To gain relief from the health plan administrative complexities and expenses, family physicians are looking to insurance-free or "cash-only" practice designs.
Another practice design available to simplify the practice of medicine is to transition to a retainer practice or incorporate a retainer fee that assesses patients a member-fee for value-added services (e.g., 24/7 physician contact, home visit).
Even in traditional practices, physicians are becoming increasingly aware that they can charge insured patients for services that are considered non-covered by the patient's health plan. Under contract, physicians are able to charge patients for these services.
Cash-only/Self-pay Practice Design
Self-pay Discussion Paper -- A discussion of the legal and ethical issues regarding self-pay and advice about preparing for and implementing self-pay practice.
(4-page Word file; About Downloading)
(4-page Word file; About Downloading)
Cash-Only Practice: Could It Work for You?
-- This Family Practice Management article covers how some family physicians are operating cash-only practices. (February 2006)
2,500 Cash-Paying Patients and Growing
-- This Family Practice Management article highlights a family physician's success with a low-overhead, cash-only practice. (February 2006)
Should You Charge Your Patients for "Free" Services?
-- A Family Practice Management article on the pros and cons of charging patients for services historically provided without charge. (July/August 2004)
Patient Fees for Administrative Services (Template) -- Template for practices to provide to patients, containing possible Patient Fees for Administrative Services typically considered non-covered by health benefit plans.
(1-page Word file; About Downloading)
(1-page Word file; About Downloading)
Practice Designs
