NPs doing Botox

Hello -

I am an experienced NP who also would like to branch out into aesthetics. I am trying to decide if I want to work in a physician office or independently and do Botox. Trying to establish an account with Allergan has been a nightmare. They are NOT midlevel provider friendly at all. Product can only be delivered to a physician office. There are definitely some hurdles into getting into good old boys club.

I have included botox into my practice so here is what I have found...

Allergan is not midlevel friendly they need an MD unless you are an NP in arizona (that is what they told me why did they pick one independant practice state???)

The profit potential is limited with a small number of patients. Each vial contains 100 units, treatment is about 20 units per area so you can treat 5 areas per bottle. The cost to a NP is about 5 dollars per unit in my area the charge for administration is 8-12 dollars per unit so you can make 300-700 per vial.

Botox does have a limited shelf life after reconstitution, you should use it within 24 hours (I have still gotten results at 48 hours). This is the biggest limitation for growing a practice unless you only offer botox on specific days and scheduale appropriatly you will likley either waste units or inject staff/friends.

After18 months my esthetics practice is starting to break even.... I might be able to get a paycheck within the next year.

Jeremy

Please allow me to make some corrections to the misinformation that is being given here:

1. Allergan IS midlevel friendly. Provided you are licensed to perform as an NP independently in your state, you may open an account--with absolutely no problem. AND...

2. The Botox product must be shipped to a "medical facility", not a home address, for example. It need NOT be a "physician's office" or to an MD.

I obtained this information first hand. After reading these posts, I called Allergan corporate in Irvine, California. New Accounts:(714) 246-4500. They are THE manufacturer of Botox in the US.

As for not breaking even within 18 months of practice--I am amazed. I would suggest reviewing your business plan, and marketing strategies. Or perhaps, your population density/locale is just not conducive to this type practice?

Please people, don't just trust something because you hear it second hand. Research it for yourself. If you don't like the fact that NPs can't practice independently in your state, and therefore, you can't order BOTOX, then do something about it!!!!!!!!! Investigate politically how YOU can change this for your state.

Hi,

I am also researching performing botox/filler out of a weightloss center 45 min. outside San Francisco,California. My n.p. is trained and I am trying to find a supervising physician. ( our Dr. is retiring ) I am looking for a medical director to order the botox and be our "phone supervisor" I will take care of all overhead and then split the profit with the Dr. Can you assist me in locating a California Dr. who can appreciate and feel comfortable with this opportunity?

Thanks,

Mary

I am interested in starting a botox clinic in the Surprise area. Can anyone offer any suggestions from the business and practice side?