Crestwood Clinic’s Innovative Subscription Plan Replaces Insurance Billing
TL/DR –
A Louisville clinic is trying a new healthcare model in which patients pay a flat monthly fee, rather than billing each visit through insurance. This method, used by 502 Direct Primary Care, aims to alleviate doctor burnout, a problem reported by over 60% of doctors in a recent Mayo Clinic study, by removing insurance companies from the equation. The subscription-based model includes all office treatments, allows for a more direct patient-doctor relationship, and is reportedly financially beneficial for patients, even those with insurance.
Revolutionizing Healthcare: Louisville Clinic Pilots New Model Amid Rising Physician Burnout Rates
Recent research by the Mayo Clinic reveals that over 60 percent of doctors experience burnout, largely due to frustrations with insurance companies. A Louisville healthcare clinic, 502 Direct Primary Care (502 DPC), is attempting to address this issue by implementing a novel healthcare model.
Patients at 502 DPC pay a flat monthly rate, regardless of the number of visits, instead of billing each appointment through insurance. Dr. Ilana Kayrouz, a physician at the clinic, noted that this allows them to provide the best possible care to their patients.
The Traditional Model: A Source of Frustration for Doctors and Patients
After a decade in an insurance-based practice, Dr. Kayrouz found the traditional model frustrating and inadequate. She felt unable to deliver optimal care due to the pressure of seeing up to 40 patients a day. Additionally, she deplored the control insurance companies wielded over medical decisions, a sentiment shared by her patients.
502 DPC: A New Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Kayrouz established 502 DPC over three years ago, introducing a model where patients pay their physicians directly and maintain a monthly subscription for all in-office services. Subscription prices vary based on age (from $49 to $119 monthly), with family subscriptions at $239 monthly. This novel model fosters closer, more direct relationships between patients and physicians.
Patient Steve Estes described the new model as a “game changer,” adding that it grants him same-day access to his doctor and eliminates the need for in-person consultations for every concern. He also noted that despite having insurance, the lack of copays meant the DPC model was financially advantageous for him.
While currently only a few Direct Primary Care offices exist in Louisville, Dr. Kayrouz believes the number will rise as physician burnout continues to increase.
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