Individuals in Consumer-Directed Health Plans Visit Hospitals Less Frequently Than Those in PPO Plans
OPEN MINDS, The Behavioral Health & Social Service Industry Analyst
Industry News
Individuals enrolled in high-deductible consumer-directed health plans (CDHP) had 22% fewer hospital admissions and 14% fewer emergency department visits than individuals enrolled in a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan between 2003 and 2005. Those with CDHPs visited their primary care doctors for free preventive checkups five percent more than those with PPO plans in each year of the study.
These are key findings of a study conducted by UnitedHealth Group that compared cost and utilization . . .