Medical fees: tips for calculating them correctly

A doctor's career success is directly linked to how they calculate their fees. The process of setting these fees can be challenging, especially for professionals with schedules that include working in multiple clinics, on-call shifts , and managing practices private.

In this article, you will find the main challenges and a step-by-step guide to pricing your services fairly and appropriately.

What are medical fees?

Discussing the calculation is important, but first it's necessary to understand what medical fees are. They represent the remuneration for services rendered by a healthcare professional.

And there are several factors that influence these values, such as:

● The complexity of the service;

● The professional's area of ​​expertise;

● The time spent with the patient;

● The operational costs involved;

● The use of specific materials or techniques.

Furthermore, it is necessary to consider the responsibility and knowledge required to perform each procedure – which makes this process a constant challenge. 

Types of fees

Medical fees vary depending on the type of service provided and where it is performed. Here are some common examples:

● Consultations;

● On-call shifts;

● Surgical and non-surgical procedures;

● Home visits.

Each of these types requires specific criteria, which directly impact the price to be charged.

Specialty

Professionals working in specialties that require more technical knowledge procedures more complex tend to have higher medical fees. For example, surgeons may charge higher fees than general practitionersdue to the nature of their work.

Location

The region where the professional works also influences the fees. Factors such as the cost of living in the region, the supply and demand for healthcare professionals, and even health insurance reimbursement policies directly affect medical fees. 

Experience and reputation

Doctors with more years of experience and a reputation in the market can generally justify charging higher fees. Furthermore, ongoing training and constant professional development help to increase the value of the services offered.

Type of service

Each type of care demands different resources, time , and complexity. Simple consultations have a different cost than on-call services, surgical procedures, or home visits, which often involve travel, a team, and even more specialized materials.

Operating costs

However "automatic" they may seem, we cannot forget about costs such as rent office salaries employee equipment and supplies expenses administrative. Considering these is essential for calculating fees to be fair and sustainable.

How to calculate medical fees efficiently?

Now that you know the main factors, let's go through the step-by-step process to properly calculate your medical fees:

Consultations

1. Calculate the monthly cost of operation: include fixed expenses such as rent, salaries, and supplies;
2. Estimate the number of monthly consultations: find out how many patients you see per month;
3. Divide the cost by the number of consultations: this way, you will find out the minimum amount that each consultation must cover to pay for your operating costs;
4. Add a profit margin: set a margin that takes into account your expertise and experience.

Shifts

on -call shiftshave pre-established rates set by the institutions. However, in some cases, it is possible to negotiate.

1. Calculate your hourly rate: use the average rate for your specialty and region;
2. Adjustments for night shift and holiday pay: these factors can increase the final amount;
3. Determine the total value of the shift: multiply the hourly rate by the hours worked.

 Procedures

For more complex procedures, such as surgeries, the calculation is more elaborate.

1. Classify the complexity: determine if the procedure is of low, medium, or high complexity;
2. Calculate the direct costs: include materials, staff, and other necessary resources;
3. Consider a profit margin: always add this amount proportionally to the complexity of the procedure.

Home visits

Home care involves both the cost of travel and the time spent providing the service.

1. Calculate travel time: remember to consider hazards and logistical difficulties;
2. Add the consultation time: necessary for an accurate calculation;
3. Include a profit margin: always based on the time and resources spent.

 Final tips for calculating your medical fees

In addition to all these steps, there are still tips that can help you continue to be even more successful when it comes to fees:

●   Research the market: compare the fees of colleagues in the same profession;

●   Review your values ​​periodically: always adjusting them according to inflation and new costs;

●   Be transparent with your patients: this strengthens the relationship of trust;

●   Offer multiple payment options: this makes it easier to access your services and can build patient loyalty;

●   Always specialize: a postgraduate degree can be a great way to boost your profits without having to work extra hours.

At São Leopoldo Mandic, we offer a wide variety of postgraduate courses in Medicine. CLICK HERE to see all the details of our options.