Some Physicians May Adjust Care Based on Patients' Insurance Coverage

The Washington Post (10/14, HE5, Jain) reports, "It's not uncommon for patients with no insurance or poor insurance to receive different treatment." In fact, one study found that "of 25 primary care private practices in the Washington area," physicians said that they adjusted "their clinical management based on a patient's insurance status" in "nearly one in four encounters."

While "nearly 90% of physicians admitted to making such adjustments," for uninsured patients, physicians reported that "alterations occurred 43 percent of the time" compared to 19% for the privately insured. And, although the emergency room guarantees care to the uninsured, "not all care is available there."

A separate study showed that uninsured patients may also "forgo tests or treatment." In the 2003 study, "participation in screening tests for breast cancer, prostate cancer or high cholesterol was 30% higher in some instances among people with insurance than among those without."