Proponents of consumerism in health care
say simple steps can save patients a lot of money. Skeptics say the system is
too complex for shopping to pay off in most cases.
Excellent articles written by Dr. Herrick and Dr. Frost
were published this morning in the Wall Street Journal, reflecting on the
difficulty that consumers face regarding their out of pocket healthcare
expenses.
Dr. Herrick indicates one should start with their
physician. Dr. Frost mentions
“A
single, well-informed and motivated consumer who needs an expensive elective
procedure may be able to spend time researching and save money by shopping for
the lowest price possible, but this scenario is the exception rather than the
norm.”
The
problem correctly stated by both authors is that it is a complex proposition
for the lay public to engage in.
Allowing
doctors to act as BROKER’S of healthcare expenses on behalf of consumers would
be a small but significant step in improving the ability of consumers to make
better decisions in their out of pocket health care steps. This would require relaxing regulatory
constraints on outdated STARK, self-referral and anti-competitive laws that
currently prohibit doctors from engaging in activity in which they are most
expert.
More
to follow. See recent Wall Street
Journal on small steps incremental changes in healthcare law, not home runs.
Donald Altman, M.D. M.B.A.
Irvine, California
