White coat syndrome or white coat logo syndrome? The pitfalls of doctor shopping by “brand”

People often get hung up on brand names—many times in situations where branding is of little significance. For example, some people are willing to pay double the price for a wool coat that is exactly the same in terms of material, style, and outward appearance just because there is a small designer label on the lining that nobody sees. In some cases, the brand-name and no-name wool coats are manufactured in the exact same factory. The consumer had the wool pulled over their eyes in terms of the price markup for identical merchandise. This can also happen when it comes to health care. Co-pay or co-played? In terms of cost, co-pays can double or even triple when your doctor is not in network. Even when the physician is in network, if he or she practices at different facilities, the one that does the billing may not be in network. One of my patients told me she was paying a $15 co-pay to see me in one office and $60 co-pay to see me in my other office. Same doctor, same services, but different facility with a different insurance contract. To the surprise of many, these co-pays are determined by administrators, and doctors have little involvement or direct financial benefit from these deals. To calm her frustration, I said, “These co-pays are out of my hands, but I am happy to see you at the location that is most convenient and affordable for you. Please keep in mind that at both locations, puns, political satire, and sarcasm are complimentary services.” I recall meeting on...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Health care Managing your health care Source Type: blogs