The healthcare delivery system in the US, nor elsewhere, is perfect. In my health administration classes, students and I explore this and the reasons in depth. One payment option that is growing in popularity is direct pay healthcare for both those with and without insurance.
Guest Post: Thomas Farmer, Healora
Over the last 8 years healthcare insurance deductibles and copays have more than doubled. For some people even if they are insured they can’t afford to use the insurance. Today one in three people who need a procedure are putting it off because they can’t afford it. This is because the disconnected nature of our third-party payor system and the administrative costs of so many middle layers have caused exponential price increases.
Doctors have long realized they have given all control to the insurance companies. This is why in 7 out of 10 cases it is less expensive to pay cash directly to the doctor than pay your deductible and use your insurance. This is called “direct pay” healthcare.
What if you could
1) lookup your surgical procedure,
2) choose a doctor, and
3) confirm a complete price?
Now you can! Increasing transparency in healthcare means you can see significant cost reductions by removing all those middle layers. At the same time quality will rise as doctors compete for your business. This recently happened with a patient from Denver that was quoted $16,000 with insurance and a $5,000 deductible. He flew to Los Angeles to have the same procedure done with a highly regarded Santa Monica doctor for $2,700! Can you believe patients are flying INTO Los Angeles to get high quality, lower cost healthcare?
Healora offers a direct pay option with access to the best doctors; potentially helping you save up to 70%. If you would like to compare pricing on a needed procedure visit www.healora.com and start by selecting your dot - where it hurts!
The ultimate goal ... #HealthIsSimple
If you have tried or will, leave a comment and let us know what you think about direct pay.
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