Ask an Expert with Joel Schlessinger, MD

Do you have non-compete agreements with any employees?
It is very important, especially in the spa area, to have a non-compete agreement. That doesn't and shouldn't mean that the individual can't work outside your spa should they decide to leave, but it does mean that your lists of patients are not permissible to solicit. This is especially important due to HIPAA-related reasons, as your former employeeÕs new employer may choose to communicate with your/their old customers, causing HIPAA headaches. Whatever your policy, be careful and get it in writing at the start of employment rather than worrying at the end of the relationship.

How many of your patients are switching to abobotulinum toxin A?
We don't have any firm data, but many are finding it attractive to try out a new product and see how it works. The real question will be when it is time for them to retry it, not the first time, so that's when it will be a true test.

How are you introducing Dysport to your patients?
We have offered introductory pricing for it, hoping to renew patients who may have stopped coming due to economic sensitivities or cost issues. So far, we have seen a positive response to this approach, with many patients appreciating the opportunity to have a chance to try this new product and see how it works for them at a special price.

How often do you have staff meetings?
While we do hold meetings, we don't have a set time for them. Usually it works out to once a month, but usually we do it department by department (i.e., billing, front desk, nurses, etc.) if something is unique to that department. On the other hand, when we introduce a new product (such as Dysport) to the office, we try to hold an office-wide meeting in order to get everyone on the same page.