How do I know if this model will benefit me?

Below are some realistic examples that demonstrate how the direct-care model at Kittridge Dermatology is beneficial. Please keep in mind, the charges at some medical practices may be much HIGHER than noted below, depending on their contracts with insurance companies.

Very conservative numbers were used in creating these examples, which means using your insurance could potentially be more expensive than the figures listed below. Please check with your individual insurance company for the most accurate estimate of cost.

Example 1

You have a new bleeding sore and your PCP has recommended that the lesion be evaluated by a dermatologist. Your dermatologist examines the lesion, a biopsy is preformed and confirmed by pathology to be a basal cell carcinoma.

Through Insurance

Insurance Approved Office Visit Charges: Copay $40, new patient 5-10 minute office visit ($125), biopsy ($120), pathology read ($120). At follow up, destruction of 1.0cm malignant lesion preformed ($200) = $605

“Gold Plan” (no deductible, $40 copay for office visits): If you have the gold plan and if cost is the only concern, you use your insurance and pay your $40 copay. You may be financially responsible for a % of the final medical charges (this varies based on your policy). Your monthly premiums for insurance are likely very high in this model so consider this cost as well.

“Silver Plan” ($500 deductible, $40 copay): If you have the silver plan and you have not met your deductible for the year, you will pay the entire $500 in addition to a $40 copay, a total of $540. If you have already spent $500 on medical care, and have met your deductible, you will pay at least a $40 copay in addition to the % of charges you are responsible for even after your deductible is met (this varies between policies).

“Bronze Plan” ($3000 deductible, $40 copay): If you have the bronze plan, and you have not met your deductible for the year, you will pay a $40 copay and the entire $565 for the office visit, a total $605. If you have already spent $3000 on medical care, and have met your deductible, you will pay at least a $40 copay in addition to the % of charges you are responsible for even after your deductible is met (this varies between policies).

Total Cost Through Insurance: $40- $605 depending on your plan

Through Direct Care Model

Direct Care Office Visit Charges: New patient 20-minute visit including biopsy fee ($145), pathology ($70). Destruction of 1.0cm malignant lesion ($195)= $410

Total Cost Through Direct Care: $410

Direct Care Advantage = You saved up to $195, had more time with the doctor, an appointment within a week and did not have to wait in the lobby for your appointment. Additionally, you may have had time to address your other skin care concerns and did not feel rushed during your visit.

Example 2

You are being seen for acne. Prescription acne medications are prescribed and a new skin care regimen is recommended. You are given tretinoin (Retin-A) and doxycycline generic medications. You have the “Bronze Plan”, a high deductible insurance plan ($3,000 deductible, $40 copay).

Through Insurance

Insurance Approved Office Visit Charges: Copay ($40) and new patient 5-minute office visit ($75)= $115

Pharmacy Charges (prices may vary depending on insurance/deductible): Retin-A 0.05% cream ($120), doxycycline 3 month supply ($180) = $300

Total Cost Through Insurance = at least $415

Through Direct Care Model

Direct Care Office Visit Charges: New patient 20-minute office visit ($125)

Direct Care Pharmacy Charges: Compounded Retin-A cream with Vitamin C ($50), doxycycline 3 month supply dispensed in office (approx. $25)

Total Cost Through Direct Care = $200

Direct Care Advantage =at least $215 in savings, more time with the doctor, saved a trip to the pharmacy, had an appointment within 48 hours and did not have to wait in the lobby for your appointment. You also may have decided to use any remaining time to remove benign lesions or discuss other skin concerns.

Example 3

You waited 3 months for an office visit. You get to your appointment and spend 15 minutes filling out required forms then wait an additional hour beyond your scheduled appointment time before being seen. During your appointment, the doctor sees you for 5 minutes and a biopsy is preformed while the medical assistant is in the room scribing the encounter into a computer. You wanted to discuss more with the doctor but the doctor is already in the next room seeing their next patient.

You are ALWAYS better off coming to Kittridge Dermatology. Some of your visits will cost as low as $75. Since we do not accept insurance you won’t have the hassle of filling out forms for every visit. Dr. Kittridge focuses on quality instead of quantity, so you won’t be waiting in the waiting room for an hour before you are seen. You can choose how much time you spend face-to-face with the doctor and will never feel rushed. Part of the relationship you’ll build with Dr. Kittridge is based on your understanding of YOUR care. In other words, she is putting YOU back into your healthcare.

Additionally, since your time is valuable and money doesn’t grow on trees, we provide ancillary services in our office including dispensing medications at near cost. You not only save money at Kittridge Dermatology, you save your time and walk out feeling appreciated and loved. Who wouldn’t want that? SO, you ask what is the direct care advantage at Kittridge Dermatology? Affordable. Transparent. Patient-Centric. Quality care.

Direct Care Advantage = Priceless