Out-of-network physicians: how prevalent are involuntary use and cost transparency?

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the proportion of privately insured adults using an out-of-network physician, the prevalence of involuntary out-of-network use, and whether patients experienced problems with cost transparency using out-of-network physicians.

Data sources

Nationally representative internet panel survey conducted in February 2011.

Study design

Screener questions identified a sample of 7,812 individuals in private health insurance plans with provider networks who utilized health services within the prior 12 months. Participants reported details of their inpatient and outpatient contacts with out-of-network physicians. An inpatient out-of-network contact was defined as involuntary if: (1) it was due to a medical emergency; (2) the physician's out-of-network status

SUBMITTER: Kyanko KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3681248 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature