Doctor cuts out third parties and cuts costs for patients despite Obamacare

Today on "The Chris Salcedo Show," Chris Salcedo welcomed board certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon Kristen Held, MD. Dr. Held opened a unique third-party-free medical practice in San Antonio, Texas, which means she does not take any insurance payments and has a direct relationship with the patient.

She explained that with "direct patient care models...we're able to provide the care at a fraction of the cost" including surgery, because direct care physicians are not subject to the alleged cost limiting measures of the insurance company contract with the physician. Held asserted insurance companies seem to only limit cost by passing it on to the patient.

"Does the insurance company add to the cost of medical care?" Chris asked.

The doctor assured him it does, but that we need not abandon insurance altogether. "We do need to reduce regulations" on insurance companies so that "free market forces" can create better plans for the customer. Insurance companies are limited by both federal and state laws in what services they can cover, in addition to where and when services may be provided.

Dr. Held also pointed to the limitations in patient care with most insurance companies: "You're buying health coverage from a company who aren't doctors," who are engaging in the "corporate practice of medicine," limiting access to medications and procedures to save money. As a result, "patients are suffering."

The doctor was understandably irritated by the failure of Congress to repeal Obamacare so far and has written an op ed bluntly outlining the issues with Ryancare. She advocates for a full repeal and free market forces to drive down the cost of healthcare.

To see more from Chris, visit his channel on TheBlaze and listen live to “The Chris Salcedo Show” weekdays 2–5 p.m. ET, only on TheBlaze Radio Network.