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Monday, February 25, 2019

By Douglas Meyer


The cost of medical services is high and costs vary widely which is why most employers consider implementing a reference-based price model. This approach has proven effective in dealing with the high-cost variation of medical services and drugs. But before implementation, it is wise to understand what pharmaceutical reference based pricing entails.

This approach functions properly in situations where the cost of similar therapeutic drugs, processes, and diagnostics vary. When you choose to implement a price reference-based model, your insurance carrier sets payment limits on medical products and services. Insurers consider the minimum, average and other aspects of diagnostic, drugs and procedures. In the case patients purchase a service or product below the preferred limit, they are expected to co-pay a reasonable amount. If the service or product purchased is expensive, the patient will pay the difference between the preferred price and actual cost in full.

Training, personalized support and effective communication are key aspects that determine how the strategy impacts your organization. For pleasing results, employers are encouraged to train employees how this model functions. Apart from training, employers must ensure employees research the industry with caution to identify the right vendor.

The functionality of the reference-based price approach may not be effective in certain locations. It is always good to find out if the model works best in your location. If not discuss possible options with providers to get a lasting solution. This helps prevent the stress associated with the lack of affordable medical care when needed.

For the approach to be successful, employers need to define a process. They also need to educate their employees on how to utilize the model. There is a possibility of receiving balance-billed issues even after a claim has been settled in the right process is not followed. Most companies coordinate with insurers to create a cost defining systems and legal service to settle price disputes, but the procedure is not as easy as it sounds.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed about this pricing model and the first thing that crosses the mind of employers is how the model will benefit them. Prior to implementing this model, employers need to consider how the model will be utilized. Keep in mind, price referencing is ideal for high-cost claims for inpatient and outpatient medical procedures. It is, therefore, important to research the market carefully to identify the right service providers.

Another factor to think of is a reimbursement method that suits your company. You can choose between defined contribution and defined contribution with negotiation. In defined contribution, you work hand in hand with an insurer to determine prices. Defined contribution with negotiation gives third-party administrators to define prices. However, they negotiate balance billed for prices considered too expensive until they come to an agreement with the provider.

How stop-loss insurance and pricing strategies impact reference-based prices are factors you ought to consider in advance. It is essential to research and learn more about this approach. Spend enough resources in high-quality training and communication systems to enjoy affordable medical care.




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