Would you refer to a cash pay podiatrist?

[Creflo]

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I am a podiatrist and have opted out of Medicare and file no insurance. I have a steady patient base after being in practice for 7 years, have hospital privileges, military podiatry experience, and a well equipped office. I charge medicare allowable rates, and give an invoice to commercial insurance patients to self file. If I were to come by and introduce myself and leave cards, saying I can see your patients quickly (same day), would you refer, or just blow me off because I don't take insurance? Appreciate any feedback.

 

[cj_cregg]

This would not be accessible for many of my lower income patients (assuming insured folks pay up front and then submit to insurance for reimbursement?), but would be ideal for some of my patients who are self pay (eg I see a decent number of Amish folks).

 

[cabinbuilder]

Most of who I see are low income Hispanic medicaid folks. They don't have cash. You would not be accessible here.

 

[FrustratedFamDoc]

100% honest, likely not, and it’s not about how good you are, especially if there is a procedure and imaging involved. That’s really spendy. I couldn’t do that to my patients.

 

[dozitgetchahi]

I am a podiatrist and have opted out of Medicare and file no insurance. I have a steady patient base after being in practice for 7 years, have hospital privileges, military podiatry experience, and a well equipped office. I charge medicare allowable rates, and give an invoice to commercial insurance patients to self file. If I were to come by and introduce myself and leave cards, saying I can see your patients quickly (same day), would you refer, or just blow me off because I don't take insurance? Appreciate any feedback.

Yes. I have a subset of patients who would be thrilled to see someone same day, and who are willing to pay for it.

I also have patients who can’t or won’t. Regardless, it’s always good to have options.