Thursday, January 12, 2006
Helping just doesn't pay
Let's start with the obvious: Chronic care is hard work, but some are asking whether it is worth the effort. Disease management programs are only partially effective because — even if you get it right — it goes against the incentives of doctors and hospitals (to do more, and more expensive, procedures) and health insurers (to get sick people off their rolls ASAP). In a long look at diabetes care, the NY Times comes up with the conclusion that In the Treatment of Diabetes, Success Often Does Not Pay. It‘s a long article but well worth a skim for those of you wondering what’s wrong with our health care system.
