tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18943510.post8943974786874723087..comments2023-08-21T02:57:37.362-05:00Comments on Dr. Wes: Hospital Monopolies Get PushbackDrWeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17438019699222125477noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18943510.post-10885722595715272472010-02-01T19:18:07.313-06:002010-02-01T19:18:07.313-06:00But the truth is this would be a good strategy for...But the truth is this would be a good strategy for insurers to offer this prestigous hosptital in its network, albeit at a higher price. Insurance costs could be reduced as the result of cost savings acheived, which would multiply if patients were directed to better value providers. Remember, who purchases insurance in most cases is not the employee, but the employer, who might be enticed by Keithnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18943510.post-91064618753375812782010-02-01T16:29:04.012-06:002010-02-01T16:29:04.012-06:00" If the patient knew he was going to pay alo..." If the patient knew he was going to pay alot more in co pays and deductibles if he selcted a higher cost hospital, then he might opt to have surgery or testing at the lower cost place"<br /><br />Or far more likely, he might opt to go to an insurance company that prefers his preferred provider. Insurance providers are interchangeable to patients if the benefits are similar; Doctors Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18943510.post-6103446431388527882010-02-01T11:02:34.889-06:002010-02-01T11:02:34.889-06:00Given the increase in co pays and deductibles as w...Given the increase in co pays and deductibles as well as HSAs, I don't think you can claim that patients are totally sheltered from increased costs. Only Medicare and the so called Cadillac plans provide complete shelter.<br /><br />The Mass story has been kicking around for some time, but as I understand it, this is one of the first times that price increases are being discovered as the Keithnoreply@blogger.com