The government’s removal of the time modifier is aimed at saving $200 million, which is about half of the #healthcarecuts government is looking for. (1/13) #ABdocs4patients
#Healthpolicy research and basic economics both suggest that the government’s proposal is in the wrong direction. It will not save money; it will damage health. (2/13)
The incentive is toward the short visit, with physicians spending less time with patients. #10minutemedicine (3/13)
If physicians follow this incentive, it will actually cost the system MORE as the time modifier is paid at a declining rate per time unit than base fee. A full-time #familydoc who never uses modifiers bills on average $50K-$80K more compared to docs who do use modifiers. (4/13)
AH states that visits with modifiers account for a proportion of total visits that is well beyond the proportion of the population with complex issues or needs. (5/13)
They state that this is clear evidence that the time modifier is overused, e.g., if only 20% of the population has complex needs shouldn’t only 20% of visits have a modifier? (6/13)
From an exclusively statistical standpoint this is shoddy reasoning and shows a basic lack of understanding of health resource use. #healthcarecuts (7/13)
In #healthcare, 5% of the population accounts for about 65% percent of health service cost and utilization. Most visits and costs are related to patients with serious health issues. (8/13)
The value of the additional time spent is being undervalued. Do we want physicians asking questions about other #healthissues and having a strong relationships with their patients? The overwhelming evidence on this is yes. (9/13)
This attention to patient needs — treating the person, not just the presenting condition — has been shown to pay off in terms of improved health outcomes and reduced costs, e.g., reduced emergency department visits and hospitalization. (10/13)
Albertans are well aware of the value of their relationship with their #familyphysician and when more time is needed. They are not interested in #10minutemedicine and can articulate when they believe more time is needed and in their interest. (11/13)
An overwhelming number of the consultation proposals are coming down on #familyphysicians. All other provinces are going the other way, looking to support and get more care in the community. (12/13)
Alberta has been ranked number #1 amongst provinces in moving towards the #medicalhome.
Why the reversal? (13/13)
Why the reversal? (13/13)
