What is a Private Pay medical office?
In short, a Private Pay office is one that does not take medical insurance. A Private Pay practice is one in which the office and provider have not signed a contract with health insurance companies in order to be considered “in-network”. As a result, a private pay office will be considered to be “out-of-network” to health insurance companies.
Private pay offices provide the same services as traditional practices. As a benefit, they will typically be able to reduce fees, when compared to traditional offices that take health insurance. Fees are straight forward and payments will typically be made at the time of the visit. Because private pay practices are not dealing with health insurance companies, no additional bills need to be sent at a later date after payments are made.
Why a Private Pay Medical Practice?
Our goal is to provide quality medical care that is simplified, efficient, and more affordable.
Over the years, many people have the misconception that “Private Pay” medical offices are expensive and cater to the rich. In reality, the point is to simplify healthcare, make it more cost effective, and pass those savings on to patients. Administrative costs that come from dealing with health insurance companies make up a large part of the expenses for medical offices that take insurance. By eliminating these costs, expenses for the office are reduced, which allows the office to pass these savings on to the patient. As a result, fees can be lowered, and, pricing is upfront and simplified. In addition, because private pay practices do not have to wait to see if, and how much, the health insurance company is going to pay them, patients do not have to worry about getting additional bills from the office, months after their visit.
Can I go to a private pay office?
Whether you have health insurance, or not, anyone is able to come to a private pay office. For those who have health insurance, private pay offices are typically considered to be “out of network”. Claims forms can be given to patients who have insurance so that payments may be applied to their “out of network” deductibles. Because insurance companies are not involved, no referrals are necessary to come to the office. Simply call the office, and we’ll be happy to get you scheduled.
What are some advantages of a private pay office?
As stated above, simplifying and bringing fees down are two benefits. Another benefit of a private pay office is privacy. Because no contracts have been signed with health insurances, they have no access to patients’ health records without consent of the patient. For this reason, a private pay office is a good option for those looking for a second, or independent, medical opinion. With health insurance companies lowering reimbursements over the years, there is more pressure than ever for traditional medical offices to see more patients, to make up for the lower reimbursements. Because of this, providers have less time to spend with patients, and patients often feel like their concerns are not always addressed. This often makes traditional offices seem more like assembly line businesses, and less like medical offices. In contrast, patients will experience more personalized care at a private pay office where the doctor can spend time with patients and listen to their concerns.