(May 1, 2003) - AmeriFee LLC, a subsidiary of Capital One Financial Corporation and the nation's leading provider of patient financing in healthcare, announced today that it is offering a consumer-loan plan with fixed annual percentage rates as low as 5.9%.

The new lower rates are not only the most competitive in AmeriFee's history, but they also are lower than most financing options, enabling patients greater flexibility and an attractive option when it comes to paying for specialty medical needs such as orthodontic, dental, vision, cosmetic and fertility procedures.

“We're trying to make it easier and more affordable for consumers to receive the medical treatment they want, rather than putting it off because of the cost,” said AmeriFee CEO Tom Anderson. “Our new low rates provide patients with the best choices available.”

Consumers can use the new rate to take advantage of AmeriFee's five programs: Orthodontists Fee Plan®, Dental Fee Plan™, Vision Fee Plan™, Cosmetic Fee Plan™ and Family Fee Plan™.

“AmeriFee built its reputation on delivering low rates and high-end customer service to patients and doctors' offices,” said Mike Gilroy, Vice President of AmeriFee. “These breakthrough rates continue that commitment.”

While the new low rate program should appeal to patients, it is expected to offer benefits to medical practitioners as well.

In addition to maintaining high approval rates, quick approvals and payment to the medical practice with one of the easiest processes in the industry, AmeriFee's new rates will reduce the stress of fee presentations and payment-option discussions for the office staff.

In turn, medical practitioners can take advantage of AmeriFee's low rates to increase case acceptance and grow their businesses.