Orlando Health physician develops direct-pay clinic

Megan Knowles -

After a year operating a direct-pay clinic in Apopka, Fla., Orlando Health critical care specialist Osman Farooq, MD, has recruited more than 300 patients to the affordable alternative model, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Dr. Farooq founded the clinic, called MyDoc, in early 2017. MyDoc offers memberships through a direct-pay model, where physicians contract directly with consumers. There are over 700 direct primary care practices throughout the country, according to the national Direct Primary Care Coalition

A 12-month membership at MyDoc costs $30 a month for unlimited office and virtual visits. Patients pay for labs and specialty care, but most direct primary care practices negotiate prices with local providers. MyDoc offers X-rays for $70, MRI without contrast for $400 and a diabetes panel for $99.

Dr. Farooq hired two nurse practitioners to run MyDoc and comes to the clinic to care for patients with more complex cases. He is also working to build a network with local specialists.

Although Dr. Farooq has recruited more than 300 members in the past year, he needs at least 500 members to become profitable and begin considering a second office. "I can't speak for anybody else, but my goal, the reason I became a physician was because I wanted to help people. And you've got to show it," Dr. Farooq said.

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