The most frequent argument I hear from my patients for joining managed care is that it would cost them less money to see me. On the surface it would appear that the doctor would be the one giving up the money saved by the patient. Managed care companies, however, save money in more ways than limiting physician reimbursement. These tactics are frequently not conducive to good patient care and are not even very effective at saving money as the market is beginning to realize. Part of the process begins with choosing a physician.
Free choice helps begin the relationship on a positive note.
When a person has to pick a physician from a list of approved doctors there is a negative feeling from the very beginning. I have a similar reaction from the other side of the coin. I have found, over the years that I tend to attract patients with whom I can develop an easy rapport. I think people can tell that I genuinely enjoy what I do. I don't think I could do as good a job if I did not thoroughly enjoy what I did.