A level 3 Medicare visit pays approx. $59; a level 4 visit pays $88. The local Minute Clinic at CVS gets $69 for strept throat and $59 for most of the other issues they address. Another urgent care in my city has a $76 minimum charge. Neither has to address multiple chronic medical conditions, field phone calls or get prior auths. They can move patients faster since no one cries on their shoulders or shares their current life experiences. What is wrong with this picture?
I'm pessimistic the Medical Home reimbursement will occur until so many internists and family practice docs have left office practice, they will have no choice but increase pay. Hopefully we can survive until then.
