High deductibles clash with care coordination and primary care

High deductibles add to consumers' financial stress and dissuade some patients from getting needed medical care. That is not only worrisome, but it could also block attempts to reform U.S. healthcare, health-policy experts warn in the latest New England Journal of Medicine.

“We know healthcare costs are a problem,” said IHPI member Dr. Mark Fendrick. “We know that one of the goals is to have a better-informed and engaged consumer.” But across-the-board deductibles get the same result, he said, as patients get less care, needed or not. Patients do get less of what they don't need. “But is has also led to a systemic reduction in things I am begging my patients to do,” Fendrick said.