Salem, Ore., ophthalmologist Gordon Miller wants to ban capitated payments to physicians. His ballot measure apparently didn't light up the skies, but some wonder if a brushfire could yet spread. The concerns of Oregon anti-capitation crusader Gordon Miller draw a surprising degree of sympathy from managed care experts. But they say he's tarring good and bad health plans with the same brush. You may be surprised by what you learn from this practice-management consultant's succinct advice.
Capitation asks doctors to shoulder financial risk for their patients' care.
Capitation dollars are revenue, which is different from income. Income is what the doctor keeps after health care services are paid for.