Flat-Rate Health Care

A new model of health care, called flat-rate medicine, is popping up around the country in primary care offices. In these practices, which are similar to concierge practices but generally more affordable, patients pay a monthly fee -- usually ranging from $50 to $150 -- for unlimited, 24/7 primary care that includes everything from preventive care to chronic disease management.

This model is said to save money because the patients have fewer emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations, and it cuts the middle men -- insurance companies -- out of the equation, letting doctors spend more time with fewer patients with less overhead.

One practice example is Qliance, a Seattle-based primary care practice that compares its setup to a health club membership, but for health care. According to NPR's health blog, the setup is working. In 2010, Qliance patients had 65 percent fewer ED visits and 35 percent fewer hospitalizations, when compared to benchmarks for its region.

This model works. Our company, MedLion (formerly Access Primary Care), charges a flat-fee of $49 per month. In return, patients get $10 doctor visits, big discounts on labs and imaging (via secured agreements), and medicines from our "formulary" (less expensive medicines for ailments). When seeing specialists, our office locates those providing discounts to cash-paying patients. For hospitalizations, surgeries, and other expensive care, patients are encouraged to obtain high-deductible coverage, and are referred to our insurance colleagues who understand the value of our model. Our low cost doesn't prohibit patients from seeking care when ill. MedLion's goal is to keep the community as healthy as possible by providing effective, affordable primary care. As a result, unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided because simple conditions are kept from becoming complicated. MedLion is California's first low-cost flat-fee medical practice with locations in Monterey/Salinas and Silicon Valley. We aim to grow anywhere patients and employers wish to save out-of-pocket costs for health care.

For more information, read about us on our upcoming website, www.MedLion.com, or call Dr. Qamar at 1-888-880-0007.