Direct-Pay Model Works for Specialty Medical Care, according to the President of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS)

TUCSON, Ariz., March 20, 2017 -- While the direct-pay model for medical care is most often considered for primary care practices, Michael J. A. Robb, M.D., current president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), has been third-party free since completing his fellowship in medical neuro-otology more than a decade ago. He is opted out of Medicare and not contracted with any insurers. His patients may, however, be reimbursed by their insurer, and Medicare patients often have their diagnostic tests covered, as Dr. Robb explains in the spring issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.

“This model is both patient-friendly and physician-friendly, and it allows more time for counseling, medical care, decision-making, and other clinically relevant tasks,” he writes.

His practice at the Robb Oto-Neurology Clinic is open to all. He turns no one away, though patients may turn themselves away, he writes. His fees are posted, and arrangements including charity are negotiated. He enjoys his practice and does not feel “burned out,” as so many physicians reportedly do.

“In addition to practicing medicine, I have time for academic reading, learning, collaboration, teaching, presenting scientific research, and even time for a personal, artistic, and spiritual life,” he states.

He reports that the average visit time in the U.S. is 13 to 16 minutes, and the most common complaint he hears from patients is how little time the physician spends with them. He can spend up to two hours with a complex new patient.

Dr. Robb warns: “Accepting re-distributed taxpayer money comes with a price. Even if there is not a financial price (though there often is), there is a loss of professional autonomy, ethical integrity, joy in your work, and peace of mind.” He urges physicians “to reclaim the profession, to reject government and corporate medicine, and to offer patients something better than a ‘fast-food’ paradigm.”

The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons is published by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), a national organization representing physicians in all specialties since 1943.

Contact: Michael J. A. Robb, M.D., (480) 303-1133, [email protected], or Jane M. Orient, M.D., (520) 323-3110, [email protected]