It is in the best interest of the health plan to help physicians become more aware of these marketing implications and actively foster positive interactions with patients. To successfully partner with physicians in this effort, health plans need to consider the physician's perspective and the multitude of factors that impact the physician-patient relationship. Relationship Grows in Complexity Not long ago, the physician-patient relationship was considered sacred and private. Medicare and Medicaid require that certain information be reported for reimbursement. Employers and their insurers require certain information to be filed in the event of a workers compensation claim.
Health plans require member eligibility and benefit verification.
Specialists need patient reports from referring physicians, and vice versa. Many of these stakeholders' requirements encroach on the physician's time and relationship with the patient. Most physicians believe they have a calling to serve mankind. From the physician's perspective, interaction with the patient should always be the primary focus, but the administrative requirements of today's health care system detract from that focus. The system emphasizes transactions rather than relationships.