04/12/2018    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (REIMBURSEMENTS) - PART 1B

RE: United Healthcare Reimbursements in NJ

From: William J. Lipkin, DPM

 

While I do appreciate the replies, though sparse as they were, I believe that "knee-jerk" reactions of just dropping out of ALL poorly paying insurance plans must be given great consideration (otherwise no doctors or hospitals would accept any insurance at all). Data collection would be helpful to present to a local or our national podiatric society, though, I am not certain of the clout they would be able to muster in order to achieve a fair and acceptable reimbursement for their constituents. 

 

The purpose of the post was certainly more in line with trying to find out if any of my colleagues have had success in being able to reach a provider representative at this particular insurance company so that meaningful dialogue about fees and reimbursements could be...

 

Editor's note: Dr. Lipkin's extended-length letter can be read here.

Other messages in this thread:

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04/13/2018    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (REIMBURSEMENTS) - PART 1B

RE: United HealthCare Reimbursements (William Lipkin, DPM)

From: Ira Baum, DPM

 

UHC’s reimbursement schedule methodology, at least regarding podiatry, is simple. Reimburse the least amount of money for a service that a critical mass of podiatrists will accept for that service. Critical mass of providers is the least amount of providers based on: a. the number of beneficiaries the insurance company covers to provide podiatric services and/or b. the number of providers required by law based on the number of beneficiaries. The value of podiatric services is solely based on cost, with minimal value placed on quality. Again, price is based on supply and demand without regard to the value of quality to the consumer of podiatric services. All healthcare based on this model will result in continuous deterioration of our healthcare system.

 

Personally, I am not an advocate of government interference in private industry; however, if the industry is defined as a right, then oversight regulation may be a method to control the cost of healthcare and keep it in the private sector.

 

Ira Baum, DPM, Miami, FL