When seeking out medical treatment, the most important relationship that arises is between the doctor and the patient. One of the main problems threatening that relationship is third-party payer interference. Third-party payers have seen a rising power in the exam room over the actual doctors treating patients. While the medical field has sought to empower patients in making their own medical decisions, third-parties are interfering with this ability. How have third-party payers acquired such influence?
Even though doctors are taught to recognize the patient as top priority, third-party insurers make the ultimate determination related to patient access to treatments and medications doctors have recommended, not only to improve patient health, but to save their lives. As unfathomable as it may seem, it is fairly common practice for patients to be denied the treatments their doctors have described. Patients are often unaware that when insurers deny this access, they can appeal the decision and fight to receive the treatment their doctors recommended. However, obstacles to overturning the insurers’ denial, even if patients are aware of this option, often scare off patients from pursuing claims.
As frustrating as denial is on the patient side, it likewise hinders a doctor’s ability to most effectively treat their patients. It is generally unethical to deny a patient treatment, especially if other treatments have proven ineffective. Yet, doctors are required to jump through third-party insurers’ hoops to eventually provide the treatment they recommended in the first place. For instance, certain types of therapy treatment require that a patient must first fail on a less expensive medication, even if it is likely to be less effective. Doctors also find themselves caught up in a situation where patients must independently prove they require the treatment or medication recommended by a doctor. Patients must demonstrate this through a doctor using certain diagnostic procedures or lab studies in coming to a conclusion regarding treatment.
A doctor’s responsibility is to provide patients with the most effective care and treatment in order to restore their health and save lives. Third-party payer interference has a direct effect on the ability to deliver this care. The risk could be ineffective or insufficient treatment, which could result in complaints made by patients that put a doctor’s license in jeopardy. Williams & Nickl has represented many doctors who face threats to their ability to practice. If you find yourself in such a situation, Williams & Nickl can provide the help you need.
