Tex.
Occ. Code Section 162.251
Definitions
(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. The term includes telemedicine medical services and telehealth services, as those terms are defined by Section 111.001 (Definitions), provided using a technology platform.(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.
Source:
Section 162.251 — Definitions, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/OC/htm/OC.162.htm#162.251 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).
