How should I handle a patient who keeps pushing for fees?
Defer first, and only frame a range if they will not let it go. In a free consult, the honest answer is that you cannot quote accurately before you have a diagnosis, so tell them you would prefer to answer once you have looked at everything. If they keep pushing, it is okay to give a rough range. But be up front that it is rough, because without diagnostics you are far less accurate and you owe them that disclosure. The rules change at the diagnostic visit. There, fee framing is an absolute must, because you are setting the stage so there are zero surprises at presentation. Surprises at presentation lose cases. So early, deflect with a reason the patient respects. Later, once you have the data, frame deliberately and clearly.
If the answers you are finding here resonate with you, my team and I work with a small group of clients each year. The next step is a complimentary Discovery Consultation and Practice Review with Dr. McAnally.