Some physicians are offering direct primary care, to eliminate insurance companies from the equation, according to The Morning Call.
Here are five notes:
1. Direct primary care involves patients paying monthly membership fees to obtain care from a specific physician, with no copays.
2. Physicians practicing this model often offer medical guidance after hours as well, available to their patients at any hour.
3. Advocates of the model argue the elimination of administrative duties and paperwork decreases costs.
4. A Journal of the American Board of Family article medicine reported there are 141 direct family care practices operating in 39 states.
5. The American Academy of Family Physicians supports the model, as it places emphasis back on the patient.