fee-for-service

noun

fee-for-ser·​vice ˌfē-fər-ˈsər-vəs 

often attributive

: separate payment to a health care provider for each medical service rendered to a patient

Examples of fee-for-service in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout its evolution, the program has succeeded admirably, providing stability, predictability, choice, and filling gaps left by traditional fee-for-service Medicare. —Donna Shalala, STAT, 5 Feb. 2026

Under Indiana's previous fee-for-service Medicaid system, the state paid providers directly for services Medicaid-eligible Hoosiers used, which is less predictable for the state's budget and meant those seniors potentially had to navigate multiple systems to get care. —Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026

But moving from fee-for-service to capitation would require major structural change. —Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026

Clients can pay out of pocket using a flat-rate service charge, fee-for-service or monthly stipend model. —Seun Mauton Ajoseh, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fee-for-service

• interservice
• disservice
• preservice
• nervous
• nervus

Medical Definition

fee-for-service

noun

fee-for-ser·​vice ˌfē-fər-ˈsər-vəs 

: separate payment to a health care provider for each medical service rendered to a patient

—often used attributively

a fee-for-service group plan