How to make more money in a cash-pay practice

A list of vetted ideas for ancillary income streams

As a cash-pay practice owner, you may be exploring ways to boost your income while staying true to your mission. In this post, we'll explore several proven strategies to increase revenue without straying from your commitment to patient-centric care and holistic wellness.

We often recommend cash-pay practices operate primarily on a membership basis to establish a reliable foundation for predictable income. We also recommend that practices offer at-cost medication, lab, and supplements to members as a membership perk and to align incentives. Nonetheless, there are numerous opportunities for practices to add ancillary revenue streams that support your practice’s goals.

Ideas to consider

Premium services

  • Home visits: Offer personalized care by visiting patients in their homes, providing convenience and a more comfortable setting

  • Body composition analysis: Use advanced technology to assess body fat, muscle mass, and overall health metrics

  • Injection or infusion administration fees: Charge a fee for administering injections for patients on GLP-1 medications, other injectable therapies, and IV infusions

A la carte consultations for non-members

Beyond generating additional income, these can also be great ways to establish a relationship with patients that may become long-term members.

  • Weight loss consultation: Provide tailored advice and strategies for patients aiming to lose weight, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes

  • Hormone consultation: Help patients balance hormones for improved health, addressing issues like energy levels, weight, and mood

  • Sick / urgent care consultation: Offer quick access to care for acute illnesses or urgent concerns, ensuring patients receive timely treatment.

  • Acne and skin care consultation: Address skin concerns with expert guidance, recommending treatments for acne, aging, or other skin issues

  • Hair loss consultation: Evaluate hair loss causes and recommend treatments or medications for hair regrowth

  • Erectile dysfunction consultation: Provide discreet, expert advice on managing ED, helping patients regain confidence and improve quality of life

  • STI consultation: Offer confidential consultations for STI testing, treatment, and prevention

  • Fertility consultation: Assist with fertility concerns, providing guidance on treatments, testing, and lifestyle changes to support conception

  • Physicals & sports physicals: Conduct comprehensive physical exams, including those needed for sports participation, employment, or routine check-ups

  • Home visits: Provide care in the patient’s home, offering convenience and a more personalized experience

  • Medication refills: Ensure patients have access to necessary medications after a comprehensive evaluation

  • Care coordination & navigation: Assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, coordinating appointments, referrals, and follow-ups

A la carte services for non-members

  • IV infusions: Administer intravenous treatments with vitamins, minerals, or hydration to boost health and wellness

  • Vitamin injections (B12, B-complex, C, etc.): Provide vitamin injections to address deficiencies or enhance energy and immunity

  • Body composition analysis: Offer a detailed analysis of body fat, muscle mass, and overall health metrics

  • Lipotropic injections: Administer injections to help with fat metabolism and weight management.

  • Medical applications, legal documents, and forms: Assist patients with completing medical forms, legal documents, or applications requiring a provider’s input

  • Steroid injections: Administer steroid injections to reduce inflammation or treat pain.

  • Gel injections: Offer gel injections for joint pain relief, commonly used for osteoarthritis.

  • PRP injections: Use platelet-rich plasma injections for joint pain, hair growth, or skin rejuvenation

  • HGH therapy / peptides: Provide treatments using human growth hormone or peptides to support anti-aging, muscle growth, or recovery

  • COVID-19 testing: Provide rapid or PCR COVID-19 tests

Medication management for non-members

  • Anxiety medication management: Monitor and adjust medications for patients managing anxiety disorders

  • Depression medication management: Provide guidance and prescription management for those undergoing treatment for depression

  • Hair regrowth medication management: Manage prescriptions for hair regrowth, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes

  • Acne medication management: Offer ongoing support for patients using prescription acne treatments

  • Medical marijuana management: Assist patients in managing medical marijuana prescriptions for qualifying conditions

  • ADHD medication management: Support patients with ADHD by managing their medication regimen effectively

  • Birth control management: Provide consultation and ongoing prescriptions for birth control options

  • ED medication management: Assist with managing erectile dysfunction medications to ensure effectiveness and safety

Diagnostics for non-members

  • Continuous glucose monitor: Provide continuous glucose monitoring services to help patients track blood sugar levels over time

  • Lab testing and review: Offer comprehensive lab testing and follow-up consultations to review results

  • Functional lab testing and review: Conduct advanced lab testing to identify underlying health issues and offer detailed reviews

  • Butterfly ultrasound: Provide portable ultrasound imaging for quick diagnostic assessments

Packages for non-members

Sometimes, memberships may feel like too much of a commitment for patients. Packages can offer a long-term relationship that feels more palatable.

  • 6-month or 12-month weight management: Offer structured weight management programs with regular consultations and support

  • 6-month or 12-month hormone balancing: Provide hormone-balancing packages, including regular testing and treatment adjustments

Aesthetics

  • Botox: Administer Botox injections to reduce wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful appearance

  • Fillers: Offer dermal fillers to enhance facial contours and reduce signs of aging

  • Laser hair removal: Provide laser hair removal treatments for long-term hair reduction

  • Electrolysis: Offer electrolysis treatments for permanent hair removal

  • Facials: Deliver customized facials to improve skin health, hydration, and appearance. Consider PRP facials or partnering with an esthetician.

  • Chemical peels: Perform chemical peels to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin

  • Microneedling: Use microneedling to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture

Other wellness services

Consider hiring or partnering with other wellness providers.

  • Acupuncture: Provide acupuncture treatments to support pain relief, stress reduction, and overall wellness.

  • Massage therapy: Offer massage therapy for relaxation, pain management, and improved circulation.

  • Physical therapy: Provide physical therapy services to help patients recover from injuries or improve mobility.

  • Chiropractic care: Offer chiropractic adjustments and treatments for musculoskeletal health.

Parting words

Growing your cash-pay practice offers countless opportunities, and while this can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming. It’s essential to stay true to your long-term vision and goals—financial success doesn’t mean compromising your core values. As you explore new revenue streams, take your time and avoid the temptation to add too many services at once. Listen to your patients and consider what they truly want, as their feedback can guide you in making the right choices. Lastly, be cautious with big investments; ensure there’s a clear path to recouping costs before committing. By staying focused and thoughtful, you can build a thriving practice that aligns with your mission.

At Otto Health, we help clinicians launch, run, and grow their own cash-pay practices. As you consider your practice trajectory, don’t hesitate to get in touch for further resources, support, or partnership!

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