We help private practice physicians stay independent
Joining Health First has a significant effect on lowering overhead costs and enables practices to collaborate on issues that affect them while maintaining their independence. Take a moment to enroll online today to start benefiting from everything Health First membership offers, including outstanding medical malpractice rates, advocacy, and a listing in our online physician directory.
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Member Benefits
Health First advocates for its members by articulating to key policy makers the important role independent doctors play in the fabric of our health care system. Our efforts over the years have resulted in many victories for our members including:
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- Prevented implemention of a 2.35% provider tax proposed by former Governor Shumlin.
- Advancement of a legislative requirement for payers and the Green Mountain Care Board to implement a plan toward pay equity for independent doctors.
- Recovered $4.0M in Medicaid reimbursements for independent PCPs.
- Enactment of legislation requiring Attorney General review of hospital consolidation and practice acquisitions and greater transparency to patients when acquisitions occur.
- Achieved increased public awareness of our issues through numerous media stories.
Health First has aligned with the Independent Physicians Insurance purchasing group. This multi-state association of independent physicians has formed a strategic alliance to negotiate with malpractice insurance carriers. The result has been a true leveraging of purchasing power to create ”a superior medical malpractice insurance program run by physicians.” Collectively, this program has saved Health First members in excess of $100,000 in premiums per year. A typical practice saves more than they pay in annual Health First dues.
Health First members keep abreast of the ever-changing healthcare landscape with Health First Alerts on important legislative issues, programs, and other issues affecting independent practices. We interpret the complex deluge of information for members and distill it in to salient bullet points and recommendations to help members make the best decisions for their practices.
Health First links its members to other like-minded independent physicians and practices. Members meet and share ideas with their independent colleagues at Health First’s Annual Meetings, board meetings, and legislative events. Health First also hosts a listserv for practice managers at member practices that is a robust forum for practice managers to request and share information with each other.
Joining our Independent Practice Association (IPA) adds your voice to those of your colleagues, which collectively strengthens our voice in Vermont. You are not required to participate in any contracts (e.g., MVP or ACO). We present you with opportunities, but you remain empowered to determine whether it makes sense for your practice to participate in a program through Health First. You can remain a part of other ACOs, networks, or professional organizations even when you join Health First.
Group Purchasing Discounts
Health First partners with Hub International New England, LLC, to deliver comprehensive insurance solutions for your practice. Take advantage of Health First member pricing on our outstanding medical malpractice program through Coverys and on policies for business owner's, worker's comp, employment practice liability, and management liability insurance.
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DominionTech provides IT Outsourcing that can ease the stress of using your technology. They have been helping Vermont medical practices since 2001 and their IT Outsourcing is developed to help your unique practice succeed. DominionTech excels in high speed, high demand practices where technology has to work consistently and quickly. Their Vermont, family-owned company can provide Help Desk, Network Engineering and Techology planning services for your medical practice.
Medline Industries is now serving physician offices to offer manufacturer-direct pricing on medical supplies. Health First practices can save an average of 25%, and savings are maximized when used in conjunction with Health First Intalere benefit.
Kyocera is a manufacturer and local provider of award-winning multifunction office copiers and printers. In 2020, their new customers in Vermont averaged a cost savings of over 40% from what they were paying with competitors. Our dedicated account manager can speak with you about how they can help improve your office technology, reduce your operational costs, and provide you and your team with exceptional local service and support!
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MedPro Disposal provides reliable, cost-effective medical waste disposal services to large and small quantity generators of medical waste. MedPro has transparent pricing, offers specials to Health First members, and carries multiple multimillion dollar insurance policies for transporting your medical waste. They also offer a convenient and comprehensive online compliance portal making MedPro your one stop shop for all your medical waste disposal and compliance needs.
Studio J Creative is a locally-owned business offering comprehensive professional website design and development and cloud hosting. Extensive experience with healthcare websites. Free consultation available with starting discount of $1,000 off website design packages for Health First members.
Maple Tree Biomedical is an independently owned Vermont company that services medical, physical therapy and laboratory equipment. They maintain everything from Ambco audiometers to Zoll defribrillators and all services are completed by CBET-certified technicians and with NIST traceable equipment. HealthFirst members receive 15% off labor for both repairs and annual calibrations.
