No two-person’s health problem is similar. Two people may suffer from the same disease or have the same diagnosis, but the impact of the disease on them is different and the cost to alleviate suffering is different. In many ways the Value to the patient from a health provider is variable. But Health Providers usually charge a standard fee. There are several costs in running a health and wellness service, but there can be a service which reduces costs, empowers patients to make decisions about their care, offers maximum choice including allowing them to set their own fees, based on perceived value.
The value of a service provided by a health and wellness clinic is variable depending on individual circumstances. There are several outcomes which determine “value” for the customer, for example timely access to high quality service, flexibility, ease of communication, customised advice to suit unique lifestyle etc. A true person-centred service in our opinion should allow the customer to decide on what they are willing to pay for the service. Good will and Trust enables the sustainability of PWYW service that promotes health and emotional wellness and prevents complications.
Health Management is easier and less expensive whereas illness management is difficult and more expensive. THE CHOICE IS OURS AND IS CLEAR.
If many patients don’t pay and the cost of running the service exceeds the payment received, the clinic will not be sustainable and hence will close. It means that the business didn’t create any value for the customers. There is an incentive for the business to create value and inspire customers to pay enough or more to keep it going. This we believe is WIN-WIN situation for both the business and customers.
We have experience from a Pilot and are developing a model which would enable the creation of a network of health providers and consumers.
PWYW – Applies to the consultation, coaching and therapy part of the service as there are considerable regulatory requirements around the prescription of medication and communication with your Primary Care Physicians.
Private Prescriptions are usually issued for a month and attract a fixed charge.
There are specific requirements around the prescription of medicines off-label (Sometimes a healthcare professional may recommend an unlicensed medication or an off-label use for a medicine. Off-label use means that the manufacturer of the medicine has not applied for a licence for it to be used to treat your condition) which will be explained to you at the time of consultation.
Very Often Patients can request their own GPs to take over prescribing or order blood test and other investigations. There is charge for such letters to the GP.
Consultations, reviews, Coaching and Therapy sessions are charged per minute and you are encouraged to make an offer. You will be billed accordingly.
The NIH defines patient-centered care as follows: “health care that establishes a partnership among practitioners, patients, and their families (when appropriate) to ensure that decisions respect patients’ wants, needs and preferences and solicit patients’ input on the education and support they need to make decisions and participate in their own care”. We take it one step further to offer the choice of time, place and price for the patient and their families. For patients who live within 5 miles of our central London clinic, we can offer transport to and from the clinic.
