Most rural areas depend on primary-care physicians, and at least one insurance company is willing to increase compensation for them. Indianapolis-based WellPoint Inc., an operator of Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans, wants to increase payments to primary-care doctors and start reimbursing for preventive care management. WellPoint says this would "boost treatment and save money," reports The Associated Press.
The company said it hopes the measure will "give doctors a chance to do more for patients outside ... of just treating a person when they become sick," including helping those with chronic health problems like diabetes develop exercise plans and making sure they're followed. WellPoint Vice President Jill Hummel said the concept will allow doctors to spend more time with patients, "listening to them and understanding their concerns." The company operates insurance plans in 14 states and enrolls more than 34 million people. It hopes to implement the new payment plan across its primary care network before 2014. (Read more)
The company said it hopes the measure will "give doctors a chance to do more for patients outside ... of just treating a person when they become sick," including helping those with chronic health problems like diabetes develop exercise plans and making sure they're followed. WellPoint Vice President Jill Hummel said the concept will allow doctors to spend more time with patients, "listening to them and understanding their concerns." The company operates insurance plans in 14 states and enrolls more than 34 million people. It hopes to implement the new payment plan across its primary care network before 2014. (Read more)
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