Re: OT: capitation (was Re: Occupancy and Security PIR - Suggestions?)

[Nelson Muntz <none@xxxxxxxxx>]

E. Hill wrote:

>At least around here, the use of capitation as a payment method is waning.
>Most physician contracts for HMO's have gone back to "fee for service"
>(i.e., time and materials). However, capitation is still very prevalent in
>the dental world.
>
>As a patient, you don't want your doctor to be capitated for *your* care.
>There is actually a financial *disincentive* for them to treat you. "Fee for
>service" is the flip side of that. They have a financial *incentive* in
>treating you. Quite frankly, when it comes to my healthcare, I'd prefer the
>later.

I can see why.  When the doctor has a choice on whether or not to do
diagnostic tests, under the capitation system he will most likely opt
for 'not'.



>In general, people have no idea how healthcare in this country works, how
>insurance works, or how their doctor gets paid (or doesn't, these days).
>Like using some companies for your security... Ignorance is bliss, right?

Pretty much.  I had no clue what capitation was.  I always thought my
insurance paid for line-item stuff.



>God help us if we ever move to nationalized healthcare. Medicare and
>Medicaid are already big messes, but a good portion of the populace don't
>understand that.

I do, not to extent that you do though.  I know some victims.


>I challenge anybody to name one main-stream federal program
>that is more cost effective and efficient than the private sector.
>Nationalized healthcare is going to be any different? You're foolish if you
>believe that.

I think the current system should remain in place, but I have issue
with some things.  Insurance premiums are so high because it
subsidizes hospital's costs for 'free' work.   Massachusetts recently
made good legislation concerning heath insurance, I'm sure you're
aware of it.

Emergency rooms should only handle EMERGENCYS..  I sat for four hours
one time with a dislocated shoulder in the ER in agony - as I watched
one nappy-head-ho after another go before me because they were
probably drug-seeking or their 16th kid had a fucking sniffle.  The ER
is NOT the fucking clinic.