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Skin Doctor Gives Medispa Choosing Advice

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The International Medical Spa Association is located in Minnetonka. It tracks more than 4,000 medispas across the country. It believes in regular training, but it doesn't see new laws doing much in regulation since it says the vast majority of medispas are safe.

But some doctors think differently.

Dr. Charles Crutchfield, a certified dermatologist, acknowledges that all practices have complications, but he wants to see the state take action. He says he doesn't want to see more patients scarred by medispas.

"You don't get the same quality treatment in a medispa as you do in a medical office or a hospital," Crutchfield said.

He said patients should at least ask these three questions:

-Is a board certified physician performing the service or are they directly supervising it?
-Is a physician examining them before the procedure?
-Is a physician on site?

Crutchfield said he doesn't see medispas as competition.

There have been bills from both sides introduced at the state Capitol. Doctors are concerned about the safety of lasers. They want patients to see a doctor within 30 days of getting some kind of laser treatment.

Some in the medispa industry don't think a doctor's appointment is necessary.

To file a complaint with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, click here.

To check the license status of a physician, click here.

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