Would Making Patients Pay More Out-of-Pocket for Each Doctor Visit Improve Healthcare Utilization?

There has been a lot of discussion in the healthcare community about the relationship between out-of-pocket costs and healthcare utilization. One viewpoint suggests that if insurance companies made patients pay more for each doctor visit, patients might take these visits more seriously. However, the evidence from similar policies in other countries paints a different picture.

Reduction in Healthcare Utilization Linked to Out-of-Pocket Costs

A study by a health economist from Australia suggested that when patients are charged for minor doctor visits, there is a noticeable reduction in the number of people seeking care. These visits often serve as a simple consultation for minor issues or even a social visit for lonely individuals. Once the out-of-pocket cost is introduced, these visits significantly decrease.

Patient Attitudes Toward Doctor Visits

Most people view doctor visits as a serious matter, regardless of the cost. However, increasing the out-of-pocket cost seems to discourage visits, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment until the issue has become more severe. This is particularly concerning in the United States, where healthcare costs have risen dramatically.

High Healthcare Costs and Consumer Burden

According to numerous studies, as healthcare costs have grown, patients are being forced to pay more for services, from emergency room visits to primary care appointments, specialist consultations, and diagnostic tests. The conclusion from these studies is consistent: the higher the out-of-pocket cost, the less likely patients are to use these services.

Real Reasons Behind High Healthcare Costs

The real reasons for these high costs are multifaceted and complex. The healthcare system is burdened with various factors such as the rising cost of medical technology, labor-intensive care, and administrative overhead. Instead of addressing these underlying issues, the trend has shifted towards charging more, which ultimately passes the cost burden onto consumers.

Patient Behavior in High- Cost Scenarios

Even if patients do decide to pay the higher out-of-pocket costs, there are mixed attitudes towards these visits. A different scenario offers some insights: patients who have to wait an extended period to see a doctor. From a professional standpoint, I hope patients understand that delays in appointments are not due to negligence but because urgent and complex cases come up unexpectedly.

Unfortunately, this idealistic view is rarely shared by patients. The more common reaction is frustration and disappointment, often fueled by a sense of self-centeredness. Patients may view these delays as a sign of poor healthcare management, rather than understanding the underlying complexities.

Conclusion

While making patients pay more out-of-pocket for each doctor visit might seem like a logical solution to reduce non-serious visits, the evidence suggests otherwise. Instead of improving healthcare utilization, such policies could lead to delayed treatment and potentially more costly medical situations. Addressing the root causes of high healthcare costs is a more effective approach to improving the situation and ensuring better healthcare outcomes for everyone.