SPOKANE, WA--(Marketwired - Oct 29, 2014) - MedFirst Partners today announced the introduction of Direct Primary Care (DPC), a flexible, membership-style approach that is a growing national trend currently offered by more than 4,400 U.S. physicians1 that provides an affordable, easily accessible healthcare option for individuals and employers while delivering high-quality personalized medical care. Dr. Donald F. Condon, a Spokane-based primary care practitioner in practice over 35 years, has signed on as the first customer and now no longer accepts health insurance and instead offers patients unlimited visits, same-day appointments and 24/7 email and cell phone access for a flat annual fee.
DPC removes co-pays and insurance billing from the equation. This approach enables lower-cost tests, labs and ancillary services with an aim at keeping patients in a primary care setting instead of referring to specialists for potentially more expensive and invasive care. At Dr. Condon's practice, patients pay $1,350 per year for this comprehensive care, which includes an annual physical exam.
"DPC frees physicians from the increasingly complex reimbursement system so we can focus on practicing medicine the way it was intended," said Dr. Condon. "There can be a more gratifying doctor-patient relationship because patients can get right in and see us for as long as needed to address concerns, and the annual fee keeps unexpected out-of-pocket costs in check while providing financial stability for our practices."
Open enrollment for ObamaCare kicks off on November 15, 2014 and Washington businesses are exploring DPC-based plans as a cost-effective, acceptable alternative. DPC plans can serve as a stand-alone benefit, or can be combined with employers' group plans, self-funded group plans, or Medicare to offer supplemental coverage. Washington-based companies including Comcast and Expedia are already on board, as well as smaller business owners including Charles Gallagher, PT, at the Institute for Physical and Sports Therapy in Spokane.
"With large-scale insurance companies, healthcare providers often get stuck in the middle and that can negatively impact patient care," said Gallagher. "As a physical therapist, I immediately recognized the benefits of the Direct Primary Care approach offered by Dr. Condon. I am finally able to offer my employees top-quality healthcare at an affordable cost and it's a win-win for everyone."
Town Hall Information Session
Dr. Condon will host a Town Hall meeting for employers and individuals interested in learning more about DPC on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. PST at:
Twigs Bistro
401 East Farwell Road
Spokane, WA 99218
P: 509-466-4800
Please RSVP to Amanda Dixon at 509-467-1100 or adixon@inwhealth.net by November 11 as seating is limited. Custom Medical Plans will also be on hand to explain optional healthcare plans for individuals and employers that include membership to Dr. Condon's practice. Healthcare providers interested in exploring a DPC model are also welcome to attend. Appetizers and refreshments will be served.
For more information on Dr. Condon and his practice, please visit www.doctorcondon.com.
About MedFirst Partners
MedFirst Partners provides comprehensive conversion and marketing services to physicians seeking a return to a customer service focused private practice where there is no insurance billing. The MedFirst Partners team has 50+ years combined experience in Healthcare Operation and Marketing to help efficiently and sustainably convert practices to a Direct Primary Care model with customized, flexible programs that meet both doctor and patients' needs. For more information, please visit www.medfirstpartners.com.
1 Elizabeth O'Brien, "Why Concierge Medicine Will Get Bigger," The Wall Street Journal MarketWatch, January 17, 2013. Accessed on October 28, 2014 at: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-concierge-medicine-will-get-bigger-2013-01-17.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Caren Begun
Tel: 856-424-2023