6/30/15

Erosion of the California Work Comp Reforms & MPN

Recently, we were researching the likely impact of an MPN (Medical Provider Network) implementation for a client in California.  The data can vary dramatically depending upon the client and region of the state.

The California Workers' Compensation Institute (CWCI) issued a Research Report in early June regarding the impact of physician networks in California Workers' Comp. In the report, one thing jumped out even more than the MPN data.  The recent reforms California has made are not working.  The workers’ compensation system is eroding badly.

6/3/15

ER Visits Rise Under the ACA

One of the main selling points of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was the contention that it would reduce the number of people going to the emergency room (ER) for non-emergency services.  When a patient does not have health insurance, these costs are often subsidized by taxpayers.  And even when there is insurance coverage, an ER visit is much more expensive (by 5-10 times) than a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic visit.

After the ACA’s first two years, it appears that the law has had the opposite impact on patient behavior—and ER visits are increasing. A lot.