Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2008

Journal Title

Indiana Health Law Review

ISSN

1549-3199

DOI

10.18060/16519

Abstract

In our judgment, Hoffmann and Rowthorn's research clearly demonstrates that the QIO-based complaint review process does not provide genuine relief to beneficiaries. People who complain typically want an explanation of their bad experience, compensation for harm they may have suffered, and assurance that future experiences will be better for themselves and for others. Medicare beneficiaries, however, receive minimal information about the resolution of their complaints and no substantive relief whatsoever.

As Hoffmann and Rowthorn point out, several reform proposals are now before Congress, including moving the beneficiary complaint function from QIOs to new "Medicare Provider Review Organizations." It is not clear from the authors' analysis what is motivating bipartisan interest in reform, but it seems to involve potentially conflicting concerns about lack of consumer responsiveness, on one hand, and wasteful bureaucracy, on the other.

First Page

1

Last Page

7

Num Pages

7

Volume Number

5

Issue Number

1

Publisher

Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis

File Type

PDF

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