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You Wonder Why Health Care Costs Are So High?

I try to keep up with what’s happening in the larger world of healthcare, as well as my smaller world of acupuncture. And this blog wandered across my desk – and stopped me dead in my tracks.

This is terrifying for any practitioner and a real world reminder for all of us, patients and practitioners. It reminds us of the immense pressure practitioners are under and the appalling possible end results. For myself, I shudder to think what the malpractice premium for this poor doctor went to after this judgement.

So the next time you’re bemoaning the cost of healthcare, remember these hidden costs – the increasing malpractice costs to physicians and the CYA costs of unnecessary tests in an attempt to avoid or mitigate lawsuits.

Do read this article, it’s well worth five minutes of your time:

http://medicineforreal.wordpress.com/2014/03/12/one-in-a-million/

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I have the BEST patients!

Upon receiving her (first – she’s a new patient) billing statement, one patient looked at the adjustments column and said “What’s this?” 

I told her that they are the contractual adjustments I make because I am an in-network provider with her insurance.  She was incensed – not at me, at the tiny tiny amount the insurance companies feel acupuncture is worth.  She asked some other questions, like why I didn’t change my rates.  I pointed out that even if I did change my fees, all that would happen is that I would have to write off larger amounts. 

It really did my heart good to have a patient get so upset on my behalf.

 I love what I do & I have the BEST patients!  Thanks to all of you.

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Insurance

For more and more patients, insurance coverage for acupuncture is the make or break deciding factor.  I am pleased to announce that, through OptumHealth Physical Health of California, I will be a participating acupuncture provider for the following companies beginning 16th January 2010.

Great-West Healthcare
Health Allies
Medical Resource LLC
Secure Horizons
PacifiCare Health Systems
United Healthcare
Premera Blue Cross
Spring Hill School
Easy Choice Health Plan

I remain an in-network provider for Blue Shield of California.

If your health care coverage is with any of these plans, or any other, I encourage you to make 2010 the year you take control of your health.  Call to make an appointment and let acupuncture/traditional oriental medicine assist you toward radiant good health.