Knew Health is a simpler, friendlier healthcare alternative, and one of the features of our medical cost-sharing community that makes it different from most healthcare options is that our members are “self-pay” patients. Let’s explore what it means to be a “self-pay” patient and how it might be liberating and cost-effective for you!
First, here’s how it works: Sally is diagnosed with a kidney disorder. With most healthcare options, she would be required to select a provider from an approved network. With Knew Health, Sally would be a “self-pay” patient and be free to select her own provider without limitations.
No More Confusing Provider Networks
Provider networks like an HMO, PPO, or POS are confusing and end up limiting our choice of providers and the type of care we want to receive. Removing this barrier to providers is one of the most gratifying aspects of navigating healthcare as a self-pay patient.
Plus, self-pay discounts are about the same or even less than what a network will provide to our community. Our Care Team works with you 1-on-1 to help you find high-quality providers who offer fair pricing for self-pay patients that meet your specific healthcare needs.
As a self-pay patient, you’ll take the wheel, and we’ll be by your side to know what questions to ask.
Keeping Healthcare Costs Low for Our Community
Let’s take lab work, for instance. You see your primary care doctor, who suggests lab work, so they refer you to a nearby network provider. On the surface, a referral to a network provider or telling us where to go when we need to obtain lab work seems helpful… The problem is when the facility we are told to go to for lab work is grossly overpriced.
Because Knew Health is a community, and we share in each other’s healthcare costs, it’s in our best interest to negotiate and have the freedom to find lower-cost options without sacrificing quality. We help you with this every step of the way.
Our Care Team is There for You!
Don’t worry, we wouldn’t leave you adrift! We have a Care Team which helps you find fair-cost services without sacrificing quality. They help our members to figure out what to do, what to say, or where to go.
For example, a provider who does not accept insurance (like a DPC or alternative medical provider) will be more conscious of their patient’s budget. They will be more likely to take the time to send you for labs or imaging at a local facility with fair-cost self-pay rates.
The One Simple Phrase You Need To Know
Another detail that we have been conditioned to believe is that we need an ID card to access healthcare and manage our billing.
There is a simple phrase that bypasses the need for an ID card.
The phrase is: “I am a self-pay patient today.” It’s as simple as that.
Usually, your doctor’s office staff will take that information and mail you an “itemized statement” to pay or be billed for your healthcare. You may be asked for an upfront payment or a deposit for some types of appointments and specific providers. You might be required to pay a portion of your bill upfront for yearly doctor’s visits or scheduled lab work. This amount is usually manageable and will be deducted from your final bill.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a self-pay patient can seem like unknown territory, but it really is very simple and millions of people in the United States do it each year.
Knew Health offers cost-effective peace of mind that safeguards its members from unexpected medical events. We offer 1-on-1 concierge assistance to our members to offer them tips, and support to help them make the best choices for the care that they want to receive, rather than the care they are allowed to select from a “network”. Many of our members find this liberating and a breath of fresh air. It also often brings costs down for our entire community, which we all benefit from in keeping our monthly costs low.
To learn more about Knew Health and becoming a self-pay patient, please visit our website or schedule a 1:1 call with us today.
