?higher co-pay -- higher charges?

[Guest guest]

Just had a patient who I saw for a 99214 level appt. Her copay is $25 which,

for this area, is pretty high. The thought ran through my head, " oh, I'm

glad we covered a few things so she didn't pay so much of the bill with her

copay. " Then it dawned on me that I always feel disappointed when I

see a patient with insurance (which he/she or employer has paid for) come in for a

brief appt and then have a high copay so a big portion of the charges are covered by

it alone.I realize the costs likely all even out in the end but it also made

me think if higher copays in general lead to docs trying to cover a few things at

each appt so the coding is higher and the patients have an apparent " better

value " for their time there and costs out of pocket.Any research on

that? Seems like it could be another of the unanticipated consequences of

corporate insurances even if it only slightly changes the total costs paid out for

them.Tim---------------------------------------- Malia, MDMalia

Family Medicine & Skin Sense Laser6720 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd.Perinton

Square MallFairport, NY 14450 (phone / fax)www.relayhealth.com/doc/DrMaliawww.SkinSenseLaser.com--

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