I am an NP also (in rural northeast GA) and have had a clinic for a couple years now... I DO NOT participate in Medicare, Medicaid, or any insurance plans! I do not bill patient or insurance company..services are strictly "cash and carry" if you will... In my area we have 3 types of patients 1)Insured 2)Underinsured (high dedeuctible plans) and 3) Uninsured... I have focused my services toward the latter two... Still get insured patients with acute illnesses because it is cheaper for them to see me than go to ER or urgent care... In an urban environment, this plan might not be the best but for my area is is working quite well (knock on wood!)... I keep the overhead low and charge reasonable fees for services $40 a visit and then tests, injections, procedures, etc.. are extra... For example, if one presents for the flu... they are in and out for $70 which includes the rapid flu test... if a CBC is needed $20, CMP $30, etc... People are willing to pay, they are just programmed to believe that they cannot afford it without insurance...
NOTE: It is a walk in acute care type clinic...different scenario when you throw in chronic care or specialty care.
