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Some Docs Don't Like UnitedHealthcare Telling them Where to Refer Patients for Lab Tests
Some doctors are complaining about a recent UnitedHealthcare letter that says that they may fine providers $50, reduce their fees, or kick them out of the UnitedHealthcare network if they regularly refer patients to out-of-network labs. UnitedHealthcare says they will use the penalty only for the worst offenders after first speaking with the physicians.
UnitedHealthcare wants doctors to use LabCorp, its national in-network laboratory. Some physicians prefer Quest Diagnostics - previously contracted with UnitedHealthcare nationally. UHC says they want to prevent members from paying higher out-of-network costs. Indeed, consumers are often blindsided with big out-of-pocket expenses (as much as seven times more than in-network costs) if their doctor refers them to an out-of-network lab - whether by inattention, habit, or his or her own agenda. Most health plan members won't know what happened when they get the bill.
Posted by Phil Daigle on April 12, 2007 2:23 PM
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