Insurers' code of conduct would improve health care

During the past legislative session we considered many important pieces of legislation, and there are important issues that can be addressed at a legislative level. However, there are some issues that need to be dealt with in the private sector. This is what has taken place with the American Medical Association and its efforts to bring about change with a Health Insurer Code of Conduct.

A “code of conduct” for insurers would improve transparency of insurance coverage and be a first step toward returning the doctor/patient relationship to the center of patient care, it would also help patients find the best insurance coverage. It would assure the insured that their company has their health interests at heart and not just the bottom line. I commend the AMA for taking up the issue and I would encourage others within the private sector to take this action also.

This Health Insurer Code of Conduct will create a situation that will be positive for patients, and how they work with their doctor to find the proper treatment for their particular situation. This is why I am supportive of the Alliance for Patient Access and their work to support the AMA’s Health Insurer Code of Conduct, and I would ask you to become involved by visiting www.insurepatientaccess.org.

While health care providers adhere to a strict professional medical code of ethics, no similar protocols exist for insurers. Even though the insurance companies are regulated to some extent like other industries, health insurers have no meaningful self-regulation- an important business practice and one that a code of conduct would ensure. It would be great for the insurance industry to take this project up directly. This sort of private sector driven effort would certainly support those insurers in the industry who have policies that support the patient-doctor relationship.

The AMA’s proposed code of conduct will lay out clear principles to be followed by health insurance companies, addressing medical and payment issues, monitoring and compliance frameworks, and restrictive practices that damage the physician/patient relationship. It seeks to shine light on any third party who influences the health care of a patient

There is quite a discussion going on in Washington, D.C., about health care and at the heart of the discussion should be what is best for the patient. Holding health insurers accountable such a code would be a good place to start.

With these positive steps forward by the private sector, we will see good things happen in the healthcare industry that will benefit patients. Please take the time to visit www.insurepatientaccess.org to learn more.

• Joyce Broadsword is the Idaho state senator representing District 2.