Narrow Networks Mean Shrinking Opportunity for Pathology and Clinical Medical Laboratories
Pathology groups and medical laboratories may benefit if federal and state legislators legislate broadening of provider networks
Insurers are increasingly using narrow networks as a business strategy to control costs. As a consequence, more consumers are complaining even as some excluded providers are suing health insurers. For pathologists and clinical laboratory managers, this accelerating trend of excluding providers means increasingly restricted access to patients.
Health Insurers Walk a Fine Line between Cost and Access
Many health plans currently sold on the new state insurance exchanges offer substantially smaller networks of providers than was typical in recent years, according to a story published in Modern Healthcare. The payers say narrower networks are necessary for two reasons.
First, narrow networks can keep premiums affordable. Second, health insurers say narrow networks help them address the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). (more…)
