Sec. 162.251. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Direct fee" means a fee charged by a physician to a patient or a patient's designee for primary medical care services provided by, or to be provided by, the physician to the patient. The term includes a fee in any form, including a:
(A) monthly retainer;
(B) membership fee;
(C) subscription fee;
(D) fee paid under a medical service agreement; or
(E) fee for a service, visit, or episode of care.
(2) "Direct primary care" means a primary medical care service provided by a physician to a patient in return for payment in accordance with a direct fee.
(3) "Medical service agreement" means a signed written agreement under which a physician agrees to provide direct primary care services for a patient in exchange for a direct fee for a period of time that is entered into by the physician and:
(A) the patient;
(B) the patient's legal representative, guardian, or employer on behalf of the patient; or
(C) the patient's legal representative's or guardian's employer on behalf of the patient.
(4) "Physician" includes a professional association or professional limited liability company owned entirely by an individual licensed under this subtitle.
(5) "Primary medical care service" means a routine or general health care service of the type provided at the time a patient seeks preventive care or first seeks health care services for a specific health concern, is a patient's main source for regular health care services, and includes:
(A) promoting and maintaining mental and physical health and wellness;
(B) preventing disease;
(C) screening, diagnosing, and treating acute or chronic conditions caused by disease, injury, or illness;
(D) providing patient counseling and education; and
(E) providing a broad spectrum of preventive and curative health care over a period of time.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 165 (H.B. 1945), Sec. 1, eff. May 28, 2015.
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