Did you know that doctors are rewarded by insurance companies for keeping their patients’ cholesterol and blood pressure below certain levels?
For some patients, the benefits may not outweigh the risks because doctors are pressured to treat patients with drugs that may not be best for them. Physicians who meet their targets are given a bonus from the insurance comapny and can get high ratings on insurer websites. Physicians who don’t follow suit get lower payments and are given lowers ratings on insurer websites.
By pressuring physicians to comply, they may feel pressured to withhold treatment that they feel is required or feel forced to recommend treatment whose risks may outweigh benefits.
>> Read more about how insurance company incentives are corrupting medical care in the U.S.