Putting GPs on salaries got us through COVID-19, says corporate
Osana founder Dr Kevin Cheng says the membership model has allowed the clinics to weather the pandemic
Putting GPs on salaries of up to $300,000 has helped a fledgling corporate escape financial ruin during the coronavirus threat, its founder claims.
Dr Kevin Cheng launched Osana three years ago, promising to get GPs off the “fee-for-service treadmill” and asking patients to pay annual memberships for flexible care.
He admits that many in the specialty have called him crazy for attempting to build the new model, but he says it has come into its own as others have struggled with revenue in the last four months.
“I’ve heard some practices are down 30-40%, while some practices are up,” the GP and former senior manager at Medibank Private says.
