Now, this trend is starting to reverse. Some practitioners have been happy with managed Medicaid programs, but others have felt differently. Reduced fees, late payments and eligibility problems are three reasons why. Patients like PPOs better than HMOs. It s also become increasingly obvious to MCOs that the primary-care gatekeeper concept doesn t work well for either practitioners or patients.
Plans offer a variety of products based on what the enrollee or employer contributes.
This can only help optometry. Traditionally, we ve felt slighted by primary-care physicians who often referred patients directly to ophthalmologists. However, some O.D.s have built excellent relationships with these doctors. It still remains a problem in many practices, though. Thus, the increased use of PPOs that offer patients direct access to specialists can only benefit optometry.