United’s Move to Fine Physicians: The Other POV

Chronic Disease Management • Technology • Strategy • Issues and Trends

United’s Move to Fine Physicians: The Other POV

Posted by Vince Kuraitis on April 13, 2007 · Filed in DM Megatrend #4: Providers, DM Megatrend #5: Assembling · Comments

Joe Paduda at the Managed Care Matters blog makes some great counterpoints defending United Health’s moves threatening to fine doctors for making out-of-network lab referrals. I recommend that you read his essay and his readers comments.

In my posting from a couple days ago — Doctors and Health Plans: Can Care Management Opportunities Reconcile the Hatfields and the McCoys? — I picked on United Health Care to make a point. Just to recap, my reasoning is that physicians could (and should) be important partners to health plans in implementing their disease/care management programs. So, how smart is it to beat up the guys that are the key to your success?

I still question the overall wisdom United’s moves, but Joe does a great job articulating the opposing point of view.

Discussion

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Chronic Disease Management • Technology • Strategy • Issues and Trends