What do you collect at the time of the visit?

To keep things transparent and streamlined, we collect:

-Copays

• Deductibles

• Coinsuranceat

the time of your visit.

 We use an estimate generated by our practice management software combined with information from your insurance benefits.

Please keep in mind:

• This is only an estimate.

• Once your insurance processes the claim:

  • You may have a remaining balance, or

  • You may be due a refund.

Refunds:

• If you paid by credit card, we typically refund directly back to that card once the claim is finalized.

• If you paid by cash or check, we issue a refund check, or

• You may choose to leave a credit on your account to use at future visits.

If your statement doesn’t match what you expected, please reach out to our billing team at billing@sweetwaterdermatology.com or call them at 832.615.3201

Why do you keep a credit card on file?

We keep a card on file to make things easier for you and to cut down on back-and-forth billing.

Your card is only used for:

• No-show fees and late cancellation fees ($50 if cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice). The fee is waived one time as a courtesy, but will be charged for subsequent occurrences. 

• Unpaid balances that remain after two billing cycles (4 weeks). 

Your card will not be charged for anything else without your knowledge.

We do require an actual credit card to placed on file, not an HSA or FSA card. 

If you choose not to leave a card on file, you may pay a $250 deposit to be held as a credit on your account to pay for any remaining balances. 

This is a non-negotiable policy at our office and patients without a valid, active, credit card on file or without a $250 deposit may not be seen.

How will I receive my statements and how can I pay?

We try to make paying your bill as simple and flexible as possible.

How you’ll receive statements:

• We send statements every 2 weeks, alternating between:

  • A text message with a secure payment link

  • A paper statement mailed to your home

Ways to pay:

• Click the secure link in your texted statement

• Use Zelle (details provided on your statement)

• Mail or drop off a check

• Call the office to pay by card over the phone

If you ever have a question about a statement, just give us a call and we’ll walk through it with you or refer you to our billers.

What is your cosmetic consultation policy?

We love helping you create a cosmetic plan that fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

You can schedule a cosmetic consultation in two ways:

• With our aesthetician:

  • Free of charge

  • Great for skincare, facials, and non-surgical treatment planning

• With Dr. Likhari:

  • $100 consultation fee

  • Paid at the time of scheduling

  • Includes a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan

Refunds & how the fee can be used:

• The $100 fee is refundable if you cancel or reschedule with at least 48 hours’ notice.

• The $100 fee can be applied toward any procedure or skincare products purchased within 2 months of your consultation.

• After 2 months, the $100 can no longer be applied to procedures or products and is instead used to cover the consultation itself.

Our goal is for you to leave your consult with a clear, step-by-step plan and realistic expectations.

Do you require deposits for cosmetic services?

Yes. Deposits help us reserve time just for you and ensure our team and supplies are ready for your visit.

For cosmetic services such as:

• Facials

• Filler

• Dysport

• Microneedling

• Other cosmetic procedures

we collect a nonrefundable deposit at the time of scheduling. This deposit is applied to the cost of your procedure.

Deposit amounts:

• Facials and Dysport: $50 nonrefundable deposit

• All other cosmetic procedures: 50% of the total cost as a nonrefundable deposit

The remaining balance is collected on the day of your procedure.

If you’re unsure which category your treatment falls into, just ask us when booking — we’re happy to clarify.

What is your policy for patch testing?

Patch testing is a detailed process that requires careful planning and preparation before you even arrive. To help us use those resources wisely:

• We collect a $100 nonrefundable deposit at the time of scheduling.

• This deposit is applied toward the total cost of the patch testing.

Confirmation requirement:

• You’ll be asked to confirm your appointment by 4 PM on the Thursday before your first patch testing visit. 

• If we don’t receive confirmation by then:

  • Your appointment will be canceled, and

  • The $100 deposit will be forfeited.

We truly appreciate your understanding — this allows us to reserve that time and those materials for patients who are ready to proceed.

Do you provide pre-procedure instructions?

Yes. For all procedures — including cosmetic treatments, facials, and surgeries — we will email you pre-procedure instructions one week prior to your treatment. 

These instructions are very important and help keep you safe and comfortable. They may include steps such as:

• Temporarily stopping certain blood thinners (when appropriate and cleared by your prescribing doctor)

• Pausing retinoids or other topical products about 1 week before your procedure

Please:

• Read these instructions carefully, and

• Call us if you’re unsure about anything or need clarification.

If you’re on prescription medications, always check with both our office and your prescribing provider before making any changes.

What is your spa etiquette during facials and cosmetic treatments?

We want your visit to feel relaxing and rejuvenating — for you and for everyone around you.

To help maintain a calm, spa-like environment, we kindly ask that you:

• Keep conversation and noise at a quiet level

• Refrain from using your phone or talking on speaker during your facial

• Avoid listening to audio or videos through headphones during treatment

• Do not bring guests into the treatment room

This allows your provider to focus completely on your care and helps you get the most out of your experience.

Are guests allowed in the room during procedures?

For everyone’s safety and comfort, we have a general no-guest policy during procedures.

• We do not allow guests in the room during procedures, including cosmetic treatments and surgeries.

• We make exceptions for minors, where a parent or legal guardian may be present.

• In certain extenuating circumstances, exceptions may be made at the provider’s discretion.

This helps us maintain a safe, focused environment for you, your loved ones, and our staff.

What is your policy for minors?

We love caring for patients of all ages, and we want to keep families involved and informed.

For our practice, minors are patients under 18 years old.

• Minors must be accompanied by an adult for their visit whenever possible.

• If an adult cannot be physically present and the minor is able to drive themselves:

  • An adult must be available by phone during the visit

  • This allows us to obtain consent, review recommendations, and answer questions in real time.

Our goal is to partner with families so that everyone feels informed and comfortable with the treatment plan.