Trends in liability for cost containment-related medical decisions.
The dual goals of cost containment and quality medical care may be irreconcilable. This article examines recent legal pressures against cost containment decisions--including a rebellion by physician-providers in a Minnesota HMO, consumer lawsuits to obtain reimbursement for necessary medical care, and federal legislation to protect patients from economically-motivated treatment decisions. Using the California Wickline decision as a point of departure, the authors explore the legal consequences providers may face in erring too far on the side of cost containment, and offer suggestions on how physicians and third-party payors can avoid liability for cost containment-related errors.
D003363:Cost Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003657:Decision Making; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010819:Physician's Role; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012380:Role; D014481:United States