Whoops....he's not winning any votes from the physicians...and what the physicians said in the their response makes sense...BD
In discussing how McCain would fairly reimburse physicians while controlling healthcare costs, Holtz-Eakin said McCain believes physicians should be paid based on patient outcomes, not fee-for-service, which "pays based on volume alone."
On the basis of that comment, MedPage Today surveyed readers about how physicians should be paid, asking "Is outcomes-based payment realistic?" To date, an overwhelming majority (81%) of the more than 1,200 respondents have voted "No."
Another physician carried that argument one step further: "Relying on health outcomes as a criterion for paying physicians is unrealistic," she said, "given the volatile nature of certain disease, patient compliance, and environmental factors that affect the patient's ability to comply."Do all these comments hold a message for Sen. McCain's candidacy? None of the respondents who focused on the election indicated a favorable opinion of McCain.
Hat Tip: Kevin, MD
There is certainly an increasing amount of pressure placed on patient outcomes. Should patient outcomes be a focus? Absolutely, that's why we're here in the first place. However, lack patient compliance was the first thought that popped into my head when reading this post. We obviously are able to influence this area of concern, but the patient leaves our care when they walk out the door to go home.
ReplyDeleteOur area has a capitated HMO doctor who provides the best insight into how this would work. He overbooks his enrollment, but when a new patient calls to get scheduled, his staff asks a list of questions, such as age, do you smoke, are you having any current problems, do you have any past problems, etc. If you are over age 45 or answer yes to any of the questions, he won't take you. If you get a chronic illness like diabetes he discharges you. He gets home earlier than anybody, and makes more money.
ReplyDeleteIn a 'pay for outcome' scenario, expect this to be the norm rather than the exception.
Anonymous MD
Good comments and thank you...as humans we really do not have a 100% guarantee on the outcome..sad that the system is forcing physicians into a pinhole to have to somewhat cherry pick in order to stay in business and be compensated.
ReplyDelete