We've got to stop the game playing by replacing the system being manipulated by insurers who are avoiding payment to providers for their services and by doctors seeking first and foremost ways to get paid. Under either scenario, the patient loses. It's time to get serious about comprehensive health care. Good healthcare must include preventive services, including nursing instruction on how to give breast self-examinations in combination with mammograms in the case of breast cancer screening. Patient education must be valued alongside procedures. And we must not have a system that encourages gimmicks and games with coding.
Similarly, in the case of overactive bladder, the system should cover a nurse specialist's or physical therapist's instruction on bladder retraining and performing pelvic muscle exercises in combination with coverage of medications, nerve stimulation, and the option of a neuromodulation implant. Get to know all of your options to which you deserve access in the case of OAB.
Until the healthcare financing system is overhauled, however, we all must remain alert to coding minefields and fight for our rights.
Nancy Muller
1 "Why Patients May Be Billed For Free Exams," The Wall Street Journal, May 21, 2009
