Without a doubt, one of the major concerns for any physician in practice is controlling the overall cost of running a practice. Many physicians feel that too much time is spent watching revenue streams, preparing paperwork and dealing with insurance companies instead of treating patients.
Now physicians have another option, Medibid, an online service that allows doctors to connect with cash paying patients. Medibid, which opens to patients January of 2010, allows doctors to list their services via a secure online portal; the patient then contacts the doctor directly. The doctor evaluates each patient case by case and the decision to see the patient is entirely up to the doctor. Also, the doctor is able to set his fee based on the patients needs not based on the insurance companies going rate. The site’s founders feel this is the solution to the millions of uninsured/underinsured patients, not to mention those with high deductible plans, those seeking elective surgery or those on the Canadian wait list.
What makes the site unique is the site is a free service for the doctor and the payments come directly from the patient, no waiting for insurance payments and no extensive paperwork. MediBid sees the service as a way for patients to control the cost of their medical care and give patients more options. The benefits for doctors include increased revenue streams and increased patient base. The site will be open to everything from primary care practices to those specializing in elective surgeries, the site is not just limited to individual physician’s hospitals, and other facilities are allowed to participate.
MediBid founders feel access to universal health care is possible within a free market system. It is also seen as a way for patients to protect their privacy and make the best decisions for their medical care.
