Couture Dermatology & Laser · Beverly Hills
Policies & Legal
Everything you need to know about how we operate, protect your information, and care for your experience as a patient.
Payment for consultation visits is due in full at the time of appointment scheduling. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Ally. Please note that Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills does not participate with insurance plans. All procedures are self-pay and will not be billed to insurance under any circumstances.
New Patient Evaluation & Plan Visit
We strongly recommend a full evaluation and treatment plan for every patient to establish your baseline and best recommended plan forward. This is required for all new patients. During the visit, you will receive a full skin assessment, skin scan, and recommended year-long plan. The treatment plan will include recommendations for in-office procedures, at-home maintenance, skincare regimen, and prescriptions sent to your pharmacy of choice if needed.
The nonrefundable visit fee covers the evaluation and plan visit. The recommended treatments, packages, skincare, prescription items or packages are an additional separate cost. Due to the nature of our appointments, we are unable to accommodate late appointment changes. We require 72 hours' notice for any appointment changes. If less than 72 hours' notice is provided, the visit fee cannot be transferred to a future appointment. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us honor each patient's reservation and experience.
Established Treatment Visits
For established patients, the nonrefundable visit fee goes toward your scheduled treatment. The remaining balance will be collected at the time of service. The recommended treatments, treatment packages, skincare items, or prescription items are an additional cost.
Due to the nature of our appointments, we are unable to accommodate late appointment changes. We require 72 hours' notice for any appointment changes. If less than 72 hours' notice is provided, the visit fee cannot be transferred to a future appointment. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us honor each patient's reservation and experience.
Established Patient Evaluation
The nonrefundable visit fee for established patients covers the evaluation and plan visit. The recommended treatments, packages, skincare items, prescription items or treatment packages are an additional separate cost.
Due to the nature of our appointments, we are unable to accommodate late appointment changes. We require 72 hours' notice for any appointment changes. If less than 72 hours' notice is provided, the visit fee cannot be transferred. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us honor each patient's reservation and experience.
Laboratory & External Services
- Blood specimens are billed in the office at the time of your appointment. We are able to offer special wholesale pricing, which typically makes our lab fees lower than those at a Labcorp facility.
- Pathology specimens are processed through Labcorp (which partners with Cedars-Sinai). Please note that we do not send specimens directly to Cedars-Sinai. Any pathology-related costs will be billed directly to you by Labcorp, based on your self-pay status or your insurance coverage. You are responsible for all charges billed by Labcorp.
Appointment & Cancellation Policy
When you schedule an appointment, we set aside enough time to provide you with the highest quality care. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact our office as soon as possible, and no later than 72 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
All appointment deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances. Due to the nature of our appointments, we are unable to accommodate late appointment changes. We require 72 hours' notice for any appointment changes. If less than 72 hours' notice is provided, the deposit cannot be transferred to a future appointment.
No-Show & Late Cancellation
Effective February 1, 2026, any new or established patient who fails to show or cancels/reschedules an appointment without at least 72 hours' notice will be considered a No Show. As all deposits are non-refundable, no refund of any prepaid consultation or treatment fees will be issued under any circumstances.
If there is a third no-show or late cancellation without 72 hours' notice, the patient may be dismissed from Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills' care, subject to applicable legal requirements regarding patient abandonment.
As a courtesy, we will send appointment reminders to ensure all patients are fully aware of upcoming treatments at our facility. If you experience extenuating circumstances, please contact our office at (310) 444-0946 to discuss further.
At Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills, we are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered medical and aesthetic dermatologic care. The following rights and responsibilities govern your care with us.
Patient Bill of Rights
As a patient of this practice, you have the right to:
- Receive care that is respectful, professional, and considerate, recognizing your dignity, privacy, and individuality.
- Receive dermatologic care without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or ability to pay.
- Be informed, in clear and understandable terms, of your diagnosis, recommended treatments, expected outcomes, and possible risks or alternatives, including cosmetic and elective procedures.
- Participate actively in decisions regarding your dermatologic care and to accept or refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law.
- Expect reasonable continuity of care and appropriate referrals to specialists when medically indicated.
- Receive care in a safe, clean, and professional clinical environment.
- Have your personal health information and medical records kept confidential in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, including HIPAA and the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA).
- Access or obtain copies of your medical records within a reasonable time frame not to exceed fifteen (15) business days, as provided by California Health & Safety Code Section 123110.
- Receive information regarding the credentials and roles of members of the dermatology care team involved in your treatment.
- Be informed of clinic policies, appointment procedures, fees, payment expectations, and financial policies prior to receiving services.
- Voice questions, concerns, or complaints regarding your care or services without fear of retaliation and receive information on how such concerns may be addressed.
- Receive clear explanations regarding post-treatment care instructions, follow-up recommendations, and potential side effects related to dermatologic treatments or procedures.
Patient Responsibilities
To support safe and effective dermatologic care, patients are responsible for:
- Providing accurate, complete, and current information regarding medical history, medications, allergies, and skin concerns.
- Informing the clinic of any changes in health status that may affect dermatologic treatment or procedures.
- Following treatment plans, post-procedure instructions, and medication guidelines as agreed upon with the provider.
- Asking questions when information or instructions are not fully understood.
- Treating providers, staff, and other patients with courtesy and respect.
- Arriving on time for scheduled appointments and providing timely notice when cancellation or rescheduling is necessary.
- Understanding and fulfilling financial obligations related to medical and cosmetic services.
Our Notice of Privacy Practices provides information about how we may use and disclose protected health information about you. The Notice is available in our office and on our website, and you may request a copy at any time.
Acknowledgement of Privacy Practices
The terms of our Notice may change. If we change our Notice, you may obtain a revised copy by contacting our office. You have the right to request that we restrict how protected health information about you is used or disclosed for treatment, payment or health care operations. We are not required to agree to this restriction, but if we do, we shall honor that agreement. However, if you pay out-of-pocket in full for a service and request in writing that we not disclose information about that service to a health plan, we are required to honor that restriction unless disclosure is required by law.
This practice complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). The patient understands that:
- Protected health information may be disclosed or used for treatment, payment or health care operations.
- Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills has a Notice of Privacy Practices and that the patient has the opportunity to review this notice.
- The patient has the right to request changes to the Notice of Privacy Practices.
- The patient has the right to request restrictions on the uses of their information, but Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills does not have to agree to those restrictions, except where required by law (such as when the patient pays out-of-pocket in full and requests that information not be disclosed to a health plan).
- The patient may revoke consent in writing at any time and all future disclosures would then cease.
- Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills may condition receipt of treatment upon the execution of this Consent.
Consent for Electronic Communication (Text/Email)
Email and text messaging allow Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills providers to exchange information efficiently for the benefit of our patients. At the same time, we recognize that email and text messaging are not a completely secure means of communication because these messages can be addressed to the wrong person or accessed improperly while in storage or during transmission. These electronic communications may contain protected health information (PHI) subject to HIPAA and CMIA.
When we send you an email, or you send us an email, the information sent is not encrypted. This means a third party may be able to access the information since it is transmitted over the Internet.
Email and text messaging are NOT to be used for urgent or emergent medical situations. Anything that requires an immediate response must be communicated by telephone or in person. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
You are not required to authorize the use of email and/or text messaging, and a decision not to authorize will not affect your health care in any way. If you prefer not to authorize, we will continue to use U.S. Mail or telephone to communicate with you.
Medical Records Policy
Per California Health & Safety Code Section 123110, patients have the right to inspect their medical records during business hours within five (5) business days of a request, and to receive copies within fifteen (15) business days. Fees for copies may not exceed twenty-five cents ($0.25) per page or fifty cents ($0.50) per page for records copied from microfilm, plus reasonable clerical costs.
California Business and Professions Code Section §2266 requires physicians to maintain adequate and accurate medical records for a minimum of seven (7) years from the date of the last patient encounter. For patients who were minors at the time of treatment, records must be retained until one (1) year after the minor reaches eighteen (18) years of age, or for seven (7) years, whichever period is longer.
Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills is committed to providing exceptional Medical Dermatological and Aesthetic services to our community with dignity, compassion and respect. Everyone should expect a safe, caring, and inclusive environment in all our spaces.
Practice Policies & Code of Conduct
Words or actions that are disrespectful, racist, discriminatory, hostile or harassing are not welcome and will not be tolerated. Examples of these include:
- Offensive comments about others' race, ethnicity, accent, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other personal traits.
- Refusal to see a clinician or other staff member based on these personal traits.
- Aggressive or intimidating behavior, physical or verbal threats and assaults.
- Sexual or vulgar words or actions.
- Disrupting another patient's care or experience.
Infection Control Policy
At Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills, your health, safety, and comfort are our top priorities. We follow strict infection control practices in compliance with California Health and Safety Code Division 104, Part 1, Chapter 1 (Sanitation and Infection Control) and Medical Board of California regulations, including:
- Thorough hand hygiene and sterilization of instruments.
- Careful handling of single-use items and use of protective equipment when needed.
- Safe disposal of sharps in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5193 (Bloodborne Pathogens).
We also ask patients to follow simple hygiene instructions during visits to help us maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Emergency Preparedness Policy
While most dermatology and aesthetic treatments are low-risk, emergencies can occasionally happen. Our clinic is fully prepared to respond quickly and effectively:
- All staff are trained in basic life support (BLS), first aid, and emergency procedures.
- Emergency equipment such as first aid supplies is readily available in every treatment area.
- In the unlikely event of a serious medical emergency, staff will act immediately to provide care and contact emergency medical services (911) if needed.
For any life-threatening situation, including difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, chest pain, or sudden severe illness, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Our clinic provides guidance and support but is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
Please inform our staff of any allergies, medical conditions, or medications before your procedure. Notify us immediately if you feel unwell, dizzy, faint, or experience unexpected reactions during your visit.
The following outlines our consent policies for telehealth services, patient imaging for medical documentation, and the optional authorization for marketing use of images.
Telehealth Consent
Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services through electronic communication technologies, including secure video conferencing, telephone communication, electronic messaging, and the review of patient-submitted images or recordings. This policy is provided in accordance with California Business and Professions Code Section 2290.5.
Telehealth may be used for evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, treatment planning, follow-up care, and medication management when clinically appropriate. No invasive or in-office procedures are performed via telehealth.
Potential benefits of telehealth services include increased access to dermatologic care, improved continuity of care, reduced travel and waiting time, and timely evaluation and management of certain conditions.
Potential risks include technical difficulties or interruptions, incomplete or inaccurate clinical information, delays in diagnosis or treatment, and rare breaches of electronic security despite reasonable safeguards.
- Telehealth may not be suitable for all conditions or concerns. Certain diagnoses and treatments require an in-person visit.
- Telehealth services are provided using HIPAA-compliant platforms. Your protected health information will be maintained in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy laws.
- You are responsible for participating in telehealth visits from a private and secure location when possible.
- Recording of telehealth visits by the patient or others is prohibited without the practice's prior written authorization. California is a two-party consent state under Penal Code Section 632, and unauthorized recording may violate state law.
- All submitted materials become part of your medical record and will be used solely for purposes of treatment, documentation, healthcare operations, and care coordination unless otherwise authorized in writing.
- You are financially responsible for all applicable charges associated with telehealth services.
You are responsible for providing a compatible device and reliable internet connection, ensuring adequate audio, video, and image quality, and promptly notifying the clinic of any technical difficulties. If a telehealth visit cannot be completed due to technical issues, the visit may be rescheduled or converted to an alternative format.
Patient Image Consent — Medical Documentation
This policy authorizes Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills to take photographs, videos, or other images of you for medical documentation purposes only. These images are used to:
- Document skin conditions and support diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Track progress and results.
- Maintain accurate medical records.
Your images will be stored as part of your medical record and protected in accordance with HIPAA and the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). The practice requires baseline photos prior to performing procedures. You have the right to refuse or withdraw this consent at any time without affecting your care, except that refusal may limit the practice's ability to perform certain procedures that require baseline documentation.
There is no reimbursement for the right to take or use your photograph, video, or recording for medical documentation purposes.
Marketing & Educational Image Use — Separate Optional Authorization
This is a completely optional and separate authorization, independent from the medical documentation consent above. Your decision regarding this section will not affect the quality of your medical care or your relationship with Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills.
If authorized, Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills may use photographs, videos, images, and/or voice recordings for marketing, educational, and promotional purposes, which may include:
- Use on the practice's website, social media, or marketing materials.
- Use in educational presentations, publications, or training materials.
- Distribution in print or electronic form for professional, educational, and marketing purposes.
You may request that identifying features be obscured or that images be de-identified, and the practice will consider such requests in its sole discretion. You have the right to revoke this authorization at any time by providing written notice to Couture Dermatology and Laser Beverly Hills at 9735 Wilshire Blvd Suite 216, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Revocation will not affect any uses or disclosures made prior to revocation, and images already published or distributed may not be retrievable. No compensation will be provided for such use.
Important: Read this arbitration agreement carefully. It affects your legal rights. You are not required to sign an arbitration agreement as a condition of receiving medical care from this practice. If you do not wish to agree to arbitration, you may still receive care, and the practice will not refuse to treat you solely based on your refusal.
Agreement to Arbitrate
It is understood that any dispute as to medical malpractice — that is, as to whether any medical services rendered were unnecessary or unauthorized or were improperly, negligently or incompetently rendered — will be determined by submission to arbitration as provided by California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1280 through 1294.2, and not by a lawsuit or resort to court process except as California and federal law provide for judicial review of arbitration proceedings. Both parties to this contract, by entering into it, are giving up their constitutional right to have any such dispute decided in a court of law before a jury, and instead are accepting the use of arbitration.
All Claims Must Be Arbitrated
Any dispute that does not relate to medical malpractice, including disputes as to whether or not a dispute is subject to arbitration, will also be determined by submission to binding arbitration. This agreement is intended to bind all parties as to all claims, including claims arising out of or relating to treatment or services provided by the health care provider, including any heirs or past, present or future spouse(s) of the patient in relation to all claims, including loss of consortium. This agreement is also intended to bind any children of the patient whether born or unborn at the time of the occurrence giving rise to any claim.
All claims for monetary damages exceeding the jurisdictional limit of the small claims court against the health care provider, and/or the health care provider's associates, corporation, partnership, employees, agents, and estate, must be arbitrated including, without limitation, claims for loss of consortium, wrongful death, emotional distress, injunctive relief, or punitive damages.
Procedures & Applicable Law
A demand for arbitration must be communicated in writing to all parties. Each party shall select an arbitrator (party arbitrator) within thirty days and a third arbitrator (neutral arbitrator) shall be selected by the arbitrators appointed by the parties within thirty days thereafter. The neutral arbitrator shall then be the sole arbitrator and shall decide the arbitration. Each party to the arbitration shall pay such party's pro rata share of the expenses and fees of the neutral arbitrator, together with other expenses of the arbitration incurred or approved by the neutral arbitrator, not including counsel fees, witness fees, or other expenses incurred by a party for such party's own benefit.
Either party shall have the absolute right to bifurcate the issues of liability and damage upon written request to the neutral arbitrator. The parties agree that provisions of the California Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act shall apply to disputes within this arbitration agreement. The Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association shall govern any arbitration conducted pursuant to this Agreement.
General Provisions
- Article 4 — General Provisions: All claims based upon the same incident, transaction, or related circumstances shall be arbitrated in one proceeding. A claim shall be waived and forever barred if, on the date notice is received, the claim would be barred by the applicable California statute of limitations, or if the claimant fails to pursue the arbitration claim with reasonable diligence.
- Article 5 — Revocation: This agreement may be revoked by written notice delivered to the health care provider within thirty (30) days of signature. If not revoked within this period, this agreement will govern all professional services received by the patient and all other disputes between the parties.
- Article 6 — Retroactive Effect: This agreement applies only to services rendered on or after the date this agreement is signed. It does not apply retroactively to any services rendered before the date of signature.
- Article 7 — Severability: If any provision of this Arbitration Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
- Article 8 — Copy of Agreement: Patients have the right to receive a copy of this Arbitration Agreement upon request.
By agreeing to arbitration, you are agreeing to have any medical malpractice claim decided by neutral binding arbitration. You are giving up your right to a jury trial and your right to appeal. The arbitrator's decision will be final and binding, with very limited grounds for court review. You have the right to seek legal counsel before agreeing. You are not required to agree to arbitration to receive medical treatment. See Article 5 for information about your right to revoke this agreement within 30 days.
