Independent clinics are healthcare facilities not associated with hospitals. Instead, their independent staff directs these practices, providing patients various services and specialty care options.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland charges independent health services registered with them continuation fees to maintain their registration, and this money supports Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s regulation activities.
Why go to an independent clinic?
Most independent clinics are provider-owned and offer multi-specialty healthcare, meaning your physician works exclusively in your best interest – not that of a hospital or insurance company. As a result, this allows for closer relationships between yourself and your physician and shorter wait times when seeing them (many independent clinics offer appointments within two hours after calling). Furthermore, independent clinics often know, trust, and work with providers they know can improve health care.
Furthermore, they can work hard to keep your costs as low as possible. With labs on-site that cost much less than what would be found at large system-based hospitals and imaging services provided at reduced prices, you could wind up spending far less for equal-quality care.
Independent clinics have an unwavering commitment to serving those most in need, especially people of color, rural communities, young patients, LGBTQ individuals, and those seeking abortion services. With more and more independent clinics closing, those relying on them for healthcare access have even fewer options.
Independent clinics also provide their patients with comprehensive healthcare, including X-rays, MRIs, and other digital imaging services. In addition, many independent clinics also serve as one-stop shops for sleep health needs – offering consultations, testing, therapeutic devices, and medication management under one roof.
These benefits underscore the significance of supporting independent clinics. You can do this by donating to #KeepOurClinics, which covers tangible expenses such as increased security costs, building repairs, and legal fees associated with operating independent clinics. Furthermore, show your support by asking if your physician is independent; if so, look for their IDID sticker!
Myth 1: Independent clinics do more
Independent clinics are becoming more and more sought-after as more centralized healthcare organizations continue to grow, as they tend to provide higher-quality care at more reasonable rates by eliminating all the extra overhead charges added on by big hospitals – while also spending more time with each patient, leading to improved diagnoses and treatment plans.
Independent clinics are typically run by physicians who have invested considerable time and money into their practices. Unlike hospital affiliates, independent clinics do not answer to shareholders with competing agendas who may influence decisions regarding your healthcare. Therefore, independent physicians prioritize your needs more directly while listening attentively.
Independent clinics also provide more flexible schedules, making getting care easier when convenient. Furthermore, since independent doctors don’t need to meet patient quotas, they offer more one-on-one time with physicians so you can communicate better, resulting in faster diagnosis and treatment that reduces co-pays while decreasing repeat visits.
Many independent clinics also provide additional ancillary services like in-house labs and x-rays, saving time and costs by eliminating travel time to separate facilities. Furthermore, this option may allow faster turnaround on results for speedier service delivery.
Independent clinics also accept various insurances, making selecting the ideal plan suited to your personal needs and budget easier. Infinity Medical Clinic accepts most major health plans, including Iowa Total Care policies.
Independent physicians strive to prioritize their patients and deliver top-tier healthcare, cultivate lasting relationships with clients, and build fulfilling careers. While answering to shareholders can make this more challenging than expected, ultimately, the benefits of independence outweigh its risks.
Myth 2: Independent clinics don’t have a wide selection of health services
As previously discussed, independent clinics provide services beyond primary and preventive healthcare, including immunizations, specialist visits, and diagnostic tests such as x-rays and MRIs. They may even have on-site lab support to reduce costs while providing convenient patient access. Furthermore, independent physicians can join group practice organizations and accountable care organizations while still retaining autonomy, which has been shown to contribute to more satisfied providers, successful practices, and stronger relationships between physicians and their patients.
Myth 3: Independent clinics are better than corporate clinics
Independent clinics can offer numerous advantages for physicians, patients, and staff that hospitals cannot – including autonomy, long-standing bonds with staff members, and providing patients with a sense of community. Many provider-owned clinics also offer lab services and digital imaging, such as x-rays and MRIs, which save both time and money for their patients. Independent physicians can also join IPAs and ACOs to leverage group power when negotiating contracts yet still maintain autonomy when scheduling patients and offering appointments. This enables providers to provide a superior patient experience and improve overall care quality.
