Practice Management Consulting: Costs and Scope
If you're a plastic surgeon or managing a practice, you’ve likely asked: “Is hiring a consultant worth it?” Whether you're just getting started or trying to run things more smoothly, the right consultant can make a big difference — but it’s important to understand what practice management consulting actually costs and what it involves.
What Is Practice Consulting for Plastic Surgery?
Practice management consulting helps surgeons and their teams manage the non-clinical side of the business. From operations to finances and staff structure, consultants help set up systems that support long-term growth and day-to-day efficiency. A good consultant becomes your strategic partner — not just someone who tells you what to do, but someone who helps you do it better and sets you up for long term success.
At PS², we work exclusively in the business of plastic surgery — which means we understand the specific challenges around surgical scheduling, insurance billing, cash-pay services, and patient expectations in both cosmetic and reconstructive settings.
What Do Practice Management Consultants Help With?
Here’s what you can expect from a practice consultant:
Startups and Transitions: Business planning, location scouting, staffing plans, EMR selection, and go-live readiness.
Revenue and Pricing: Reviewing fee schedules, understanding payer mix, evaluating insurance reimbursement, and setting up sound pricing models.
Patient Flow and Daily Operations: Smoother scheduling, more efficient intake and checkout, and better communication between front and back office.
Patient Acquisition: guidance on consults, lead tracking, and follow-up.
Staff Roles and Culture: Recruiting, onboarding, role clarity, training plans, and developing an environment where people want to stay and grow.
How Much Does Practice Consulting Cost?
Costs depend on the experience of the consultant, the depth of support you need, and whether the work is project-based or ongoing. Here’s a general breakdown on the average cost of practice management consulting:
Hourly Rates: $150–$400/hour, best for focused support or a specific issue
Monthly Retainers: $2,000-$10,000/month, Great for practices building momentum, handling growth, or managing change, Often includes regular check-ins, access to tools/templates, and a set number of hours
Project-Based Pricing: $5,000–$50,000+, Used for defined initiatives like opening a new location, evaluating a billing system, or building a strategic plan
At PS², we work with each client to scope the project based on their goals, timeline, and resources. We’re transparent about deliverables and don't charge for busy work. During your introductory call, we’ll discuss what option makes the most sense, provide an estimated price range, and follow up with a detailed proposal with pricing.
Is It Worth the Cost?
A consultant can save you time, reduce errors, and help you make better decisions about how the practice runs. Many surgeons spend too much time chasing tasks that could be delegated, fixing processes that weren’t set up correctly, or trying to grow without a plan.
Practices that invest in consulting often see revenue growth, better staff engagement, and more clarity around roles and responsibilities.
Choosing the Right Consultant
Not all consultants are a good fit for plastic surgery. Here’s what to look for:
Experience with both cosmetic and reconstructive practice types
Knowledge of surgical, ASC, and in-office procedures
A hands-on approach — not just advice, but support during implementation
Clear deliverables and honest feedback
Someone who listens first and tailors plans to your goals
Ask about their client base- we talk a lot about scope creep in plastic surgery and most consulting companies don’t consider physician training or specialty when accepting new clients
At PS², we don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. We help each practice build something that fits their needs, market, and values. As a company of ASPS, we focus on the business of plastic surgery and protecting the specialty, which means only working with board-certified plastic surgeons.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re preparing to launch, making changes to how your practice runs, or just want a fresh look at the business side, consulting can help you move forward with less stress and more direction.
Let’s talk about what’s next for your practice.