Stamp out economic credentialing

Article Abstract:

Hospitals are increasing their use of economic credentialing, but the use of such criteria may limit access to medical care. More than 40% of 500 hospital CEOs surveyed believe that within five years they will institute economic credentialing to determine how physicians are compensated. The American Medical Association, however, believes the use of this economic criteria is damaging to the doctor-patient relationship. Doctors would no longer be patient advocates if they had to worry about how they cared for their patients.

Offices of health practitioners, not elsewhere classified, Editorial, American Medical Association

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Cost-effective bundling: Medicare saves millions on heart bypass pay

Article Abstract:

A three-year Medicare pilot study in which hospital and physician payments were bundled together for specific procedures has been highly successful. The program, which involved four hospitals, saved Medicare $13.6 million during the first two years alone. In some hospitals, costs fell dramatically. For example, at Boston University Medical Center, costs fell by $7,000 per case. The program worked because both physicians and hospitals were motivated to cut excess spending.

Administration of Public Health Programs, Medicare B, Medicare A, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Medicare

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Premium war: who pays? Quality may suffer as firms slice physician fees, protect profits

Article Abstract:

Many health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are decreasing premium rates to build up membership and attract employers. Also, the HMOs are pressuring physicians and hospitals to sign contracts for lower fees. Doctors claim the savings go to increased profits for the HMO rather than improved health care. Consequently, some physician groups have dropped their managed care contracts because of questions about quality of care.

Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, Hospital and medical service plans, Medical Care Insurance, Insurance industry, Health insurance, Health maintenance organizations

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