US medical centres' model of offering direct primary care for a modest, monthly flat fee outside the usual insurance payment, is under threat, following the demise of Seattle-based Qliance. The company announced on Tuesday that it was closing its doors and laying off all but about 100 employees in an effort to cut costs. However, by the start of this year, Qliance had lost some major clients, and its patient numbers had dwindled from 35,000 to 13,000. Five of its clinics closed on 15 June. While many doctors complain of insurance companies' intrusion into patient care and billing hassles, some say direct primary care should be paid for within the insurance framework.
US medical centres' model of offering direct primary care for a modest, monthly flat fee outside the usual insurance payment, is under threat, following the demise of Seattle-based Qliance. Founded in 2007 and backed by Jeff Bezos and Michael Dell, its model reduced costs and hospitalisations. However, by the start of this year, Qliance had lost some major clients, and its patient numbers had dwindled from 35,000 to 13,000. Five of its clinics closed on 15 June. While many doctors complain of insurance companies' intrusion into patient care and billing hassles, some say direct primary care should be paid for within the insurance framework.