Vivius does not have to approve any of the medical tests or procedures that doctors order for their patients. Buy an indemnity plan to cover those few things the network won't cover. Have a health spending account for money that's left over to help with co-payments and deductibles or discretionary things like eyeglasses. It's creating the customized network that's the core of Vivius's business, says Lee Newcomer, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer of Vivius. We've asked physicians to post a price in our catalog that they would charge for taking care of a member for a year.
Hospitals also post their prices.
The patients choose providers from that catalog based on price and reputation for quality care. Information about doctors, hospitals and other providers is posted online for patients who want to make more informed decisions. Attracting providers has not been a problem for Vivius, which invited all providers in Minneapolis to join. Employers who will offer Vivius plans to employees have noted some advantages, says Newcomer. Employers no longer have to choose a managed care network that may not include an employee's doctor.