Medical Spas are the fastest growing component of the spa industry in the U.S. They are among the most innovative new facilities with the types of services available to both women and men. Their popularity is increasing due to a trend in obsession with people wanting to look the best they can for as long as they can. It is preferable to have many choices available as possible.
The decision of physicians to merge the medical aspect of their procedures with the day spa aspect of pampering patients is proving to be well-received in the community.
All spas that call themselves medical spas are not necessarily so. There may be an MD’s name on the door, but no actual physician in the place. What make a medical spa different from a regular spa are the medically based treatments. There are prescription strength medicines in the products used for facials and skin treatments. The physician plays a key part in the patient’s evaluation and care. It is erroneous to call yourself a medical spa when a physician never comes in the facility. In order for a facility to be called a medical spa, it must operate under the constant supervision of a licensed or board-certified healthcare professional. If this is not in place, the level of care would be that of a regular spa.
In the past, spas were typically only available to the wealthy, famous, elite population. The trend, however, is ever-changing and the clientele change to normal, middle class people has been on the rise for years. They are however, expecting visible results and a positive outcome for paying their hard-earned money for these services, as they are being done in a medical facility but are not billable to an insurance company.
Many times, the ease of patients talking to their doctor is what has made the merging of traditional medicine and therapeutic spas have such rapid growth increase. The junction was brought on by an ever-increasing desire to have the holistic and wellness aspect of treatment performed in a professional setting. As a result, even hospitals are more courteous and affable, with a realization that healing is to be physical, mental, social, economical, and spiritual as well. In addition to being a relaxing experience, it becomes a part of a patient’s treatment, therefore increasing their recovery from illnesses, etc. It also creates a sincere relationship between the patient and physician, which is the utmost desire of all.
The concept of medical spas is not a new one. This is the way medicine was practiced centuries ago and we are just getting back to what works well. The importance lies in making sure industry standards and guidelines are being followed. First and foremost, a healthcare professional should be available at all times and dynamically involved in the patient’s care.
As mentioned before, some patients come by way of routing examination and at that time are presented with the cosmetic aspect of healthcare, as performed by a physician. Patients are then educated regarding weight management and lifestyle changes and evaluated and treated. There are many practices that are useful in addition to traditional medicine.
The integration of these makes it possible to perform preventative medicine in a whole new way. It’s not just about the superficial, as beauty begins below the surface. The idea is to create a complete picture of health, and this comes from the certitude that good health means treating people, not just diseases.