This model of healthcare delivery establishes a direct financial relationship between employers and primary care physicians, bypassing traditional health insurance for primary care services. Typically, employers pay a monthly or annual fee per employee for a defined set of primary care services, which can include office visits, consultations, basic lab work, and preventive care. For example, a company might contract with a physician’s practice to provide comprehensive primary care for its workforce at a fixed monthly rate per enrolled employee.
Providing enhanced access to primary care through this approach can lead to several positive outcomes. Improved employee health and well-being, early disease detection and management, reduced healthcare costs associated with preventable illnesses and emergency room visits, and increased employee productivity are among the potential advantages. Historically, this model has emerged as an alternative to the fee-for-service system, aiming to address rising healthcare costs and improve the patient experience by fostering stronger patient-physician relationships.
