Direct primary care may have a place in healthcare reform
Charging patients a monthly fee for routine primary care may make a comeback as policymakers weigh whether and how to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Kaiser Health News reports the concept of “flat fee” primary care isn’t a new one. Physicians can charge a monthly fee, usually between $50 and $150, for the basics of primary care, like office visits or lab tests. The more expensive care, like surgery, would be left covered by a high-deductible health plan.
It's a system utilized now by only 3 percent of primary care doctors according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Advocates of this method of care delivery believe it could become more popular, as HHS Secretary Tom Price has been a supporter of it while a member of Congress. Policy experts, however, question whether the approach fits in the value-based care world.
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John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.