New flat-fee clinic network in Washington

SEATTLE (AP) — A Seattle startup that is changing the way some people in Washington receive primary medical care opens a new clinic Monday in Tacoma.

Qliance (Q-LY’-ans) doesn’t take insurance. It charges individuals or businesses a flat monthly rate of $49 to $129, based on patients’ age. The service is typically bundled with a separate insurance plan for expensive medical care.

By cutting the paperwork for routine medical visits, Qliance says it can reduce costs and give patients a better experience.

It was started in 2006 by two doctors and has clinics in Seattle, Mercer Island and Kent and an affiliate in Mill Creek.

The company hopes to expand outside Washington. Other direct primary care clinics already are operating other states, but Qliance may be the first in Washington.

Online:

http://www.qliance.com/