Related Experiment Videos
Physician reimbursement: the environment for change
The Journal of Medical Practice Management : MPM
|March 5, 1988
Summary
Rising Medicare physician costs prompted new spending controls. A resource cost-based relative value study aims to fix payment inequities and improve fund distribution within the medical profession.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Medical Policy
Background:
- Escalating costs for physician care services within the Medicare program necessitate expenditure control measures.
- Current measures include fee freezes, reimbursement limits for procedures, and mandated clinical laboratory charge assignments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rationalize physician fees through a resource cost-based relative value study.
- To address inherent inequities in the existing physician reimbursement system.
- To facilitate a more equitable distribution of funds within the medical profession.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a resource cost-based relative value study.
- Collaborated with economists from Harvard University and the American Medical Association.
Main Results:
- The study provides a framework for rationalizing physician fees.
- Results are expected to identify and correct inequities in current reimbursement structures.
- A more suitable distribution of funds within the profession is anticipated.
Conclusions:
- The resource cost-based relative value study is a critical step towards controlling Medicare physician costs.
- Implementing the study's findings can lead to a fairer and more efficient healthcare payment system.