Paying Your Doctor

Some physicians embracing new payment models that eliminate health insurers.
The Washington Post (3/8, Andrews) reports, "Under the current insurance model, doctors get paid for procedures and tests rather than for time spent with patients." But some medical practices are "sidelining health insurers entirely," opting instead to charge patients a moderate monthly "membership fee." For example, Seattle-based Qliance Medical Management's "three clinics typically charge a patient about $65 a month for unlimited access to the practice's 12 physicians and nurse practitioners." The fees vary "depending on the level of service and the patient's age." According to Qliance CEO Norm Wu, the "average $700 to $800 per patient that Qliance receives annually in membership fees is up to three times more than a doctor in a standard insurance-based practice might make per patient."