Why Doctors Don’t Trust Insurers

Having health insurance and dependable healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for people all over the world, but, unfortunately, there are many doctors who simply don’t trust the health insurance their patients use. No matter if you currently have health insurance, knowing what your doctor feels about your coverage can give you a deeper insight into just how well (or poorly) insured you truly are. One of the main reasons physicians don’t trust health insurance providers is because they feel insurance companies prevent them from offering patients the absolute best care. It’s understandable to be upset at the idea of not being able to perform your job to the best of your abilities. Insurance providers that are considered the most trustworthy include Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna, while those deemed the least trustworthy are UnitedHealthcare and Humana. These results stem from a 2015 survey conducted by the ReviveHealth Payor Trust Index, with responses from more than 600 specialists and primary care physicians. One thing to note is that Blue Cross Blue Shield earned a combined trust index rating of about 60 out of 100, which was the highest score but which also leaves an abundance of room for improvement. The Future of American Health Insurance The two most important factors physicians cited as influencing their opinions about how health plans help or hurt the quality of care they deliver were the level of coverage and number of claim denials. Physicians might also soon have to contend with new medical insurance companies made up of two or more of the most difficult companies to deal with, such as through the proposed merger of Anthem and Humana. If the deal goes through, physicians might find health insurance companies to be downright insufferable. Additional Reasons Besides having their hands tied, doctors provided the ReviveHealth Payor Trust with several more reasons they distrust health insurance companies. Physicians also don’t believe insurance providers do their best to honor commitments made to policyholders. Nor do they believe that companies advertise themselves accurately or honestly. Respondents to the survey also said insurance providers take advantage of doctors. If even doctors don’t trust insurance companies, where does that leave their patients? Not only do doctors have a better idea than their patients about how the human body works, doctors also have a better idea about how the health insurance industry works. If you’re considering health insurance plans, or if you’re thinking about switching insurance providers, ask your doctor for recommendations.