Americans continue to struggle with rising health care costs, including high deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses. As such, a balanced solution for cost-sharing between patients, physicians and health plans is a priority for organized neurosurgery. Patients deserve access to the physicians of their choice, which at times may require seeking care from out-of-network physicians. Unfortunately, the current health care delivery system, with its arcane rules, narrow networks, and lack of transparency, often leaves patients vulnerable. As physicians, we can and must do better, to assure that our patients are not left with unanticipated medical bills that can soar into the thousands of dollars, leaving them financially vulnerable.
For this reason, the CNS and the AANS have joined forces with several other specialty medicine colleagues to support a public outreach and grassroots campaign on the issue of surprise medical bills. Out of the Middle is a coalition of leading health care provider groups, who are advocating on behalf of the millions of patients they care for every day.
Congress is working to protect patients from getting surprise medical bills. But, if it’s not done right, your access to care could be in jeopardy. Health insurers will be the big winners – leaving patients like you out in the cold. If insurers have their way, patients will have fewer choices, less quality and health care could become more expensive when you need it most.
Physicians across the country are calling on Congress to pass legislation modeled after New York’s successful law, which is a market-based solution that encourages health plans and physicians to negotiate their billing disputes expeditiously. The Protecting People From Surprise Medical Bills Act (H.R. 3502) is the best solution to protecting patients.
Join the conversation at #PatientsOverProfits.
While preventing financial ruination of patients by surprise billing is noble, the effects of this legislation will be more devastating to all. This legislation gives all the power to the insurance companies. These are the same companies that sell their products to their customers (patients) and then make every effort to abscond their fiduciary responsibilities through denials and preauthorizations. This legislation will give ultimate power to the insurance companies when it comes to reimbursement. If you or your group have negotiated generous reimbursement rates for your services, I anticipate you’ll be kicked out of network, and the insurance companies will only have to pay you “median” rates based upon this legislation. Insurance companies will have tremendous incentives to reduce payment for services, and physicians will be powerless. Yes, there is an arbitration mechanism, but I’m assuming the cost of attorneys and administrative fees will make this all but infeasible. This legislation is a Trojan Horse.
This is an ongoing fight to improve our healthcare system to better serve and protect patients. Thanks for sharing this insightful article.
Primary Care Physicians New Braunfels
We have to solve this suprise bills. This is an ongoing fight to improve our healthcare system to better serve and protect patients. Thanks for sharing this insightful article.
Primary Care Physicians New Braunfels