Health Insurance Claims - Back to the '90s?

It seems like a never ending battle - Doctors wanting one procedure and the health insurance company saying it is not necessary. On one hand, we all can understand that health insurance claims need to be regulated but on the other hand, are we willing to accept an insurance company's diagnosis instead of our doctor's?

The insurance companies defend themselves by saying the,"physicians do not always prescribe the most cost-effective treatments. Anthem Blue Cross says it follows strict protocols in denying care and relies on medical evidence to determine what care is appropriate." That quote comes from a recent Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report. The report also includes this quote from Jerry Flanagan, health advocate for Consumer Watchdog, "[insurers]are going back to the old strategies of the '90s, when they interrupted care on the front end by denying or delaying treatment offered by a doctor."

It is a tough market now for everyone, even insurers, so they are going to be watching their bottom dollar just as much as you are. Claims can be settled in favor of the patient and a good way to help your insurance claim is to keep personal medical log.