The Consumerist points to an article about primary care physicians going to cash-only practices. They cite one that charges a $4500 annual retainer.
Interesting to read the comments, which is not surprisingly generating some polarizing views.
More patients will be faced with whether to follow their doctor to non-traditional primary care models. As cash-only practices continue to generate media attention, the public will revolt as their already limited access to traditional generalist care is dwindling. Hopefully their voices will be loud enough to incite change.
That’s important as those in charge listen to voters, not doctors.
topics: primary care, cash only
Related posts:
- Primary care doctors struggle to survive, even in Beverly Hills
- Half of primary care doctors want to quit
- Why primary care matters
- Primary care sacrifice
- "My primary-care physician decided to go boutique"
- Can primary care doctors actually increase health care costs?
- Older primary care doctors can’t retire
KevinMD.com on Facebook
{ 2 comments }
A very thought-provoking article…one particluar dermatologist in my area has done this for decades, in some ways. The only insurance plan he submits bills to is Medicare. He doesn't accept welfare patients. If you have a commercial insurance, you pay him first & you can submit your own claim if you want reimbursed. Sounds a bit greedy from one standpoint, and he has made millions, but–he has a very loyal staff, which spend very little time doing paperwork & more time actually attending to the patient.
The article is about docs who require a retainer. I wouldn’t want to do that as a patient. I am happy to pay cash for the services that I do get. I have only major medical anyway. It sounds like that is what the dermatologist is doing–just what most docs have always done–keeping the doctor-patient relationship a two-party relationship as it should be.
Greed may enter into where he sets the fee but I don’t see how him wanting to do it that way makes him greedy. It just means he wants control over his prices like every other professional and businessman. Why should HE let YOUR insurance company run his business? It isn’t his insurance company. Maybe he is motivated by a desire to focus all his efforts on the best care possible rather than greed.
Comments on this entry are closed.