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Doctors say health insurers have too much control over home care

The article from the Australian Financial Review discusses the growing concerns among doctors regarding the control that private health insurers have over home care services. According to the piece, doctors argue that insurers are increasingly dictating the terms of care, including the type, duration, and frequency of services provided to patients at home. This control is seen as problematic because it potentially compromises patient care by prioritizing cost-saving measures over medical necessity. The article highlights that this shift is driven by insurers aiming to manage costs more effectively, but it has led to situations where patients might not receive the full spectrum of care recommended by their physicians. Critics, including medical professionals, are calling for regulatory changes to ensure that clinical decisions remain in the hands of healthcare providers rather than being influenced by financial considerations from insurers. The debate touches on broader issues of healthcare policy, patient rights, and the balance between cost efficiency and quality of care.

Read the Full The Australian Financial Review Article at:
[ https://www.afr.com/companies/healthcare-and-fitness/doctors-say-health-insurers-have-too-much-control-over-home-care-20241206-p5kwf4 ]