South Portland doctor stops accepting insurance, posts prices online

[CG6468]

South Portland doctor stops accepting insurance, posts prices online

By Jackie Farwell, BDN Staff

Posted May 27, 2013, at 4:07 p.m.   
Last modified May 28, 2013, at 11:49 a.m.

Troy R. Bennett

Dr. Michael Ciampi took his practice back from Mercy health system after finding that patient care was too impersonal. He also stopped accepting insurance and Medicaid as way to deal more directly with his patients.
 
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Dr. Michael Ciampi took a step this spring that many of his fellow physicians would describe as radical.

The family physician stopped accepting all forms of health insurance. In early 2013, Ciampi sent a letter to his patients informing them that he would no longer accept any kind of health coverage, both private and government-sponsored. Given that he was now asking patients to pay for his services out of pocket, he posted his prices on the practice’s website.

The change took effect April 1.

“It’s been almost unanimous that patients have expressed understanding at why I’m doing what I’m doing, although I’ve had many people leave the practice because they want to be covered by insurance, which is understandable,” Ciampi said.

Before the switch, Ciampi had about 2,000 patients. He lost several hundred, he said. Some patients with health coverage, faced with having to seek reimbursement themselves rather than through his office, bristled at the paperwork burden.

But the decision to do away with insurance allows Ciampi to practice medicine the way he sees fit, he said. Insurance companies no longer dictate how much he charges. He can offer discounts to patients struggling with their medical bills. He can make house calls.

A Doctor Says to das führer, "UP YOURS!"

[ConservativeMobster]

His prices are fair and the idea of having a doctor that wants to know his patients and their needs is okay in my book. I expect to see more of this in the next year.

[Eupher]

In essence, this is the so-called medical plan that Mrs E has.

She's covered, but only after a $1,500 deductible is met. Which means that her routine mammograms, and other routine health care stuff, we have to pay for.

The only problem I see with this is the "negotiation" that goes on between insurance company and doctor. That's gone away under the doc's deal, so he can charge whatever he wants. Nobody's there to run interference.

[NHSparky]

Some patients with health coverage, faced with having to seek reimbursement themselves rather than through his office, bristled at the paperwork burden.

And then they wonder why healthcare costs so much--and why it's going to cost so much MORE under Obamacare.

[Bad Dog]

If and when "O" Care is implemented, doctors like this on will be hounded by govt. thugs & occupoopers.

[ConservativeMobster]

In essence, this is the so-called medical plan that Mrs E has.

She's covered, but only after a $1,500 deductible is met. Which means that her routine mammograms, and other routine health care stuff, we have to pay for.

The only problem I see with this is the "negotiation" that goes on between insurance company and doctor. That's gone away under the doc's deal, so he can charge whatever he wants. Nobody's there to run interference.

Are you located near a hospital that gives free screenings?  We do mammos, prostate, skin cancers, bone density...won't help much if you need follow-up but it certainly helps. The amount of money most docs receive under some of those "negotiations" can be right in line with the co-pays, mine receives about $17 more from my insurance.

[Eupher]

Are you located near a hospital that gives free screenings?  We do mammos, prostate, skin cancers, bone density...won't help much if you need follow-up but it certainly helps. The amount of money most docs receive under some of those "negotiations" can be right in line with the co-pays, mine receives about $17 more from my insurance.

There's a boatload of hospitals in the area where she works - it's definitely something to check on.

Although, I have to ask -- who's paying for these "free screenings?" Somebody is, because most hospitals don't operate on a cash negative basis.

[Alpha Mare]

My doc retired rather than deal with Obamacare.  Most local doctors aren't accepting any new patients.  I've found 2 that are "cash only"; only one speaks English.

[Texacon]

There's a boatload of hospitals in the area where she works - it's definitely something to check on.

Although, I have to ask -- who's paying for these "free screenings?" Somebody is, because most hospitals don't operate on a cash negative basis.

Perhaps they find enough that needs a deeper exam to carry the cost.

KC

[debk]

I think his prices are extremely reasonable!

It's $92 for me to go to my internist. That's with a discount for paying at time of service, no tests or meds.

I don't know what I'm going to do about insurance when it becomes mandatory. Haven't found any yet that's affordable. 

[ConservativeMobster]

There's a boatload of hospitals in the area where she works - it's definitely something to check on.

Although, I have to ask -- who's paying for these "free screenings?" Somebody is, because most hospitals don't operate on a cash negative basis.

Texacon is most likely correct, but at our hospital (and the previous one I worked) both not-for-profit facilities, it is a part of the Foundation structure. The docs volunteer their time as do the employees that work the screenings. I have great insurance but wouldn't hesitate using these free to the public screenings, hope you can find something similar in your area.

[here]

Perhaps they find enough that needs a deeper exam to carry the cost.

KC

NSTAAFL medical good and services myth?
The cost is passed on to other consumers by overcharging them and some women's charities to pick-up a % of the tab.  Business, and make no mistake, charitable hospitals inclusive, look to recoop your 'free' tests.