Why You Need A NipTuck Coach In Your Corner!

With so many patients shopping for surgery these days, and so many doctors to choose from, we began to wonder just how does a patient decide who is going to perform their elective surgery procedure, and how can a doctor make sure that they are on that patient’s list? BIG Medicine Magazine™ talked with NipTuck Coach Michele Garber to learn more about the value of working with a professional who can be a liaison between you and a prospective patient.

How does a Cosmetic Surgery Coach work with a patient?

There are only a handful of qualified coaches or consultants that liaise between patients and doctors. While I believe that other consultants

work in a similar way to me I can only speak for myself. I provide cosmetic consulting services, education, treatment planning, guidance and

surgeon referrals to prospective patients. I help them prepare to meet with a doctor and guide them through the process, referring them to

qualified, trained, board certified surgeons who are experts at the procedure that patient is seeking. Safety being a key concern.

How does a Cosmetic Surgery Coach work with a doctor?

Cosmetic surgery, and other elective procedures, has really become a “buyers market” and buyers want to be sold to. Most doctors are

not sales people and selling surgery is difficult. Like many people, doctors are not always comfortable boasting about their qualifications,

expertise and results, or at asking detailed questions about the patient’s desires or expectations of surgery. That’s where I step in. Patients from

all across the USA and, thanks to the Internet, other countries, hire me to help them find the right doctor for them and guide them through this

life changing journey. In turn, the doctors I work with have been previously screened by me to ensure that they and the patient are the right fit.

Basically a doctor just has to make sure that his name is in my little black book, for which there is, of course, a procedure.

What does it take for a doctor to be listed in your Little Black Book?

I have a criteria that a doctor must meet in order for me to refer a patient. I do not rely on online review sites. First they have to be board

certified in the procedures they say they perform, must have minimum amount of four years in practice, plus skills, education, hospital

affiliations, etc. are also very important. They must not have any blemishes on their record, i.e. no malpractice judgments or current litigation

suits. I don’t charge doctors to be in my Little Black Book but I do expect them to give my referrals VIP treatment. Generally I will give the patient

a choice of three (3) doctors and let them make the final decision.

Does a Coach or Consultant benefit a doctor?

Yes! Elective surgery is competitive and more and more doctors are turning to cosmetic surgery and elective surgery as a way to earn a better

living. With further changes in insurance payouts and premiums, the playing field will become even more competitive, however, with a Coach

such as myself in your corner, you will have a greater edge. Also, when a patient consults with me first, they have already received a thorough

education about the doctor and the procedure, therefore, the doctor’s job is easier and they can spend more quality time getting to know the

patient and discussing surgery and medical particulars.

Who pays for your services?

The patient (client) pays me directly. I do not receive any compensation or consideration (trades or gifts) from physicians, medical facilities or

any other entity connected to the doctor such as medical device manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies. Nowadays, there is so much

confusion about board certification and unqualified or unskilled doctors are offering plastic/cosmetic surgery procedures that often result in

the need for revision surgery, or worse. My coaching is the most cost-effective way for the patient to do it once, and do it right with the best

qualified expert.

Do you provide any post-op or follow-up services?

Yes. Patients occasionally require non-medical hand-holding and support after surgery. My services include coordinating post-op care in their

home, follow-up emails, and any other non-medical care to make their recovery more comfortable. These additional services are coordinated with

the doctor’s staff. I have privacy documents signed by the patient and physician to ensure that all HIPAA laws are met.

What kind of medical advice do you offer?

None. I discuss surgical options with patients but I do not provide any medical advice, and ensure all patients seek medical advice from their

surgeon of choice. I tell each patient under my referral to speak to their surgeon regarding any and all medical related issues.

How do you see the future of the Nip Tuck profession?

I feel I am filling an important need. As the pressures of insurance reforms increase, the need for out-of-specialty doctors to earn money

in the elective market will grow. Therefore, we will see an even higher volume of unnecessary botched plastic surgery patients. My role as

a NipTuck Coach will be even more in demand as prospective patients begin to see that they need an unbiased advocate to help them

through their surgery.

MEDICINE MAGAZINE™The M agazine for Big Thinkers

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