On Friday, I went to a Public Policy forum sponsored by the regional HIMSS chapter. It was both interesting and depressing. I had no illusion that the prospect of the government taking a greater share of responsibility for healthcare would be problematic. I am more pessimistic given the sort of incremental reform which seems to be achievable. As far as the stimulus money goes, I am thrilled and am looking forward to being able to get a portion. But, as a taxpayer, I am concerned that we are going to throw more money at a problem and not really change the fundamentals.
It was pointed out that more than 80% of all healthcare dollars are controlled by the physicians. There are some incentives toward EMR adoption and use, but it may not be enough, and there is really no fundamental change to the way the physicians practice, which would lead to helping to control costs.
One of the first speakers at the event was Dr. Alan Sager, a professor of Public Policy at BU, who outlined a most interesting plan to focus on increasing the number of general practitioners and giving them some sort of capitated dollars for care of their patients. Unlike other systems, the physician would be salaried so as to not profit from withholding care, but simply responsible for managing cost-effective care. An interesting idea. Unfortunately, science fiction. Maybe I need to move to Canada.
Posted on May 22nd, 2009 by Arthur in Heathcare Reform | Permalink | Comments »
Tags: capitated dollars, healthcare reform, stimulus package
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