Physicians say the “consumer driven health care” movement may improve service but cut use of medically necessary procedures.
Researchers at Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., New York, a consulting firm, have published figures supporting that conclusion in a summary of results from a Web-based survey of 2,969 privately insured U.S. consumers ages 18 to 65 and 600 doctors.
Only 18% of doctors said they believe health savings accounts and other health accounts are a passing fad, and 55% said they expect the accounts to endure.
Fewer than 20% of the doctors predicted that the accounts will produce better health outcomes, and 58% predicted the accounts will cause patients to limit use of necessary health care services and procedures.