Good deed turns into good business

Marketplace reports on a doctor in Seattle who is offering his recently laid-off patients care at a reduced cost:

It became clear to Rosenfield the economy was affecting his practice. So he sent out letters to his patients and introduced a new payment plan for those who lost their health insurance. They don’t get billed. But they pay upfront, usually between $40 to $60 for each visit, depending on their financial situation.

In the process he has stumbled upon something interesting:

Rosenfield was bracing to take a financial hit. But it’s actually saving him money. It’s reduced the amount of paperwork he has to file. And since patients pay him directly, he spends less time chasing after insurance companies for reimbursements.