In the study, researchers analyzed insurance plans with an annual deductible of at least $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for families. They used a 2010 database to compare rates and costs of imaging studies for patients with and without high-deductible plans.
Here are five takeaways:
1. Researchers found once a patient had at least one imaging test, having a high-deductible plan had a minimal effect on their total use of imaging studies.
2. The authors recommend future healthcare policies should center on improving patient awareness and education about diagnostic imaging because the public as a whole is generally unaware what tests they should and should not do.
3. Researchers noted high deductible health plans “may be a blunt instrument reducing all diagnostic imaging, rather than helping physicians and patients choose high-value imaging.”
4. From 2000 to 2014, experts estimate Medicare spending for imaging increased from $3.6 billion to $10 billion.
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