In December the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance (DOBI) published a proposed regulation that would effectively regulate the fees of non-hospital healthcare providers who render services out-of-network. The complete proposal is posted on DOBI’s web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/proposed/prn06_405.pdf. Physicians who treat patients out-of-network need to evaluate the impact this proposal would have on their practice. Comments to the proposed regulations MUST BE sent to DOBI by February 16, 2007.
Mercer County Medical Society’s initial response to this proposal is to EDUCATE YOUR PATIENTS as to what is proposed. These cuts will not guarantee a reduction to a patient’s annual healthcare coverage premium. All the out-of-network providers should start advising their patients that the cost of care TO THEM will increase dramatically if these new regulations are adopted because the managed care company will now pay substantially less than the physician’s reasonable, customary and usual fee. The physicians should begin a letter campaign and provide patients with a letter to sign and send to DOBI. You can obtain an example letter HERE.
Concerned citizens and physicians should send letters to Commissioner Goldman, Governor Corzine and state legislators. The link for their addresses is here on our website’s sidebar. Healthcare leaders are meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 in an effort to form a provider coalition to protect the rights of patients and physicians.
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