CENTRAL NEW YORK (WSYR-TV) — We continue to follow recent contract disputes between health care providers and insurance companies. There seems to be an uptick in disputes lately, but why?
Patients are being forced to either pay out-of-network or find a new doctor, a worrying trend that has only grown in recent times.
“We must have received over 100 calls from patients,” said Dr. Digant Nanavati, president of the Onondaga County Medical Association.
The inability of health care providers and insurers to reach contractual agreements has many people concerned. But this is not new. What is new, however, are the rising costs.
“Before COVID, the cost of a receptionist was $12.50 per person; now it’s $20,” Dr Nanavati said.
That’s not all.
“Pre-approvals take a lot of time, so we have to hire people to do pre-approvals,” Dr. Nanavati said.
“Almost 20% or more of their time is spent on documentation,” Dr Nanavati explained.
The Onondaga County Medical Association said the value-based system created by Medicare is also part of the dispute.
“Data sharing is necessary, but it can be difficult to share data on a regular basis, and that really changes the dynamics of medical practice,” Dr. Nanavati said.
I leave that to providers and insurance companies to work that out.
“It’s important that both organisations and insurers sit down together, listen to each other and see if we can find a solution,” Dr Nanavati said.
We want to provide the medical care you need.
