About Courtney Herbert, MD
Dermatologist. Practice Owner. Physician Advisor.
I’m Courtney Herbert, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FDL Dermatology. Like many physicians, I entered medicine to provide high-quality, patient-centered care—only to find that the realities of insurance-based practice often made that goal increasingly difficult to sustain.
Over time, the administrative burdens, declining reimbursements, and limited autonomy inherent in traditional insurance models began to interfere with both the practice of medicine and the quality of life that many dermatologists seek. I knew there had to be a better way to practice—one that aligned clinical integrity, patient relationships, and financial sustainability.
In 2020, after 13 years of practicing in the traditional insurance based model, I transitioned my own practice to a direct-pay model. This was not a theoretical exercise or a simple business decision—it was a deliberate, measured process that required rethinking pricing, operations, patient communication, and long-term strategy.
Through this transition, I gained practical insight into what works, what doesn’t, and what dermatologists need to consider before making this significant change. The experience reinforced an important truth: direct-pay dermatology can be highly effective when it is designed thoughtfully and grounded in real-world clinical practice.
FDL Dermatology Consulting grew out of conversations with colleagues—dermatologists who were asking the same questions I once did:
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Is leaving traditional insurance possible?
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How do I transition without destabilizing my practice?
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How do I communicate changes to patients?
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What does a sustainable direct-pay model really look like?
My work focuses on helping dermatologists navigate these questions with clarity and confidence. I offer strategic guidance rooted in lived experience—not generic business coaching or one-size-fits-all solutions.
I believe the best consulting relationships are built on:
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Peer-level understanding
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Practical, data-informed decision-making
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Respect for the individuality of each practice
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Long-term sustainability over short-term gains
There is no single “right” way to structure a dermatology practice. My role is to help physicians make informed choices that align with their professional goals, personal values, and patient populations.