Direct Primary Care: Difference between revisions
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=Comparison w/ Insurance Company and Traditional Clinic= | =Comparison w/ Insurance Company and Traditional Clinic= | ||
After a few hours on the phone with a health insurance company and a clinic, this is how they compare to Direct Primary Care Practices: | After a few hours on the phone with a health insurance company and a clinic, this is how they compare to Direct Primary Care Practices in the same area: | ||
'''Transparency''' | '''Transparency''' | ||
- Getting any specific information out of the clinic and insurance company was | - Getting any specific information out of the clinic and insurance company was almost impossible. All the insurance company would tell me was how much I would pay per month. After much insistence and wrangling, they finally told me that the annual exams I need would cost $700 (on top of the monthly payments and the out-of-pocket doctor's visit fee), but they couldn't even tell me what those $700 included. When I asked for pricing info at the clini the doctor's office directed me to the lab, which directed me to the administration, which directed me back to the doctor's office. Conclusion: the exam I need could cost anywhere between $350 and $1500. | ||
- | - Almost all DPC practices list the prices, services and additional fees on their website—in detail—with no hidden costs. | ||
'''Cost''' | '''Cost''' | ||
- The insurance company | - The insurance company charges $153/month + $50 for each doctor's visit. The clinic charges $230 for the doctor's visit + who knows how much for the exams. | ||
- DPC practices charge between $ | - DPC practices charge between $50 and $90 for unlimited visits to the doctor + annual check ups + direct access to the doctor via phone, email, text and video chat. They also typically offer: medications at wholesale prices, discounts for imaging exams (x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs), and free in-office procedures (including the same exam the clinic charges $1500 for). Some of them even offer group discounts. | ||
'''Access''' | '''Access''' | ||
- Almost all DPC providers offer | - Almost all DPC providers offer direct access to the doctor via phone, email, text, and video chat. | ||
Revision as of 13:10, 20 March 2018
Comparison w/ Insurance Company and Traditional Clinic
After a few hours on the phone with a health insurance company and a clinic, this is how they compare to Direct Primary Care Practices in the same area:
Transparency - Getting any specific information out of the clinic and insurance company was almost impossible. All the insurance company would tell me was how much I would pay per month. After much insistence and wrangling, they finally told me that the annual exams I need would cost $700 (on top of the monthly payments and the out-of-pocket doctor's visit fee), but they couldn't even tell me what those $700 included. When I asked for pricing info at the clini the doctor's office directed me to the lab, which directed me to the administration, which directed me back to the doctor's office. Conclusion: the exam I need could cost anywhere between $350 and $1500. - Almost all DPC practices list the prices, services and additional fees on their website—in detail—with no hidden costs.
Cost - The insurance company charges $153/month + $50 for each doctor's visit. The clinic charges $230 for the doctor's visit + who knows how much for the exams. - DPC practices charge between $50 and $90 for unlimited visits to the doctor + annual check ups + direct access to the doctor via phone, email, text and video chat. They also typically offer: medications at wholesale prices, discounts for imaging exams (x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs), and free in-office procedures (including the same exam the clinic charges $1500 for). Some of them even offer group discounts.
Access - Almost all DPC providers offer direct access to the doctor via phone, email, text, and video chat.