Helping Dermatologists Build Sustainable, Direct-Pay Practices
Physician-led consulting for dermatologists transitioning away from insurance or launching new practices designed to thrive without it.
Courtney Herbert, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist, Founder, FDL Dermatology
Experience-driven consulting built on real dermatology practice ownership - not theory, templates, or algorithms.
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Practicing Direct-Pay Physician
Founder of FDL Dermatology
Real-World Experience
The Problem
Dermatology Has Changed. Insurance Hasn’t.
Many dermatologists find themselves overwhelmed by declining reimbursements, increasing administrative burdens, and limited autonomy under the traditional insurance based model. What once felt sustainable now feels restrictive—impacting not only revenue, but time, patient relationships, and professional fulfillment.
For physicians considering a change, the idea of moving away from insurance can feel risky, uncertain, and isolating.
The Solution
A Proven Alternative. Built by a Dermatologist, for Dermatologists
Direct-pay dermatology is not a one-size-fits-all solution—but when thoughtfully designed, it can offer financial stability, improved patient care, and greater control over how you practice medicine.
FDL Derm Consulting provides strategic, physician-led guidance to help dermatologists evaluate, plan, and execute successful direct-pay models—whether transitioning an existing practice or launching a new one from the ground up.
Services for Existing and New Practices
Transitioning Practices
Transitioning from Insurance to Direct Pay
For established dermatology practices exploring a move away from insurance, I provide guidance on evaluating readiness, developing pricing strategies, communicating changes to patients so decisions are informed, intentional, and sustainable.
New Practice Launches
Launching a Direct-Pay Practice from Day One
For dermatologists opening new practices, I help design efficient, direct-pay models from the start—avoiding common insurance-driven pitfalls and building practices that align with long-term clinical and personal goals.
A Structured, Practical Approach
01
Initial Assessment
A focused discussion to understand your practice, goals, and concerns, starting with a complementary 10-minute consultation.
02
Strategic Planning
Clear recommendations around pricing, operations, patient communication, and timelines.
03
Ongoing Advisory (Optional)
Continued support as you implement changes or navigate early growth.
Engagements are tailored, confidential, and grounded in real-world experience - not theory. I offer advice grounded in my personal experience over the past 6 years.
Guidance from a Practicing Dermatologist
I’m Courtney Herbert, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FDL Dermatology. After navigating the challenges of insurance-based practice firsthand, I built a direct-pay model aligned with both clinical integrity and sustainability. I now work with fellow dermatologists to help them do the same—thoughtfully, realistically, and on their own terms.
Congrats, Courtney! Y'all, I've seen her practice setup -- it's efficient, sustainable, and lucrative! It is ACTUALLY possible to have a really successful direct care derm practice, and you'll be so much happier!
- Derm Start Up
FDL is the most successful direct care dermatology setup I've seen. Gives us all something to strive for!
- Direct Pay Derm