Massachusetts Weighs Physician Pay Changes, Cost-Cutting Measures
Although Massachusetts' health insurance law has reduced the state's uninsured population over the past three years, the state still struggles with some of the highest health care costs in the country, NPR's "Morning Edition" reports.
In order to curb costs, state health experts are considering proposals to eliminate the "fee-for-service" model, which pays physicians for every medical service they provide.
Some say the model leads to more unnecessary procedures and discourages physicians from promoting preventive care.
Therefore, Massachusetts policymakers are promoting a "global payment" model, which would pay health care providers according to a set annual rate.
However, observers caution that global payment schemes would require diligent monitoring to ensure that physicians do not limit care (Knox, "Morning Edition," NPR, 8/5). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.