Doctors cut out the middle man (insurance companies) charge $40 - $120 mo for primary care

[JohnWxy]

this was on NBC news here's the tape: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#32716070


The doctors cut out the time they would be spending on paper work for insurance companies (30% to 50% of their time) and the patients get: "unrestricted round-the-clock primary care access and 30-minute appointments."


it's also on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31777054/ns/health-health_care/


Qliance says it is a private alternative to the failures of insurance, which have made health care President Obama's top legislative priority in Congress, with a price tag of $1 trillion or more.

Qliance customers pay $99 to join, then a flat monthly rate of $39 to $119, depending on age and level of service. Patients can quit without notice and no one is rejected for pre-existing conditions.

Patients must go to outside brokers and qualify medically to buy catastrophic care. One broker said a 30-year-old could expect to pay $133 per month for such care, and a 60-year-old nearly $400, plus substantial deductibles.

Qliance patients get unrestricted round-the-clock primary care access and 30-minute appointments.

on edit note that Qliance says on it's website it charges $49 - $79 per month http://www.qliance.com/

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Sounds like a good alternative to what we have now...

Too bad it is so far away..in Washington only. Hope it spreads around the country.


My friend just had to wait 3 months for an apptment with her obgyn. It was cancelled just hours before she was to have been there...due to an emergency. They gave her another appt for late October!!
and the repukes say that people have to wait for appts under Canadian and British healthcare....HAH!!!

[TreasonousBastard]

2. This isn't that new, and isn't far from...

the walk-in clinics around that could, and should, be expanded. Clinics charge a fee per visit lower than most private practices and far less than ERs. Fewer clerical employees and salaried doctors are the key to lower costs. According to the site, the lab tests and basic care for these guys is is inexpensive, but could add up.

The question isn't how much it costs to see a doctor now and then, but how much will it cost when you're really sick. This isn't going to help you much if you need dialysis, chemotherapy, cataract surgery, or a finger sewn back on. And no breaks on drugs if you need them long-term.

And notice the complete exclusion of any pregnancy care.

[JohnWxy]

3. a monthly fee for "unrestricted, 7 day a week access" is not the same as a fee per visit.

" Qliance charges a monthly fee ($49 to $79) for unrestricted, 7 day a week access to a Qliance provider."

no, this is not the "second coming" but it seems like a very effective way of reducing costs.

they make a very good point on their website:

"Over 40¢ of every $1 spent on primary care traditionally goes toward costs associated with insurance billing and reimbursement. That means physicians have to see a lot more patients to make ends meet. No wonder it takes forever to get an appointment, and when you do, your doctor is in a hurry. Insurance is appropriate to protect individuals against catastrophic illnesses. However, it interferes with routine primary and preventive care, while increasing the cost. "

[TreasonousBastard]

4. It all depends on how often you see the doctor, but...

either way, it's a good idea.

And you'll note that they do accept insurance-- it's mentioned on their "price schedule" for stuff not included in the monthly fees.

I always question numbers like 40% going to reimbursement-- they're never explained or demonstrated, just thrown out there. It's possible, but anyone throwing that kind of number out has to justify it.