But either the grip that MCOs have on doctors is easing somewhat, or doctors are just getting used to being squeezed. When asked what impact managed care has had on their income in 1999, half say it has not changed. 36 percent vs. 40 percent in 1998. While that may sound promising, it probably didn't happen through the generosity of managed-care organizations. Very likely, optometrists worked smarter to avoid a decrease in income.
Some optometrists cautiously acknowledge an increase in income from managed-care plans.
Other optometrists retain their income by rejecting plans that fail to meet their minimum reimbursement for routine eye care. Others simply want to throw out the baby with the bath water. We all would be better off if insurance dropped eye care. In 1998, only about a third of our panelists expected their net income to increase in 1999. The rest took a pessimistic view, forecasting that their income would decrease.