OVERVIEW

Alternative Practice Models Course is organized by Florida Medical Association (FMA).

Released: Oct. 2, 2020
Expires: Oct. 2, 2023

Target Audience
This program is developed for physicians, residents, and students of medical professionals in all specialties.

Description:
Direct care is a medical practice model where physicians contract directly with patients. Historically, Americans paid their physician directly for care. Only in the 20th century did health insurance outpace out-of-pocket payments as the primary revenue source for medical practices. But since the turn of the 21st century, direct care has made a resurgence.

For physicians, the benefits of adopting a direct care model may be more time with patients, a simplified revenue structure, decreased practice overhead, and reduced administrative burden.

For patients, direct care brings greater access to and time with physicians; improved communication; and more regular, engaged primary care visits, which lead to fewer unnecessary tests, less frequent hospital visits, and lower total cost of care.

Ultimately, the goals of the direct care model are to (1) provide patients with a more personalized, patient-centric experience, and (2) enable physicians to practice medicine without the administrative burden of insurance and in an environment that is financially sustainable.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this enduring material, participants should be able to:
• Break down the different direct care practice models;
• Develop professional relationships with affiliates, vendors, and other third parties to assist in practice viability;
• Identify strategies for marketing and networking through several channels; and
• Maintain compliance through local and federal guidelines.