An Indianapolis physician and former HMO executive is hoping that fixed-cost prepaid plans will drive many of the city's uninsured to seek the routine care they've historically shunned. Indy Urgent Care, open since late last year, charges a $25 monthly membership fee per patient and $25 for each visit. "My goal right now is to try to work and solve the immediate need we have with getting primary care services to people who don't have access to them," clinic founder Dr. E. Stanley Kardatzke said in the Indianapolis Star. He hopes the clinic can serve 100 to 150 patients a day, with half of those on the prepaid plan. However, Gary Claxton of the Kaiser Family Foundation expressed skepticism, calling the monthly fee high for a program that does not include pharmacy services or insurance for hospital care.
For more
- check out this report [1] in the Indianapolis Star
Related Articles:
MD reports one-third of ER visits aren't emergencies. Report [2]
IN to require hospital error reporting. Report [3]
Third baby dies at IN hospital. Report [4]
Links:
[1] http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070117/BUSINESS/701170432/1003
[2] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/md-reports-one-third-of-er-visits-aren-t-emergencies/2006-12-21
[3] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/in-to-require-hospital-error-reporting/2006-09-22
[4] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/third-baby-dies-at-in-hospital/2006-09-20