Another thing Kevin, I'm solo FP and self-employed.
The product I offer isn't medicine. The product I offer is me.
If they don't like me, they can try to find another doctor.
If they don't like me and are too lazy to find another doctor, I nudge them out. If they don't pay, we get rid of them too.
I know I'm sounding harsh (although the actual number of patients fired in 2009 was only 5). the point is that I want patients that want me. And all of us know the studies which show patients who like (want) their PCP are 10x less likely to sue them for malpractice, or some such figure.
If they can't afford me, I cut them a huge discount. Cash pay sees me for $25 routine visit, and $50 if I do complex visit. $100 for annual physical or 40-60min time based visit.
My apts are sched 20 for routines, f/u, and acutes. 40min for physicals and complex mole removals. We build in 8 acute slots reserved each day. If we run out of acutes, the longer apt times allow me to double book in a reasonable manner in which time I can see both patients without running behind.
I love being my own boss and I love having patients that love to see me.
