| IT’S YOUR
CHOICE Unfortunately, a
patient’s freedom to choose their healthcare provider may be ignored
in the home healthcare arena. Congress realized this several years
ago and created a “patient-choice statute”, 42 USC 1395a(a). You
might ask how or why might my freedom to choose a provider be
ignored. Just as within every industry corruption exists in
healthcare and healthcare decision-makers are not exempt from being
“swayed” by incentives, financial and otherwise, to choose providers
for a patient.
Just last year, in 2006, a large home healthcare provider, LinCare
Holdings, agreed to pay more than $12 million to settle ongoing
kickback and reimbursement allegations by the United States
Department of Justice and Health and Human Services Office of the
Inspector General. The federal agencies alleged that LinCare gave
physicians incentives such as golf equipment, sporting event
tickets, office equipment, medical equipment, trips and meals to
cause them to refer patients to LinCare’s home health services. In
addition, it was alleged that physicians were paid “kickbacks”
through illegal consulting agreements as incentives to refer
patients to LinCare.
You have the right to make an informed decision about your
healthcare. When you are hospitalized, home infusion therapy, is
often an option for continued care. When this is true, you have the
right to be educated about your choice of providers. It is illegal
for that choice to be made for you without your consent.
Quality healthcare is expensive and necessary. Don’t be afraid to
know and exercise your rights as a patient.
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