AAPS Discussion on “opting out”
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons has an interesting discussion on the medical profession opting out of the third party payment system, including Medicare. Their rationale is that without the intrusion of third parties, they would be able to give better AND less expensive service a direct pay basis between them and their patients.
From the article:
Accepting payment directly from the insurer is a relatively recent aberration in the long history of the profession. There was never a crisis in access to doctors’ services in the pre-Medicare/Medicaid era. Physician fees were usual, customary, and reasonable. Doctors charged well-heeled patients a bit more and those less well off a bit less. Pro bono care was a part of every practice. There was, and still is, competition between physicians for patients, and this restrained charges.
There is no more efficient model than direct pay since it eliminates the middleman for the majority of charges. Office costs are dramatically reduced when third party billing is abandoned. By setting their own rates, doctors will be in control of their time and patient volume would decrease. Quality of care would improve, again saving money.
March 28, 2010
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