Alternative payment models
The traditional payer-provider model is under strain as both parties look for ways to cut costs and remain viable businesses. As a result, physician practices are looking to different payment models. ACOs lead the pack as the most frequently turned-to strategy among gastroenterologists, according to the report.
• Gastroenterologists participating in an accountable care organization: 24 percent
• Gastroenterologists planning to join an ACO within the next year: 12 percent
• Gastroenterologists participating in a cash-only practice: 4 percent
• Gastroenterologists participating in a concierge practice: 2 percent
Ancillary services
Adding laboratory services or other in-house services helps keep patients under one roof, your roof. A significant number of gastroenterologists are picking up on this and bringing ancillaries to their practices.
• Self-employed gastroenterologists beginning to offer ancillary services: 36 percent
• Employed gastroenterologists beginning to offer ancillary services: 19 percent
Price transparency
Price transparency has been a hot topic in healthcare, but remains more talked about than practiced. Some gastroenterologists are beginning open price discussions with their patients.
• Gastroenterologists regularly discussing costs with patients: 33 percent
• Gastroenterologists discussing costs with patients that ask: 47 percent
• Gastroenterologists that do not know the cost of treatments: 11 percent
• Gastroenterologists who believe discussing cost with patients is inappropriate: 4 percent
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