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AHPRA's new regulations mandating an onsite doctor for injectables are reshaping the aesthetic industry. Explore the implications for clinics and discover cost-saving strategies to adapt and thrive.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has introduced new regulations requiring an onsite doctor for aesthetic procedures involving injectables. This change has sent ripples through the aesthetic industry, especially for clinics that have previously operated without an in-house doctor. While the intent is to enhance patient safety, the regulation poses significant challenges for businesses already navigating a competitive and cost-sensitive market.
This article unpacks the implications of the new rules and explores practical strategies for adapting to them—particularly for clinics needing to absorb these changes without overextending their internal teams—through smarter operational models and the considered use of remote support and AI.
AHPRA’s updated guidelines mandate that a doctor must be physically present during procedures involving injectables, such as Botox and dermal fillers. This Australian regulation aims to ensure immediate medical oversight, enhancing patient safety and compliance with healthcare standards.
While the regulation is well-intentioned, it introduces logistical and financial challenges for aesthetic clinics, particularly those with leaner staffing models or limited access to onsite doctors.
For many clinics, hiring or contracting a doctor to be onsite represents a significant financial burden. This cost pressure is especially pronounced in small-to-mid-sized clinics where margins are tighter and staffing models are more flexible.
The requirement for an onsite doctor limits the flexibility of scheduling appointments, as clinics must coordinate with the doctor’s availability. This could lead to longer wait times for patients and potential loss of business.
Larger clinics with integrated medical teams may adapt more easily to the new regulations, whereas smaller operations or multi-chair clinics without a dedicated doctor face both increased costs and reduced agility.
Smaller or independent clinics may struggle to comply with the regulations, leading to closures or mergers with larger practices. This could result in reduced diversity and accessibility in the aesthetic market.
While the new regulations present challenges, they also offer an opportunity to adapt, innovate and improve operations.
Artificial intelligence—especially when paired with the support of skilled remote teams—can play a foundational role in how aesthetic clinics streamline admin, manage communication, and reduce overheads. From automating bookings to maintaining compliance records, AI and automation tools reduce time spent on repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Some examples include:
Used strategically, a human-AI hybrid approach can reduce administrative workload and help offset staffing costs. It’s this blend of automation and human oversight that helps clinics stay efficient without compromising on compliance or care quality.
Reducing in-house admin costs is one of the most immediate and controllable levers clinics can pull—especially as doctor-related expenses rise.
Delegating tasks like billing, scheduling, or follow-ups to skilled remote teams allows practitioners to stay focused on patient care while keeping costs predictable. Some remote workforce providers already support aesthetic clinics with:
Delegating these functions to a remote team—particularly when paired with digital tools—helps reduce costs while preserving service quality.
We're already seeing some clinics explore fractional medical coverage across multiple sites, where sessional or rotating doctors provide oversight without committing to full-time contracts.
This kind of resource-sharing approach could become more common as clinics seek ways to stay compliant without absorbing unnecessary overhead. It’s a model worth watching—not just for its cost efficiency, but for the flexibility it offers in navigating staffing constraints and regulatory changes.
In a tighter market, keeping existing patients engaged is critical.
Personalised follow-up, consistent communication, and prompt service all help build loyalty. AI-enabled tools can support patient engagement through:
Adapting to these regulatory shifts isn’t just about surviving—it’s about evolving. Aesthetic clinics that modernise their back-end systems, share resources wisely, and build in flexibility will be best positioned to move forward.
Allied Orbit supports healthcare clinics with remote staffing models and AI integration designed to meet compliance and reduce cost pressures.
Have questions? Chat with AIA, our AI Assistant, anytime for instant answers—or connect with our friendly team to explore what a customised workforce strategy could look like for your organisation.
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