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 visits).
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)
FPM: Cash-only Practice: Could It Work for You?
-- An article from Family Practice Management. (February 2006)
FPM: 2,500 Cash-Paying Patients and Growing
-- An article from Family Practice Management. (February 2006)
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)
