What is Fee-For-Service Surgery in Healthcare?

Fee-for-service surgery in healthcare is a different than a traditional payment model in healthcare where providers navigate insurance along with the services they provide to patients. Fee-for-service surgery allows patients to pay doctors directly without getting overcharged. For surgical care, in particular, this can be a transformative option for some patients who do not have adequate health insurance or lack insurance altogether. 

Smith Medical Direct Specialty Care Surgery Center of Denver PC (Smith Medical Direct Specialty Care or Smith Medical), located in the Denver suburb of Littleton, Colorado is a fee-for-service surgical center.

In this system, patients pay directly to their doctors for the services they receive without health insurance intervention. 

In recent years, there has been a shift towards fee-for-service payment models in healthcare, allowing patients to see what they are paying from the beginning, unlike traditional surgical models. 

This shift aims to incentivize providers to focus on delivering high-quality, cost-effective care. The goal is to meet the needs of patients, doesn’t waste their time, or lacks transparency over pricing. At Smith Medical each procedure has a price tag and is clearly stated on their website for anyone to view. 

While fee-for-service surgical healthcare has been a longstanding payment model in healthcare, the move towards value-based care. It signals a recognition of the need for a more holistic approach to healthcare delivery that prioritizes patient outcomes and value over the volume of services.

Fair and Transparent Costs for All

It doesn’t matter how good or bad your insurance coverage is, everyone pays the same rate for their procedure. 

As many patients utilize insurance, doctors are not aware of the exact cost of the procedure or test they are prescribing, and the cost is determined by the type of insurance you have and the type of coverage plan you have been provided by your employer or have paid for yourself. Across the board in a single company, two people may go to the doctor but have completely different coverage levels based on what they have opted into, let alone the range of coverage from different employers. 

For example, a patient may be looking for a Bone Marrow Biopsy but their insurance calculates the cost to be $7,700 upon the initial assessment of the procedure, but after the procedure is complete, they learn that they also have to pay an additional cost for anesthesia, the facility fee, post-surgical care, surgeon’s fees, and additional follow up office visits end up costing that patients an additional $500. Their new total becomes $8,200 rather than the initial $7,700 that they were told at the beginning of their experience. 

This cost can vary from patient to patient depending on the medical insurance used the amount of labs and prescriptions involved, and a range of other factors. Patients who have yet to reach their deductible for the month, or have more conservative coverage plans, may end up with a higher price tag for procedures. 

At Smith Medical our Bone Marrow Biopsy is a flat rate because it is insurance-free. The cost of this procedure for all of our patients is all-inclusive from the facility, fee, to anesthesia, to the facility and surgeons fee, and follow-up appointments. This surgical procedure evaluates the health and composition of bone marrow and is priced at $6,330. 

Patients have an inherent right to transparency and honesty when it comes to their medical services. At Smith Medical, we firmly believe in this principle and have made it our mission to provide patients with the clarity and accessibility they deserve.

We partner exclusively with top-rated doctors who are committed to ethical practices and open communication. Our unwavering commitment to transparency extends to the financial aspects of healthcare.

We understand that medical expenses can be a significant burden, and we strive to make them manageable for our patients. By providing clear and upfront cost breakdowns, we empower patients to make informed decisions about their care, without the fear of hidden fees or unexpected expenses.

Smith Medical is dedicated to making medical procedures accessible to all. We work tirelessly to negotiate favorable payment plans and explore financial assistance options to ensure that every patient has the opportunity to receive the medical care they need. Our unwavering focus on honesty, transparency, and accessibility has earned us a reputation as a trusted provider in the medical community. We believe that patients deserve the highest level of care, and we are committed to delivering it with integrity and compassion.

Quality Surgery Care

We ensure each of our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons is top-rated in the state before joining our practice at Smith Medical Direct Specialty Care. When doctors join our practice they are looking for a facility that allows them to treat patients without the red tape of insurance. 

By partnering with Smith Medical patients are shown pricing upfront, from the very start of their interaction with us, rather than receiving billing along the way where it would be inappropriate to back out, or after surgery. 

Quality surgical care starts by supporting the patients in both a physical and emotional sense. This means ensuring that patients are well-informed about their procedure, have access to top-notch medical facilities and technology, and receive compassionate care throughout their entire treatment process. Using our fee-for-service model, from the initial consultation to post-operative follow-up, it is crucial for healthcare professionals at Smith Medical to establish a trusting relationship with their patients. 

This involves actively listening to their concerns, answering any questions they may have, and providing continuous support and encouragement. By putting the needs and well-being of the patient first, surgeons can ensure a smoother recovery process and ultimately improve the overall outcomes of the surgical procedure. Ultimately, quality surgical care begins with prioritizing patient support every step of the way, our number one goal here at Smith Medical. 

Ready to Get Started? 

At Smith Medical, we understand the significant impact athletic injuries and chronic pain can have on your life. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of surgical services with a fee-for-service model performed by the most skilled and experienced doctors in Denver. Whether you require surgery for a torn ACL, a debilitating back injury, or any other orthopedic condition, our surgeons possess the expertise and precision to restore your mobility and alleviate your pain. 

Our state-of-the-art surgical facilities are equipped with the latest technology, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care. Trust Smith Medical for exceptional surgical outcomes and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to your recovery.

Contact us today and get the care you deserve.