washing, gloves, masks, and gowns whenever touching patients, and proper sterilization and disposal of used supplies. For more information about this, visit the Occupational Safety & Health Administration website at OSHA.gov.
A Word on Medical Estheticians
Just because you work with a medical professional does not mean you’re a medical professional. You must stay within your scope as an esthetician, and also respect your role as one. No state board recognizes the term “medical esthetician” and it is encouraged not to use that term as the medical field feels it’s a misrepresentation of your license.
