| A Word on Managed Care | |
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The many evolving changes in health care are improving some things and making others more difficult. On the plus side we are all becoming more knowledgeable about the costs and administration of health care delivery. This should eventually lead to more thoughtful decisions about how we all want the system to work. On the minus side, however, managed care, at least as it is presently constituted, is not necessarily allowing the patient or the physician to make those decisions. Managed Care insurance involves administration of health care wherein most aspects of a patient's care must be preauthorized or verified. You should know that from the physician's standpoint, there are ever increasing hurdles we must jump over to give you the care we feel important. Preauthorization and verification of coverage procedures are becoming very time consuming and complex. Most of the care that we feel is necessary for you cannot be given until approval has been obtained, and this approval process sometimes requiring weeks, not just days.
We will continue, along with you, to try our best to influence new health care policy so that you are always put first and so that the most efficient and cost effective methods of caring for you are maintained. Until we are able to accomplish this goal, we must all accept the fact there will be delays and frustrations. |
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