Would you see a doc that did a cash for service model if it was cheaper?

Question

My husband knows a doc that is starting his own practice. One way to cut down on overhead is to not take insurance but to just take cash for his services. He'd have flat rates and it would generally be cheaper than what you would pay through insurance. And for those that want to use insurance, they could file to the insurance company directly and get reimbursed. I think people are too lazy to do this but he thinks it might work. And it would save money for all by cutting out the middle man. It's becoming a popular business model for many docs. What do you think?

Answer

That's sounds a little sketchy to me, honestly.

Answer

There is a hospital in Texas I think, that has started doing this. They have a list of all charges for any procedure available to an potential patient. Everything is up front, zero hidden costs, zero extra charges for consults or anesthesia or whatever, you know exactly what you're going to have to pay before you go in. And from what I've read their business is booming. Not only that but they've changed their prices like 3 or four times since they started doing this..... Downward! I would go to a hospital or doctor like that in a heartbeat and I think it'd be awesome kid more medical centers in the US started following their lead. It's quite obviously something people want.

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I get treated for lyme disease and my specialist doesn't take insurance.  I don't mind spending extra money for him since he saved my life.

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Rich people do this with private doctors. It works really well for both.

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So basically the doctor is following an indemnity insurance plan instead of the insurance plans we follow today. If u feel comfortable with that then go ahead but it seems kind of suspect since its not very common now or heard of. But ur right this was how doctors were paid previously.

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This is becoming common

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This is happening all over the US now.

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Honestly I see a doc who does something like this, no it's not illegal but yes it is a huge pain in the ass. I pay out of pocket a flat rate for my visits, and then you can get reimbursed by your insurance for out of pocket expenses. But in my opinion, getting the insurance company to actually reimburse you can be like jumping through hoops and way more of a headache than its worth. And you'll usually only get a % of what you paid and there is a limit for what you get reimbursed for out of pocket, not sure if this is how all insurance works but that's how mine did. Lots of paperwork, headache, and in the end no reimbursement for me lol.

Answer

I don't understand how he can charge a flat rate if you run it through your insurance. One of the points of insurance is negotiated rates with the physicians.  You only owe what was negotiated. If he doesn't take your insurance, that must mean he's out of network, which would mean a higher cost to me.

Answer

Nope nothing beats my copays I doubt he would charge less than $20 for an office visit

Would you see a doc that did a cash for service model if it was cheaper?

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