Although not perfect, the difference between a participating and non-participating medical practice provides a good illustration of Mr. Fairfax’s point. After an accident, I saw a plastic surgeon who relies on direct payment for services (if your insurance does cover the procedure, you pay upfront anyway and are reimbursed).
I was always greeted and never signed in. Sometimes I did wait, but many times I was seen promptly, especially as compared to normal doctor’s visits. On one occasion, a snow storm caused a backlog of patients and an extended wait time, and the receptionist brought me tea (in a mug) and came back to offer a refill. Additionally, while the prices were not cheap, they seem incredibly reasonable in comparison to what you (or your insurance company) are charged elsewhere; the half-dozen follow-up visits were “free” while I am charged for every single visit to a participating doctor, even if it is a follow-up.
Update: A reader writes to say that my “free” visits may have been required by law as part of the global period following surgery.
2:12 pm on May 19, 2009
