Which of the following is a payment structure commonly used for healthcare providers?

The payment structure referred to as "per time period" typically involves a model where healthcare providers are compensated based on a set timeframe, such as a monthly or annual fee. This structure is often seen in prepaid health plans or capitation agreements, where providers receive a fixed amount for patient care over a specific duration, regardless of the number of services rendered. This model incentivizes providers to focus on preventive care and overall population health management, as it gives them a steady income stream while encouraging them to keep their patients healthy to minimize the need for more costly interventions.

The other options do not reflect standard healthcare payment models. "Per consultation" would imply payment for each individual visit, which is more common in fee-for-service models but is not as frequently used as a general payment structure across a broad range of healthcare practices. "Per individual basis" is too vague and does not accurately describe a structured payment model. "Per letter of recommendation" is not a recognized payment structure in healthcare; it more closely pertains to academic or professional scenarios rather than medical payment systems.